The presence of a known and trusted person in labour has been shown to make for a more positive outcome of labour and birth.  A doula is present to “hold the space” for the couple, sometimes providing a buffer between the inner world and the outside activity in the birth room, so that their experience of birthing their child is sacred and as they wish.

What is a Doula?

The word “doula” is a Greek word meaning “woman who serves”.  Today it refers to a specially trained birth companion (not a loved one or friend) who provides labour support.

What Does a Doula Do?

A doula is a non-medical birth support person who does not replace a midwife, obstetrician or partner.  The purpose of the doula is to provide physical and emotional support and assistance in gathering information for women and their partner during labour and birth.  In taking care of emotional and practical needs, she supports the mother and her partner in having the experience of birth they wish for.

A doula:

1. •    Assists couples to understand their birthing options and to make informed choices.
   

2. •    Helps the couple to work together during the labour.
   

3. •    Offers help with comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement                 and positioning.
   

4. •    Provides a constant supportive presence before, during and after the birth
   

5. •    Reassures, calms, reassures, massages & encourages birthing women & their partners.
   

6. • Mothers the mother during the labour and after the baby is born.
   

Why do You Need a Doula?

Research has shown that the presence of a doula can improve the bond between mother and baby, and also decrease the incidence of complications and interventions such as caesarean sections, or forceps delivery.

My Doula Service

I understand the need for flexibility surrounding labour, so this service is a starting point.  Please feel free to discuss any alternatives with me.  I normally provide:

1. •2 x two hour home visits during the months preceding your due date
   

2. •On-call telephone link in the pregnancy and initial stages of labour
   

3. •Availability of rental TENS units for use during your labour
   

4. •A 2 hour debriefing visit after the birth of your baby
   

Some couples find they need something a little different, and I am happy to discuss alternatives to suit you.

I support you and your birth choices, and can help you with information to make those choices better, whether it be for a natural birth, waterbirth, VBAC, lotus birth, or caesarean in a hospital or birth centre or at home.

I can help you before the birth with questions, or finding information or other health professionals.

My Doula Training with Birthing Rites Australia (B.R.A.)

Doulas at B.R.A. are trained over 1 year and have strong mentoring and supervision from other doulas with 15 to 35 years of experience in birth.  Their training comprises of over 300 hours face to face lectures, classes and debriefing.  This is the most thorough, in depth course and training available.

At Birthing Rites Australia, a doula is trained in all aspects of labour, as well as practical pain management strategies, such as breathwork, massage and acupressure.

The training course is the longest and one of the most comprehensive Doula training courses in Australia and possibly the world.

B.R.A. believes that the training for professionals in the field of childbirth education and counselling must involve the whole person, not just theoretical knowledge.  The objective of the course is to impart deep knowledge and training so that doulas can provide effective support for women and their partners in pregnancy, labour and the post natal period.

From www.birthingrites.com

What areas do you cover?

I am located in Sydney, and mostly cover the Eastern Suburbs, the Inner West, St George, Sutherland Shire, the South West and lower North Shore.

How do I book a Birth Support Doula?

If you have any questions, or want to check on my availability, just call me (7 days a week, between 8am and 8pm) on 0402 405 889, or email me at nicole@birthpartner.com.au.  I look forward to speaking with you soon.