Janine Knight
Independent Birth & Postnatal Support,
Birth Preparation, Antenatal workshops in and around Windsor and Maidenhead.
So, what is a Doula?
A Doula is an companion who supports the needs of a woman and her family, by understanding her emotional and physical self and needs in labour, birth and postnatally. A Doula can provide continuous (non-medical) support throughout this period.
Birth Doula: a birth companion who appreciates the importance of this time and the emotional requirements of a pregnant woman. A birth doula is not there to replace family or friends but can support the birthing mother by providing information (or reminders!) when required and physical support, such as massage or positional assistance. A birth doula can help to ensure good communications between the mother, family, midwives and doctors. When in labour, a woman is often so very internally focused (a good thing!) that she may forget the birth plan or what she was hoping for in her the birth of her baby. A birth doula is also a great source of support for the dad-to-be too, as it is not unusual for it to be quite a stressful time for them too. The outcome and memories of a birth will last forever, so it is important it is the best it can possibly be.
Post Natal Doula: a doula who is there to support a new mother, and in turn the whole family, in the first few months after giving birth. There are all types of support here, which can vary from doula to doula. Make sure you ask what your potential post-natal doula will and won't do. It can cover talking through the birthing experience (something which can prove to be extremely therapeutic), fielding all those new and sometimes demanding visitors, making a much needed cup of tea, providing a nutritious and filling lunch or dinner, assistance with breast/bottle feeding new baby, soothing techniques, a spot of cleaning or laundry, a quick sprint to the shop or walking the dog. Anything that helps the home tick along the way mum wants it to!
