How Will We Do This
Introductory meeting
On our first meeting we will get to know each other and see if we are the right fit so that you have your best birthing team in place. We will discuss your hopes, desires and also some reservations or fears you might have. Take the opportunity to ask every single question you may have.
Following appointments
If you decide that we are a right fit, we will meet three more times to discuss your birth and how you envisage it happening. We will talk about your options and choices for the birth and learn more about the process. We will also discuss any fears and insecurities you may have and learn different techniques to help you tackle these. These may include, and are not limited to, breathing techniques, meditation, hipnosys, or coaching sessions, to enable you to thrive during your pregnancy, birth and post partum journey with all the tools you might need. If you so desire, we can also put together a birth support plan, which will focus on the emotional support that you and your birth partner might need before, during and right after birth. This will also serve as communication tool that will allow clear instructions for the support team, allowing space for deep reflection of what the ideal birth might feel like, and what mechanisms should be put into place to achieve this, diving deeper into topics such as resilience, ways to honor self and ways to be honored by others. We will also discuss the physical, emotional and social changes that occur during the perinatal period and help you elaborate a plan for the Post Partum time, so you are equally prepared.
During our time together there will also be ample opportunity to go through Spinning Babies exercises to prepare the body and encourage baby to adopt an optimal position for birth, as well as methods of comfort, such as counter pressure, massage, acupressure and aromatherapy. We will also learn and practice some birth positions, and after 37 weeks, if you so desire, I can provide a relaxing full body massage.
Estimated due date
As your Doula I will officially be on call 24/7 from week 38, however I will always be available by phone, email or messages to discuss any developments, concerns or even if you are in need of someone to share your thoughts with.
The birth
When you go into labor, whether it’s during the day or in the middle of the night, I will come to you, be it at your home or at the hospital. My aim is to be present within two hours and no matter how long you are in labor, I will be by your side until your baby is in your hands and you are settled. My role is defined by your needs. We will go through the relaxation techniques that we practiced together before, as well as the massages and counter pressure measures or whatever else it takes to decrease the discomforts of labor. Having this support will ensure a positive birthing experience. The midwife or gynecologists will intermittently monitor your progress as they are the ones who are medically responsible for the birth of your baby.
After Birth
During the week following the birth I will visit you to make sure that you and your little one are doing well, I will also be available to assist with any questions or challenges you might be facing, as well as talking about your birth experience.