Birth Doula Package

Wrap around care for you and your family during the antenatal, birth and postnatal periods

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Your journey through pregnancy, labour, birth and the early postnatal period can be daunting.

But as a Doula, I’ll support you on this journey from around 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Over the last decade, I have worked with over 2,000 families through pregnancy, birth and beyond. And I’ve undertaken extensive training too:

As a Doula, I’m not here to give medical advice, undertake examinations or perform clinical tasks, and I won’t make decisions for you.

But what I can do is…

I can provide you with emotional support and physical comfort.

I can help you build rapport with your midwife and other medical care givers and make sure you have the information you need to make decisions that are right for you and your partner.

I can make suggestions in preparation for the birth of your baby, for labour progress, and to help with relaxation, positioning and comfort, and if it is clearly stated in your birth plan, I can act as a spokesperson for you or your partner.

I can safeguard your bonding period.

And I will be available for consultation after your baby is born.

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

Dr John Kennell

The Birth Doula Package provides wrap around care for you and your family during the antenatal, birth and postnatal period.

How does it work?

Ideally, we’ll meet at least twice before labour. Initially, we’ll get to know each other, explore your priorities, fears or concerns and decide how we can best work together. And then during the second session, we’ll usually look at your birth preparation, talk about things I’ve found helpful in the past and discuss your birth preferences and natural pain management mechanisms and how those who will be present during the birth can help with these.

Throughout the Doula support period, we’ll regularly keep in touch by phone, text and email to see how things are progressing.

When you believe you may be going into or are already in labour, you’ll call me – whatever the time of day or night – and we’ll decide together on the best course of action. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I’ll stay with you throughout labour, birth and bonding. Although after 24 hours I may need to get some rest and then come back!

After the birth, I can help with initial breastfeeding if you need support or put you in touch with local peer support groups/feeding specialists. And within one or two weeks after the birth, we’ll get together to see how you’re doing and so I can hear your and your partner’s story. I’ll also be available for consultation by phone for the first six weeks after birth.

The Birth Doula Package includes the following:

1. Antenatal sessions

At least two antenatal sessions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of you and your family.

You can choose from a range of topics including (but are not limited to) birth physiology, birth preferences, creation of a vision board or affirmations, practising of physical skills for birth including breathing and the application of relaxation techniques, detailed discussion about birth choices, including induction of labour and caesarean birth, as well as any questions you may have around practical baby care and the postnatal period.

These sessions will be delivered in the comfort of your own home at a time that is most convenient for you.

2. Support during your pregnancy and labour

You can send me unlimited emails, texts, telephone calls and private messages to answer any queries or concerns you (or your partner, if applicable) may have. No question is too ‘small’ or insignificant!

I will provide practical and emotional support during your labour and I will stay with you as long as you need me to afterwards.

During the labour, I will help prepare your birth environment, communicate your birth wishes to medical staff and support your family.

After the birth of your baby, I will stay during the golden hour and leave once you are settled with your new arrival.

Sally was a breath of fresh air during labour. She was present but unobtrusive, and willing to do whatever was necessary to help. Her presence was helpful and calming… She was also really useful in discussing options when new issues arose and helped me to make informed choices.

3. A journal

Your own personal blank journal for you to keep during pregnancy and into your parenting journey, if you wish.

Journaling is a great way of connecting with your baby, identifying underlying emotions and visualising a positive birth experience.

4. My library of books

You will have access to my extensive birth library, which includes a range of books on a variety of pregnancy, birth and postnatal topics as well as a ‘mini library’ of children’s books to help prepare younger members of the family for your baby’s arrival.

I will also signpost you to information locally to help support you during the antenatal, birth and postnatal period as needed.

5. Hire of my equipment

You can hire of my birth ball and rebozo, as well as my birth pool (you will just need to buy a liner).

6. 24/7 on call

I will be on call 24 hours a day from week 38 until your baby arrives.

I will, of course, try my best to attend outside of this time, as sometimes babies make an early appearance!

7. Postnatal visit

I will provide one postnatal visit, which will include a gift of a hot meal and some baking.

There will be a chance to talk as much as you want about your birth experience and I will help support your family with any questions or queries that may arise.

I am happy to meet with you at a later date to talk through the birth of your baby if you wish and will remain in contact with you for 6 weeks postnatally to answer any feeding/recovery questions you may have.

I have a selection of slings and baby carriers which you can have a play with if you wish.

8. Mindfulness Birth Preparation Package

Golightly into Birth: Mindfulness Birth Preparation Package to help you prepare for the birth of your baby using mindfulness techniques. Additional ‘add on’ antenatal sessions can be arranged.

Sally was a wonderful influence to have around after the birth of our baby. She helped me to process my daughter’s birth and all the things which come from becoming a first time mum! Sally is a fantastic space holder, trustworthy and honest… A calming and subtle influence who can help you to connect with your intuition and inner wisdom which is vital to growing in confidence as a new mum and in connecting to your baby’s needs.

Cost

Birth Doula Package: £1,450

In the case of planned caesarean births, I am able to provide support beforehand and while in recovery. I can also accompany you into theatre, with prior agreement from the hospital (please note this can vary between hospitals). The bundle is reduced to £650 to reflect that I would be available on the date of birth, rather than an ‘on call’ period, although if your baby decides to arrive early, I would endeavour to be there.

For due dates requiring on call cover between Christmas and New Year, I charge a supplement of £350. However, I am happy to take payments in instalments – please contact me to discuss.

Please contact me to discuss your specific requirements.

I’d love to hear from you

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If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the Birth Doula Package, I’d love to hear from you.

You can email me at mail@sallygolightly.co.uk