Bump to Motherhood - Birth & Post Natal Support

The word Doula comes from the Greek language, and refers to a woman who personally serves another woman. Today it means an experienced & trained Mother who supports a pregnant woman (and partner) emotionally and physically before, during and after birth. A Doula believes in ‘mothering the mother’ helping the expectant woman acheive the best from one of nature's most amazing gifts, new life.

Research has shown that having a doula present at birth can:

• Shorten first time labour by an average of two hours
• Decrease the chances of a caesarean section by 50%
• Decrease complications
• Decrease the need for pain relief
• Result in less use of forceps
• Decrease the chances of post natal depression
• Help the birth partner to participate with confidence
• Increase success with breastfeeding

(Findings taken from "Mothering the Mother" by Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993)

"There is a powerful evidence that having a woman with you who is not part of the hospital institution, and who focuses on giving you one-to-one continuing support, makes birth more satisfying, and safer for mother and baby"

Sheila Kitzinger, The New Experience of Childbirth.

Many women will find that the desire to have continuous support during labour is instinctive. Throughout history in many cultures all over the world, mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and friends have gathered round a woman as she prepares for her journey towards motherhood. Today we find that for many reasons it is just not possible to have our close family members or friends near us at this time. I am a Doula because I truly believe every woman deserves the opportunity to feel empowered in childbirth and enjoy one of life's most amazing gifts, new life.