Today's mother is generally not given the chance to enjoy her pregnancy, labour and new baby because of birth anxieties, or from the environment or pressures within a hospital setting.

"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver".

It refers to a trained woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth - enabling a woman to have a positive and empowered pregnancy, birth and immediate time as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and form as positive an experience for all as possible.

I have had the honour to train with leading Birth Scientist Michel Odent and top London Doula Liliana Lamars, as well as the Daisy Foundation, and use up-to-date physiological evidence as well as techniques and tools to anchor the birthing woman to various ways of relaxation, beginning in a series of antenatal appointments where we also work on Optimal Feotal Positioning for baby.

First and foremost I will protect your birthing environment, allowing your body every chance to birth nas it should, but I can also use various massage and counter pressure techniques to relieve discomfort throughout pregnancy and labour (when appropriate), and advocate for Mum & Dad on the day - helping to make a low-adrenaline atmosphere for you to birth your baby calmly, as YOU feel in control of your special day.

All of these appointments and techniques can be designed around you as a couple, teaching your partner important techniques too.

Evidence shows the support and care of a qualified Doula increases your chances of a better birth. Women who use the services of a Birth Doula...

• Reduce their chances of having a caesarean section by 50%
• Reduce their chances of requiring an epidural by 60%
• Reduce their chances of having a forceps delivery by 40%
• Have, on average a 25% shorter labour
• Provide a more positive and gentle start for baby, and parents alike.

Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993

A Doula offers Care, Support, Friendship, and A Continuity of Care at a time you need it most!

Birth Doula Package

Available across W Yorkshire. An example Package would be ...

• Two antenatal sessions (approx 2hrs each) covering all aspects of Antenatal Education, Relaxation, Optimal Foetal Positioning, Comfort measures for labour, and Practicalities.
• Couples Antenatal Education class.
• Help to write your Birth Plan, and provision of information based on your own personal requirements
• On-call 24-hours from 14 days before due date until week 42
• Unlimited e-mail and telephone support
• Continuous emotional and physical support during labour and birth
• Two postnatal sessions, to debrief from Birth, and look at basic bonding and colic techniques with baby, and Postnatal relaxation and well-being.
• Any further postnatal visits may be free, depending on need.

This example Birth Doula package costs £475. (Additional expenses may apply). But this package can be tailored to your needs and budgets, without removing that continuity and preparation which is so important.

"just want to say a massive thank you for being my Doula. The whole experience of attending your antenatal classes, couples workshop and having you at the birth was absolutely first class, from the breathing techniques to the information you provided at the couples workshop and especially the support your provided during and after my labour.
I could not have asked for a better support network. You were the right amount of involved during the labour and I was extremely pleased that you asked to cut the cord (after OH refused). If I decide to have another child I would certainly be looking to book you in for the birth again and I would highly recommend you to anyone who was looking for Doula support."