BIRTH SUPPORT
A doula is a professional birth attendant, someone trained, experienced and comfortable with birth. She can support, encourage and nurture the birthing woman through her journey of birth. As doulas we take the time to find out what is important to you and your family in your birthing experience. We spend time getting to know you, your partner, your children and even your pets. We learn about your fears and concerns and help you to manage them so they don't become a feature in your birthing experience. We can educate you and provide resources if that's what's needed. We will acknowledge that this is a major transition for you and your family, that there may be challenges. We encourage and help you develop strategies. We become familiar with your values and passions so that when your birthing day comes you and your partner don't need to think about them. You can feel safe to let go and let birth happen. We believe in birth, and we believe in you.
As doula's we are not medical care providers. Your midwife or obstetrician will care for the medical needs of you and your baby. However, we do offer support through the medical process.
As doulas we do not replace your partner. The connection between a birthing woman and her partner is an incredible part of the birthing process. It raises oxytocin (love hormone) levels which supports you to dilate, lowers your pain, and encourages bonding. We provide support to your partner so that he or she can provide you with the support you need, and play the role he wants to.
As doula's we are not medical care providers. Your midwife or obstetrician will care for the medical needs of you and your baby. However, we do offer support through the medical process.
As doulas we do not replace your partner. The connection between a birthing woman and her partner is an incredible part of the birthing process. It raises oxytocin (love hormone) levels which supports you to dilate, lowers your pain, and encourages bonding. We provide support to your partner so that he or she can provide you with the support you need, and play the role he wants to.
BIRTH DOULA
Every birth is different and every birthing woman is different. Our roles as your doula is individualised and suited perfectly to you. Just some of the practical things we can offer you are:
* Birth planning and preparation
* Writing a birth plan
* Assist with connecting with your baby and your intuition
* The power of affirmations
* Massage, energy work and comfort measures during labour
* Supporting and guiding the other parent during labour so he/she can be present to you
* Provide homeopathics and flower essences to support you before and/or during labour
* Maintain the birthing environment - lighting, music, etc
* Playing a Crystal Bowl during labour
* BellyDance for Birth movements
* Suggest positions to ease pain and support labour
* Counsel through emotional and mental blockages as they come up
* Offer reassurance
* Assist with negotiating your preferences with hospital staff
* Taking photo's
* Support breast feeding and bonding
* Birth planning and preparation
* Writing a birth plan
* Assist with connecting with your baby and your intuition
* The power of affirmations
* Massage, energy work and comfort measures during labour
* Supporting and guiding the other parent during labour so he/she can be present to you
* Provide homeopathics and flower essences to support you before and/or during labour
* Maintain the birthing environment - lighting, music, etc
* Playing a Crystal Bowl during labour
* BellyDance for Birth movements
* Suggest positions to ease pain and support labour
* Counsel through emotional and mental blockages as they come up
* Offer reassurance
* Assist with negotiating your preferences with hospital staff
* Taking photo's
* Support breast feeding and bonding
“Jo was pivotal in the success of our homebirth. Unbeknown to us at the time, my babe was malpositioned and moving up and down the birth canal. Every surge felt like he would crown and every surge took him back again. I was getting frustrated by this and tensing my muscles, which wasn’t helping the situation. Using her counselling background, Jo helped to guide me through my emotional blocks and as soon as I'd released my resistance and fears and connected to my joy at meeting my babe, he literally popped out.” - Bri
COMPLETE GODDESS DOULA PACKAGE
This includes:
Pregnancy support:
'Continuity of care '- knowing that working with the same person gives you trust in them to know your wishes and contribute to your sense of safety
Respectful care, Knowledge and Inspiration
Welcome package - worth $100, full of goodies to support you
3 prenatal appointments,
foot bath and rub at appointments (circumstances permitting),
On call from 37 weeks with phone/email/fb chat support,
Birth Support:
Birth attendance at your home and place of birth
Homeopathics and flower essences for birth and healing
Support for approximately 2 hours post-birth
Nourishing herbs and food immediately post birth (where possible)
Motherhood Support:
1 post natal visit to debrief, assist with breastfeeding and the shift into motherhood
DELUXE GODDESS JOURNEY DOULA PACKAGE
This includes:
Pregnancy support:
'Continuity of care '- knowing that working with the same person gives you trust in them to know your wishes and contribute to your sense of safety
Respectful care, Knowledge and Inspiration
Welcome package - worth $100, full of goodies to support you
3 prenatal appointments,
foot bath and rub at appointments (circumstances permitting),
2hr Birth Blessing Ceremony,
a sacred birthing goddess statuette,
On call from 37 weeks with phone/email/fb chat support,
Birth Support:
Birth attendance at your home and place of birth
Homeopathics and flower essences for birth and healing
Support for approximately 2 hours post-birth
Nourishing herbs and food immediately post birth (where possible)
Motherhood Support:
1 post natal visit to debrief, assist with breastfeeding and the shift into motherhood
Traditional Belly Binding including belly bind,
2 meals and 2 snacks made to your dietary needs
Post Partum Sealing Ceremony.
This includes:
Pregnancy support:
'Continuity of care '- knowing that working with the same person gives you trust in them to know your wishes and contribute to your sense of safety
Respectful care, Knowledge and Inspiration
Welcome package - worth $100, full of goodies to support you
3 prenatal appointments,
foot bath and rub at appointments (circumstances permitting),
On call from 37 weeks with phone/email/fb chat support,
Birth Support:
Birth attendance at your home and place of birth
Homeopathics and flower essences for birth and healing
Support for approximately 2 hours post-birth
Nourishing herbs and food immediately post birth (where possible)
Motherhood Support:
1 post natal visit to debrief, assist with breastfeeding and the shift into motherhood
DELUXE GODDESS JOURNEY DOULA PACKAGE
This includes:
Pregnancy support:
'Continuity of care '- knowing that working with the same person gives you trust in them to know your wishes and contribute to your sense of safety
Respectful care, Knowledge and Inspiration
Welcome package - worth $100, full of goodies to support you
3 prenatal appointments,
foot bath and rub at appointments (circumstances permitting),
2hr Birth Blessing Ceremony,
a sacred birthing goddess statuette,
On call from 37 weeks with phone/email/fb chat support,
Birth Support:
Birth attendance at your home and place of birth
Homeopathics and flower essences for birth and healing
Support for approximately 2 hours post-birth
Nourishing herbs and food immediately post birth (where possible)
Motherhood Support:
1 post natal visit to debrief, assist with breastfeeding and the shift into motherhood
Traditional Belly Binding including belly bind,
2 meals and 2 snacks made to your dietary needs
Post Partum Sealing Ceremony.
"I delivered a 12 pound baby! The doctors were warning me in the worst, most stressful, ways that I should NOT delivery my baby naturally. I threw up on my mum's carpet from the strain... I went home sobbing and gagging from doctors several times. Jo counselled me in person, with her lovely warm way, to help me calm. Jo was the one who helped me into a maternity pad before we left for the hospital, she was the one who brought my birth plan. She was the one with a soothing hand or cheek. Passing me water and taking photos. You don't get a second chance to redo a birth. The way that it is. You think about it later and you don't need any regrets... that's what a doula is for. Working with Jo was easy and we remain tied together as almost family from this amazing experience. Thanks Jo!"
~Annora
~Annora
PRENATAL CONSULTATION
So, you're pregnant.
What next??? Time is ticking away...
You don't know what you need to do, or how you're going to get this baby out of your body?
You're unsure what the hospital system holds in store for you or how to prepare yourself?
Your partner wants to support you but doesn't know how?
Missed out on attending childbirth classes?
You know you need guidance any support but don't want, or are unable to commit to getting a doula?
A birth consultation (or two) is the ideal solution!
I will come to you and chat with you about anything you need. I will tailor my knowledge and experience to your journey, your wishes and your circumstances. I will support the choices you make and empower you to live them. I will also access articles and information that you need.
If you then choose to engage me as your birth doula, I will deduct any payments already made from the package price.
So, you're pregnant.
What next??? Time is ticking away...
You don't know what you need to do, or how you're going to get this baby out of your body?
You're unsure what the hospital system holds in store for you or how to prepare yourself?
Your partner wants to support you but doesn't know how?
Missed out on attending childbirth classes?
You know you need guidance any support but don't want, or are unable to commit to getting a doula?
A birth consultation (or two) is the ideal solution!
I will come to you and chat with you about anything you need. I will tailor my knowledge and experience to your journey, your wishes and your circumstances. I will support the choices you make and empower you to live them. I will also access articles and information that you need.
If you then choose to engage me as your birth doula, I will deduct any payments already made from the package price.
'My blessing was one of the best days of my entire pregnancy so far. Jo went above and beyond my expectations and made the day as special and as personal as she possibly could have, (somehow even without knowing me too well!) and every single person really enjoyed the day too! She made me feel like an absolute goddess! ~ Paris
After a traditional Baby Shower the first time round, this celebration of my pregnancy and baby made me so much more aware & proud of my abilities as a woman and mother" ~ Carla
After a traditional Baby Shower the first time round, this celebration of my pregnancy and baby made me so much more aware & proud of my abilities as a woman and mother" ~ Carla
RESOURCES AND LINKS
An article on the days or weeks as you wait for your baby to be born:
http://www.mothering.com/community/a/the-last-days-of-pregnancy-a-place-of-in-between
An article about 'reading' a labouring woman for signs that she is ready to push; are vaginal examinations really necessary???
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/pushing.asp
A blog post from 'Birth Without Fear' (generally an all round amazing site) about the importance of the mothers process and caring for the mother postpartum
http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2012/10/21/mothering-the-mother-40-days-of-rest/
This article raises an excellent point - why are most women cautious around what they do during pregnancy and do their own research, yet wholly accept a dr's suggestion of induction without researching or questioning the risks?
Please do your own research, make your own informed decisions. It is your body and your birth
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pitocin-papaya-prenatal-yoga-center
It is not indulgent to want a positive birth experience, or feel sad if you 'only' got a healthy baby. A mothers feelings about the birth is a large contributor to postnatal mental health and bonding
http://www.bestdaily.co.uk/your-life/news/a573059/a-healthy-baby-is-not-all-that-matters.html
10 basics about birth that all women should know
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15133/10-things-i-wish-all-women-knew-about-giving-birth.html
Group Strep B - as discussed by Gloria Lemay (awesome birthy woman!)
http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/?p=615
"Virtual Labour" - a fun interactive game where you choose your options in labour and see where it leads your birth. Every birth is different.
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/labor/
Homeopathy Fact Sheet for Pregnancy, Birth, Babies and Breastfeeding
http://www.owenhomoeopathics.com.au/factsheets/Mother%20&%20Baby%20Info%20Sheet%2003%2012.pdf
Breech presentation? Moxisticks are now an evidence based treatment
http://wisewomanwayofbirth.com/turning-a-breech-baby-with-moxibustion/
If you are being induced, you need to read this
http://www.sarawickham.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AIMS-Ten-things.pdf
http://www.mothering.com/community/a/the-last-days-of-pregnancy-a-place-of-in-between
An article about 'reading' a labouring woman for signs that she is ready to push; are vaginal examinations really necessary???
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/pushing.asp
A blog post from 'Birth Without Fear' (generally an all round amazing site) about the importance of the mothers process and caring for the mother postpartum
http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2012/10/21/mothering-the-mother-40-days-of-rest/
This article raises an excellent point - why are most women cautious around what they do during pregnancy and do their own research, yet wholly accept a dr's suggestion of induction without researching or questioning the risks?
Please do your own research, make your own informed decisions. It is your body and your birth
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pitocin-papaya-prenatal-yoga-center
It is not indulgent to want a positive birth experience, or feel sad if you 'only' got a healthy baby. A mothers feelings about the birth is a large contributor to postnatal mental health and bonding
http://www.bestdaily.co.uk/your-life/news/a573059/a-healthy-baby-is-not-all-that-matters.html
10 basics about birth that all women should know
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15133/10-things-i-wish-all-women-knew-about-giving-birth.html
Group Strep B - as discussed by Gloria Lemay (awesome birthy woman!)
http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/?p=615
"Virtual Labour" - a fun interactive game where you choose your options in labour and see where it leads your birth. Every birth is different.
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/labor/
Homeopathy Fact Sheet for Pregnancy, Birth, Babies and Breastfeeding
http://www.owenhomoeopathics.com.au/factsheets/Mother%20&%20Baby%20Info%20Sheet%2003%2012.pdf
Breech presentation? Moxisticks are now an evidence based treatment
http://wisewomanwayofbirth.com/turning-a-breech-baby-with-moxibustion/
If you are being induced, you need to read this
http://www.sarawickham.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AIMS-Ten-things.pdf
BIRTH AFFIRMATIONS
The power of the mind, positive thinking, and visualisation are now well proven techniques used by professional athletes and highly successful business people. Why not use this power to create a positive, healthy birth for you and your baby.
Saying affirmations aloud, writing them down, displaying them in often seen places (eg. bathroom mirrors and fridges), creating artworks, and creating birth flags are some of the ways you can utilise them. Here some examples of birth affirmations, however do not feel limited to these. Any affirmation you crate yourself will have even more power.
I trust my body
My body was made for birthing my baby
I listen to my body and I respond accordingly
I wait on my body to direct my next breath, my next surge, my next release of breath, my next inhale
I am connected to my infant; my baby knows my heart beat, my breathing, my voice, the feeling of my love
My body is perfect for birthing, it grew my baby all the while I just went about my normal living
I trust my body's wisdom and knowledge
I give birth easily and effortlessly as I trust my body to do the work
I am celebrating myself, my life and my coming birthing day
I can trust and go with my birthing experience
I will open with time
I am ready to meet my baby
My body knows what to do
I am ready to give birth
I will see my baby soon
I am safe
Birth is ecstatic
Birth is safe
My body is wise
My baby knows how to be born
My baby’s birth is a calm, joyous experience
Each part of my body is completely relaxed, allowing easy passage of my baby
I relax through each stretching sensation, allowing my uterus to work efficiently
I am safe and my baby is safe when the sensations are strong
I am a wonderful mother
I am proud of my body
I accept each stage of the birth as a new wonderful adventure
I wait on what is best for my baby and I let my baby set the pace
My mind and body are calm
If in doubt, breathe out
The power and intensity of my contractions cannot be stronger than me, because it is me
If it hurts, get off it, move it around, rub it better
The strength of my uterine contractions is a sign of my feminine strength
I have the energy and stamina to birth my baby
My cervix is opening like a flower
I am never alone…I have sisters throughout my city, my country, and around the world that will be having their babies at exactly the same time as me. I tune in to them and send them my love and reassurance
I direct my energy from my head, down through my body and out through my vagina
Powerful positive images of birth are also very important. Birth is not what we see in the movies! The more we see calm, powerful, empowered women the more likely we are to be calm, powerful and empowered women in birth. These images are our legacy to our daughters so they know how amazing their bodies can be, and to our sons so they know how to support amazing birthing goddesses.
Saying affirmations aloud, writing them down, displaying them in often seen places (eg. bathroom mirrors and fridges), creating artworks, and creating birth flags are some of the ways you can utilise them. Here some examples of birth affirmations, however do not feel limited to these. Any affirmation you crate yourself will have even more power.
I trust my body
My body was made for birthing my baby
I listen to my body and I respond accordingly
I wait on my body to direct my next breath, my next surge, my next release of breath, my next inhale
I am connected to my infant; my baby knows my heart beat, my breathing, my voice, the feeling of my love
My body is perfect for birthing, it grew my baby all the while I just went about my normal living
I trust my body's wisdom and knowledge
I give birth easily and effortlessly as I trust my body to do the work
I am celebrating myself, my life and my coming birthing day
I can trust and go with my birthing experience
I will open with time
I am ready to meet my baby
My body knows what to do
I am ready to give birth
I will see my baby soon
I am safe
Birth is ecstatic
Birth is safe
My body is wise
My baby knows how to be born
My baby’s birth is a calm, joyous experience
Each part of my body is completely relaxed, allowing easy passage of my baby
I relax through each stretching sensation, allowing my uterus to work efficiently
I am safe and my baby is safe when the sensations are strong
I am a wonderful mother
I am proud of my body
I accept each stage of the birth as a new wonderful adventure
I wait on what is best for my baby and I let my baby set the pace
My mind and body are calm
If in doubt, breathe out
The power and intensity of my contractions cannot be stronger than me, because it is me
If it hurts, get off it, move it around, rub it better
The strength of my uterine contractions is a sign of my feminine strength
I have the energy and stamina to birth my baby
My cervix is opening like a flower
I am never alone…I have sisters throughout my city, my country, and around the world that will be having their babies at exactly the same time as me. I tune in to them and send them my love and reassurance
I direct my energy from my head, down through my body and out through my vagina
Powerful positive images of birth are also very important. Birth is not what we see in the movies! The more we see calm, powerful, empowered women the more likely we are to be calm, powerful and empowered women in birth. These images are our legacy to our daughters so they know how amazing their bodies can be, and to our sons so they know how to support amazing birthing goddesses.
INSPIRING BIRTH VIDEO'S
Positive images of birth are a powerful way to inspire yourself and create the possibility for your birth to be this way. We are saturated with images that create fear, these images will give a wonderful alternative to empower you.
https://vimeo.com/143497690 (My birth video - Jo)
http://vimeo.com/107229281
http://vimeo.com/111710965
http://www.janemccraephotography.com/birth-photography/journey-to-birth-coco-milou-our-epic-masterpiece/
http://vimeo.com/116227972
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whnVFlqC5pg
https://vimeo.com/148517288
Positive images of birth are a powerful way to inspire yourself and create the possibility for your birth to be this way. We are saturated with images that create fear, these images will give a wonderful alternative to empower you.
https://vimeo.com/143497690 (My birth video - Jo)
http://vimeo.com/107229281
http://vimeo.com/111710965
http://www.janemccraephotography.com/birth-photography/journey-to-birth-coco-milou-our-epic-masterpiece/
http://vimeo.com/116227972
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whnVFlqC5pg
https://vimeo.com/148517288