So, exactly what is a doula?
The word 'doula' comes from a Greek word meaning 'helper'.
Doulas provide information. advocacy and practical and emotional support in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The role of the doula is not to advise, but to provide information so that you can make an informed decision about your maternity care.
As a birth and postnatal doula, I support women who decide to have any kinds of birth, from a planned C-Section to a home water birth, and everything in between! Postnatally, I can work with women from the first few days to the first few months, to support them in whichever way they need.
My Mission
Being a doula is an enormous passion of mine. As women, we have a natural ability to nourish, grow and give birth to our babies. Too many women are feeding back that this innate connectedness to their bodies, and trust in what their bodies are made to do, is being taken away from them during their experience of birth. This disconnection is what contributes to women feeling scared, out of control, overwhelmed and ultimately overcoming birth trauma, which is sadly on the rise. It’s time that women were given back their power, and given space, knowledge and the ability to connect inwards with the potential their bodies hold to birth their babies in their own way.
What I can do for you
The only person who can decide how you give birth is you.
What would it mean to approach your labour and birth fully prepared for what to expect; the good, the bad and the ugly? To fully understand your own wishes, what you do want and what you absolutely don't.
What would it feel like to feel safe throughout your labour and birth? To be surrounded by people you trust, and in turn who help you to trust in your body?
I can help you to understand what giving birth is really like, and with this knowledge comes power. The power to know what is happening in your body, to make choices about what happens next, and to feel fully informed about these choices.
Some doula stats....
Doulas help shorten labours by up to 1.5 hours, and happier birth experiences increase by 30%
Postnatal doula support reduces cases of postnatal depression by up to 57%
Women who have doula support are 52% less likely to have caesarean sections and less medical interventions
Doula support is associated with higher breastfeeding rates and more confident new mums
melissa@barefootdoula.co.uk
07894454287
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