Doula - Professional Birth Partner
Birth partners perform an important role in the birth of the baby by ensuring that the mum to be gets all she needs at the most important time, they can be fully part of the HypnoBirthing process, there to assist, guide and support.
Hands on (as I am in the picture opposite) or hands off, whatever you need I can provide. I typically go on call from 38 weeks of the guesstimate date onwards and cover Lewisham and the South East London areas. Whether you are looking at a home births or birth centre / hospital, I work with your care team to ensure your needs and wishes are met and boundaries held where necessary.
I have attended many births in this capacity and can combine your HypnoBirthing lessons with the Doula services.
My Doula Package includes:
On 24/7 call from 38 weeks (or earlier if special circumstances) to attend your birth either at home, birth centre or Hospital
At least three 1:1 sessions before the birth to discuss your wishes and those of any other birth partner and to allow us to plan what will happen with any other children, pets etc. We can also do any birth prep work, relaxation & massage, rebozo plus discuss music, scents and how you’d like your birthing space setup.
One post-birth session so I can support you at home to make sure that you have everything in place to rest, nourish and support you and your baby once it’s arrived earthside.
Optional Birth Pool Hire if you require one (I have a couple of hire pools that have seen several amazing births, including my own)
Optional HypnoBirthing Class attendance as well - I do expect my clients to have an understanding of the principles of my approach, though the fact that you’re looking to hire a doula usually indicates this is the case anyway!
Optional Breast feeding advice and support should you need information on this once you baby is here. As a Breast feeding peer support for Lewisham NHS and NCT, plus with nearly 10 years of baby feeding time, I can support you with latching or anything else that might happen. I cannot of course offer medical advice.
Contact me and we can discuss your circumstances and needs, I have worked with many first time parents, same-sex couples, clients who use sign language and with people who have had complex births previously and want something different the next time around. As a fully accredited Coach and NLP Practitioner I am able to support you at many levels, especially when you combine this service with my classes.
“As a first time father, I would strongly recommend HypnoBirthing! It was extremely helpful for me to feel engaged and to participate in the preparations for the birth of our daughter, rather than feeling out of my depth and unable to be supportive. Using relaxation and visualisation techniques from Sophie’s teaching, my wife’s labour – while not exactly as we planned it and not intervention-free – went well in the end and I was so very surprised how calm my baby daughter was upon delivery (and still is).
I was warned in advance that I might end up being on the receiving end of some strong words but my wife was much more relaxed than I could have ever have expected, and I fully credit the confidence and relaxation that comes from HypnoBirthing for this. Strongly recommend to any sceptical fathers-to-be out there.”
— Iain, London
A quote I really love…
‘You who look forward to serving as a birth companion – husband, partner, friend – have a very special part to play in HypnoBirthing. Countless women who have given birth through this programme have laid the success of their birthing experience directly upon the support and assistance of the birth companion. The support and bonding that take place throughout labour and birthing create a partnership, the beauty of which defies description. Couples report that they become closer than they ever thought they could be. The knowledge that she is supported by a caring and loving companion is one of the most important factors in maintaining the emotional well-being of the pregnant mother and the baby she is carrying.
By learning techniques to support the mother during pregnancy, and participating in the necessary practice at home, you give assurance to your baby that he or she is already an important part of your lives.
As an integral part of the process, you bring the necessary elements of trust and assurance to the birthing environment. You will be the facilitator – helping her to condition her mind to relax in response to your prompts. The sound of your voice and the touch of your hand will guide her through labour. The attention, understanding, encouragement and closeness creates a sharing that is unequalled, and all these things will help create a bond that will linger throughout your lives.
If you are approaching this birth with fear of watching someone you love experience discomfort, the HypnoBirthing classes will allay those fears. You and the birthing mother will learn techniques that will alleviate discomfort and possibly even eliminate it. Your support and love help to make this happen.
A woman in labour can be vulnerable, sensitive and unassertive. You will be her advocate, her spokesperson, her guide. You will be the liaison between her and your caregivers, both before and during birthing. Your involvement in preparing the Birth Preference Sheets and in speaking for the two of you to ensure that the plan is carried out will be among the most important tasks. Your presence and support, especially during the actual birthing, cannot be equalled. And, at the moment of birth, you will feel the exhileration that comes with knowing that together you have made this miracle – one that neither of you will ever forget.’
Marie Mongan
The Science of ‘Father Love’
Today nearly 90% of fathers are present at the birth of their children. They are also caretaking their children with increasing frequency.
In one third of the households with preschool children at home, if a parent is the caretaker, it is the father.
In 1975 fathers spent an average of 15 minutes per day with their children; by 1995 it was 2 hours. Fathers are beginning to discover, and put into action, additional facets of their instinctive nature, paternal love.
Can it be a coincidence that this timing correlates perfectly with fathers entering the birthing room and becoming lovingly involved in their children’s arrival?
Patrick M Houser