BIRTH SUPPORT / DOULA
There are many choices to make when you discover you are pregnant, hospitals, primary health carers, ante – natal classes and so on. The actual birth can feel far away but planning your birth support team, those who will be with you for the duration of the labour and preparing yourself for birth can be worth thinking about even before the second trimester.
In labour many women have their partner present, this has become expected and common since the 70’s when they allowed men in the delivery room. You could also choose to have a friend, relative or known midwife with you. Another option woman are seeking out is a Birth Attendant also called a Doula to be part of their support team.
A Birth Attendant is a woman with experience and knowledge in the process of birth and birthing environments. She gets to know you during your pregnancy, becomes familiar with your pregnancy health history and birth wishes and offers continuous physical and emotional support for the duration of your labour. She is a non – medical presence and does not over ride decisions made by a Midwife or Obstetrician.
To birth effectively a woman needs to ‘let go’ of over thinking mind activity to access her primal instincts. For some women this can be a daunting prospect, a sense of losing control in unfamiliar territory. With the stable presence of a birth attendant watching over, the birthing woman can feel uninhibited, calm and safely supported therefore more able to access her birthing potential.
On a more practical level as a Birth Attendant I also can share support with your team, hold your hand, rub your back or offer acupressure for pain relief. I may suggest birthing positions, relay information from medical staff and keep the music going, the lights dimmed and make sure you are drinking enough fluids.
What ever your birthing environment or baby number having a supportive team surrounding you can make all the difference in the direction your birth takes.
MY BIRTH SUPPORT SERVICE $900
Fee schedule
$200 non - refundable booking fee
$300 by 32 weeks
$400 by 38 weeks
There are many choices to make when you discover you are pregnant, hospitals, primary health carers, ante – natal classes and so on. The actual birth can feel far away but planning your birth support team, those who will be with you for the duration of the labour and preparing yourself for birth can be worth thinking about even before the second trimester.
In labour many women have their partner present, this has become expected and common since the 70’s when they allowed men in the delivery room. You could also choose to have a friend, relative or known midwife with you. Another option woman are seeking out is a Birth Attendant also called a Doula to be part of their support team.
A Birth Attendant is a woman with experience and knowledge in the process of birth and birthing environments. She gets to know you during your pregnancy, becomes familiar with your pregnancy health history and birth wishes and offers continuous physical and emotional support for the duration of your labour. She is a non – medical presence and does not over ride decisions made by a Midwife or Obstetrician.
To birth effectively a woman needs to ‘let go’ of over thinking mind activity to access her primal instincts. For some women this can be a daunting prospect, a sense of losing control in unfamiliar territory. With the stable presence of a birth attendant watching over, the birthing woman can feel uninhibited, calm and safely supported therefore more able to access her birthing potential.
On a more practical level as a Birth Attendant I also can share support with your team, hold your hand, rub your back or offer acupressure for pain relief. I may suggest birthing positions, relay information from medical staff and keep the music going, the lights dimmed and make sure you are drinking enough fluids.
What ever your birthing environment or baby number having a supportive team surrounding you can make all the difference in the direction your birth takes.
MY BIRTH SUPPORT SERVICE $900
Fee schedule
$200 non - refundable booking fee
$300 by 32 weeks
$400 by 38 weeks
- Initial free meeting
- Minimum two prenatal meetings, allowing time to get to know you and your partner, discussion of birth wishes, concerns, questions
birth preparation including teaching acupressure for labour to partners - Email and phone contact throughout pregnancy
- Information, resources and birth planning
- On call 24 hours from 38 weeks
- Support for the duration of your labour and couple of hours post birth once you and your baby are settled
- Acupuncture in labour if required and if requested
- One postnatal visit and debriefing of birth
- One postnatal treatment, if requested, including Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Massage
- Access to a back up birth attendant
- Acupuncture sessions are recommended in clinic weekly from 36 weeks for birth preparation at an additional cost
Artist Gioia Albano