IN BLOOM
BIRTH DOULA SERVICES
“Asking your husband to be your sole guide through labor is like asking him to lead the way on a climb of Mt Everest. He may be smart and trustworthy, you may love him, but in the Himalayas you’d both be a lot better off with a Sherpa!” – Pam England
A birth doula is a companion who supports women during labor and birth. Birth doulas are trained to provide continuous, one-on-one care, as well as information, physical support, and emotional support to birthing women and their partners.
What is a birth doula, and why do I need one?
Studies have shown that doulas can help cut back on time spent in labor, reduce a mother's and/or coach's anxiety, lower the rate of medical interventions (including C-sections) and improve mother-baby bonding post-birth.
Their assistance has even been shown to improve the odds of breastfeeding success, since many doulas (like myself) also receive training with this.
BIRTH PACKAGE 1
An all inclusive birth package for women giving birth in Uist.
Includes:
I'll be there for a friendly chat whenever you need it, to help settle any fears and offer any advice throughout your pregnancy.
On the day itself I'll be there through it all, I will use all my knowledge & training to ease your transition into motherhood. Only leaving after when you feel ready, and visit you and baby after the day.
- 2 x 2hr pre-birth sessions
- in person & telephone support as needed throughout pregnancy
- tailor-made herbal remedies for pregnancy & birth
- complimentary maternity photoshoot
- on call 24/7 from 38-42 weeks
- attendance at your birth as long as you want & need
- photography during birth if desired
- 1 x 2hr post-natal visit at your home
BIRTH PACKAGE 2
A flexible package for women giving birth off island
Includes:
- 2 x 2hr pre-birth sessions
- in person & telephone support as needed throughout pregnancy
- tailor-made natural remedies for pregnancy
- complimentary maternity photoshoot
- birth box filled with goodies to help ground you while away
- option to act as virtual doula during birth away**
- 1 x 2hr post-natal visit at your home
If you're living in Uist but having your baby off island, I can still offer support for you.
I can help with any necessary preparations for your birth away (teaching you techniques, creating your birth plan etc) and provide you with items to help ground you while away. I can be on call for any questions over the phone/Zoom you have during the birth away, and act as your advocate between the maternity staff.
Once you're home we can go over your birth if you have any niggling questions, and be available to provide any additional post-partum care.
MORE INFO ON WHAT'S INCLUDED
What's covered during pre-birth sessions?
PRE-BIRTH
- Any fears surrounding birth
- Previous birth experiences (if any)
- How to navigate the maternity system
- Techniques to help you relax during birth
- Making your birth plan
- Physiology of labour
What do you do as a virtual doula?**
What do you to during the birth?
BIRTH
If I am unable to attend your birth due to it happening on the mainland, or other islands involving a ferry (in case of travel delays - birth waits for no one!) I can instead act as your virtual doula.
Although I can not provide physical support in the form of touch, via the magic of technology (Zoom/Facetime) I can provide much of the same guidance and emotional support as I would in person. I can also speak with midwives or anyone present to advocate your wishes, suggest ways for them to physically help (massage, birthing positions) and help with hypnobirthing or any mantras you've chosen.
I can also still take photos during the birth using special software I have, using just your mobile phone (held by someone or by a tripod) if you wish!
I will be there to provide both emotional and physical support to you during the birth process. This could be done using massage, aromothaphy, suggesting different birthing positions, mantras etc.
Most importantly I will help create & maintain the birth environment so you can relax as much as possible and stay in the zone during labour.
I will be using all the tools in my arsenal in aims for you to have the birth you desire, while also being an advocate for your birth plan and help you make any important decisions during labour if necessary.
What's covered during the postnatal session?
POSTNATAL
I will come to visit you after the birth with some nourishing food and drinks to talk through the experience you had. I can help with breastfeeding, see how you are healing, and discuss what support you have in place for postnatal care in the home.
I can come back to visit again if you wish to provide further care for an hourly rate.
I currently offer my services on a sliding scale, where you pay what you can afford, with a base cost to help cover my expenses.
I see my work as a way of giving back to the women of the islands and don't want to rule out anyone getting the assistance they deserve for their birth.
No matter your circumstances please don't hesitate to get in touch and we can discuss options. I also offer vouchers for any of my services if you'd like to ask for them as a gift.
