Doula /ˈduːlə/ from the Ancient Greek doúlē, meaning 'female servant'.
A woman hired to provide emotional, physical and practical support
to a mother before, during and after childbirth.
Here you will find information about the different elements of my doula services and how they can prepare you for your birth. To see the different packages I offer and to find one that suits your needs, please visit the packages and prices page.
Prenatal visits
I will make one or two visits to you during your pregnancy. Together, we will prepare you for your special day. We will explore your feelings about pregnancy and birth and talk through any previous birth experiences if this is not your first baby. We will discuss and plan your wishes for labour, birth and the postnatal period and talk about how you would like me to support you at each stage. We can discuss options for pain management, how to manage your labour if it takes a different direction to what you hope for and address any worries or questions you may have. I will support you in making informed choices for yourself and your baby and will respect your wishes at all times. Our goal is for you to feel totally in control, confident and excited about your upcoming journey. Prenatal visits can vary in length, but as a guide they usually last around one and a half hours.
A little welcome gift for you
To remind you how special you are, you will receive a welcome gift during your first prenatal visit. Every mummy-to-be deserves a little treat!
Communication and support
You are welcome to contact me via email, text or phone from when we first agree to work together up until a month after the birth with any questions or concerns or if you just need a few reassuring words. I will endeavour to respond to your communication within 24 hours. If you have an urgent matter requiring attention, you must call the relevant services (doctor, midwife, hospital) as I am not trained to respond to any kind of emergency.
On call period
I will be on call for you 24 hours a day from 38 weeks until the birth of your baby. Should you go into labour before 38 weeks, then I cannot guarantee that I will be able to to attend, but I will do my absolute best to be there.
Labour and birth
When the time arrives and as soon as you need me, I will come to be by your side, supporting you physically, emotionally and practically, following your lead and ensuring that you are comfortable, relaxed and feeling in control. I can use touch, massage and hypnotherapeutic techniques to help with pain relief and will take as active or as passive a role as you need. I will support you in carrying out your birth preferences as discussed in our prenatal visits. I will facilitate communication between you (and any birth partners) and the midwives/doctors/medics involved in your birth to ensure that you are fully informed about what is happening at each stage, what options are available to you throughout and most importantly, to ensure that your wishes are being respected at all times. I will also support your partner (if applicable), ensuring that they are looked after too. After the birth, I will stay with you until you have settled comfortably with your baby and are happy for me to leave.
Postnatal visits
I will come to visit you and your baby during the days or weeks following the birth at your convenience. These visits will give us an opportunity to reflect together on your birth experience, share in the excitement of your precious new baby and talk through any questions or issues that may have arisen. I can signpost you to relevant services if you need extra support or even just watch your baby while you put your feet up for a cuppa - whatever you need. Visits can vary in length, but as a guide they usually last around one hour.
Hypnobirthing sessions (hypnobirth packages only)
The term hypnobirthing may conjure up images of an idyllic, calm, drug-free, painless birth and while some births are like that, many aren't. The wonderful thing about the mind is that it is ultimately in charge and therefore whatever is happening around you, wherever you may be and whatever your body is experiencing, you can remain feeling calm and in control. Hypnobirthing is a powerful tool that is increasingly being used to help mothers prepare for birth and can be greatly beneficial during pregnancy as well as birth. Over the two sessions we have together I will use hypnosis to take you into a deeply relaxed state and use imagery and positive suggestions to help you develop a greater awareness of your body, increase your confidence, reduce any anxiety, let go of fears you may be holding on to and encourage positive feelings towards labour and birth. I will also provide you with a recording of a relaxation to listen to in your own time. When the day arrives and you go into labour you will feel confident to use the relaxation techniques you have learned and I will also be guiding you and helping you to remain in your calm and relaxed state throughout to whole experience.
I cover the following areas:
Thanet (Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate), Minster, Manston, Cliffsend, Westgate, Birchington, St. Nicholas-at-Wade, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Canterbury, Sandwich, Ash, Deal, Hersden, Whitfield, Wingham, Bridge, Aylesham Faversham
A selection of links you may wish to explore in your preparation for pregnancy and birth.
Birth-related websites containing evidence-based material
Evidence-based research articles about the benefits of hypnosis for pregnancy and birth
Articles on potential benefits of using a birthing ball
Articles on potential benefits of using a tens machine
Other
Good luck on your journey along one of the most exciting and magical paths you will ever take...
Doula Simone x