The continuity of care and presence of a Doula during your pregnancy, birth and the first weeks of your newborn’s life can be an incredible source of support and confidence for pregnant/new mothers, couples and families. I do not replace your partner or your chosen medical care provider and will work alongside your midwife, GP or obstetrician to ensure you feel supported, informed, empowered and consent to the process that ultimately offers the best possible outcome for you and your family. Why shouldn’t the birth of your baby be your experience to own, treasure and remember?
The word “Doula” is a Greek word that means “woman’s servant”. Research released by Klaus Kennell (authors of Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth) shows that having a Doula can offer:
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Improved breastfeeding
Decrease in postpartum depression
Greater maternal satisfaction
Better mother-infant interaction
50% reduction in caesarean rate
25% shorter labour
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
I’m here for you to ‘hold space’ and provide information on everything pregnancy and birth related – offering this service from a holistic perspective. At first we meet for an obligation free interview so you can decide if I’m a great fit for you and your partner.
During your pregnancy we get together 2-3 times in your home and discuss your birth wishes and preferences, we talk about your fears around birth and can even practise some birthing positions. I’m on call from weeks 38-42 of your pregnancy (ie 2 weeks before and after your estimated due date) to attend your labour and birth and can incorporate massage, emotional support, motivation and encouragement, suggest alternate positions, tips for breathing and sounding, aromatherapy, homeopathy, capture the experience and special moments with some photos and more…
We see each other again after your baby is born and can discuss the birth in detail (debriefing this very special experience) as well as draw on some of my Postpartum Doula techniques. You will be welcome to contact me anytime by phone, text, facebook messenger and email.
“When I became pregnant with our first child we were of course excited but also very nervous about giving birth naturally. A friend recommended hiring an experienced Doula such as Amanda to support us through our birthing journey and it was one of the best decisions we made. Amanda is a wealth of knowledge and helped us prepare both emotionally and physically for the birth. She was a source of calm, strength and our best advocate to navigate some pretty tricky situations. Thanks to Amanda we felt so prepared and had the most incredible birthing experience.
Amanda, we can’t thank you enough for your guidance, kind wisdom and support we couldn’t have done it without you!”
“My wife and I met Amanda twice around weeks 34/35 of the pregnancy. The discussions we had gave us the confidence that Amanda knew our wishes and we knew the support Amanda would provide. We knew a lot of the labour would be done at home so being first time parents we didn’t know what it was going to be like so having Amanda’s experience was a reassuring element in the lead up to the big day.
When the time came I called Amanda to come supported my wife and I through the labour. She arrived quickly and helped us optimise the labour positions. When we reached the hospital she was our advocate and ensured the midwife knew our birth wishes. Amanda helped throughout and I am glad she was there for us.”
“I hired Amanda as my birth doula, best decision ever. She informed us of all available options, helped us design the birth plan and prep us for birth. And on the D-day, her support, knowledge and care is invaluable, I would not be able to have the birth I want if she wasn’t there helping, guiding and encouraging me all the way. Would recommend her anytime! Thanks Amanda!”
““By chance, Amanda and I happened to bump into each other and clicked instantly. Having completed the She Births course I was aware of the Doula option and after a coffee with Amanda we chose to have her on our journey. We discussed our birthing choices in detail and learnt to have an open mind. Amanda provided information on all aspects of delivery including pain relief options, what to bring to the delivery, breathing and massage techniques to name a few. Our baby girl was posterior and after 11 hours of active labour, I was fatiguing and really wanted to have a vaginal delivery. Amanda used acupressure points and homeopathy to help turn the baby into the correct position, and to our relief I felt her turn and she came out face down! My husband also found Amanda to be a great support during the labour. We love the videos and photographs she took of our birth. If you’re considering a Doula, I would highly recommend speaking to Amanda.””
See more testimonials here
Essential Me is Essential You – offering a variety of services that can support you in your journey into motherhood. These can be offered to you individually or as a combined package. My passion is to be here to help you (women and couples) in any way possible. Please click below for more details on my other services: