Why Maple Leaf Doula?
... the stork can be observed weaving Maple branches in nests - as such, the Maple became a symbol of the love found in welcoming a new child in the home...
It's as simple as that. As a symbol, it suited the work of a doula beautifully.
It's as simple as that. As a symbol, it suited the work of a doula beautifully.
Which areas do you cover?
I am based in Windsor & Maidenhead. As a rough guide I cover the surrounding areas. I am happy to meet requests outside of these areas, so please do contact me and we can see what can be done. As I am very familiar with the Hamptons and SW London I still maintain regular clients and work in that area. In some areas I may incur high parking charges/transport costs and I may charge a supplement dependent on these. I have regularly worked in Central London, Battersea Park, Fulham, Surbiton & St Albans so don't be afraid to ask.
Do I have to pay for my initial meeting with you?
No. Our first meeting will be completely cost free and generally take 30 minutes to an hour. It is a great time to decide whether you think I will suit working for you within your home or birthing environment. This is a very special and personal time for you and your family and you need to feel at complete ease. I am happy to meet at your house, somewhere mutually convenient such as a coffee shop or at my house.
My husband/partner is worried a doula will take over his role, is this true?
I would hope not, unless this is what you both decide! Husbands/partners are fab and often, nobody knows you quite like they do. However, it is an immensely intense time for them too, and they may feel like they are unsure how to deal with your pain, your cries and a temporary change in your character. They are often expected to comfort, reassure, provide answers in a situation they have never been in before and so they too may need some support. A doula can help him to understand what is happening during labour, who is who, allow him to freely go to make phone calls or have a quick sleep all the while knowing that he is not leaving you alone. A doula will also know who to go to ask certain questions and have some good contact details to get answers quickly. A doula should also be able to give him some ideas on how to soothe you and hopefully his experience will be enhanced by having a doula around. These principles apply to both birth and postnatally. We all know that when baby comes home, new dads have to return to work and they may feel guilty about leaving you alone. With a post -natal doula, he needn't worry quite so much.
What courses have you attended?
- 'Introduction to being a doula' course with Australian Doulas - 2007
- Caesarean Awareness Study Day and workshop "Getting clear about fear" - 2008
- Australian Red Cross volunteer in Family Support (2 day training) - 2008
- Nurturing Birth - Birth and Postnatal Doula course - June 2012
- St John Ambulance Essential First Aid (adult and child) - June 2012
- A Day with Sheila Kitzinger, The Sexual Experience of Birth - Oct 2012
- Malpresentation Workshop and introduction to Rebozo, with Selina Wallis - Feb 2013
- Breastfeeding Study morning with Anna Page, NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor and Lactation Consultant - Feb 2013
- Breastfeeding Study Morning II with Anna Page - Jan 2014
- Antenatal and Birth Preparation with Kicki Hansard - Jan 2014
- Compassionate Midwifery. Developing Resilience in your Work with Mia Scotland, yourbirthright.co.uk - May 2014
What are your current fees?
Birth Preparation Workshop - £75 for three hour session plus gift and hand-outs.
Why should I contact you to be my doula?
I am friendly, personable, flexible and reliable. And I care. I genuinely do care and believe that all women should be given the opportunity to be in control in birth and as well supported as possible postnatally. I believe the benefits to this are far reaching.
