The presense of a Doula at your birth, can be a wonderful thing. Doulas are professional birth support people-  usually women, who’ve experienced a birth or 4…  They are there to encourage and support you, not perform any medical, or midwife style tasks.

A doula can and will support you throughout your pregnancy, and birth, and in many cases, throughout the post partum period.

A doula can:

• Offer encouragement, knowledge and ideas throughout your pregnancy
• Support you emotionally, and physically (by way of massage) in labour
• Care for older siblings present at your birth
• Assist you with birthing positions, and labour positions
• Help you with breathing techniques
• Support your partner!
• Advise on non-medical pain relief ideas
• Help “hold the space” and assist you to achieve the birth you’re hoping for

Statistically, the presence of a good support team at a home birth, results in fewer hospital transfers, and hence less intervention. If a hospital transfer is required, a Doula, will be with you, and a familiar face all the way.

If you want to feel empowered about your birth, a doula is a wonderful support person to enlist in your birth team.