Birth Doula Service

I offer a comprehensive birth doula service for women seeking professional birth support in the greater Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ipswich areas. I have trained with and have finished all certification requirements with DONA International, the world’s largest and most respected doula training organisation. If you are looking for professional birth support, contact me today on 0438 898 706 or email cas@mumatopia.com.

What is a doula?

Doula is Greek for “woman’s servant.” And, quite literally, my role is to serve you by providing emotional, informational and physical support to assist you in achieving the birth you want.

We know from studies that “women cared for during labor by a birth doula, compared to those receiving usual care were

• 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
• 41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
• 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia
• 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience”

*From DONA International’s Position Paper on Birth Doulas.

I aim for my clients to be informed, empowered, supported, and nurtured through pregnancy, birth and in the early days of parenting a new baby so they get off to the best possible start. If you are delighted with the support you’ve received and you feel good about your birth, then I’ve done my job.

What does a doula do?

Studies show that the support of a doula can greatly improve outcomes, enhance breastfeeding, the mum’s feelings about her baby’s birth and her confidence as a new parent. As an experienced doula, I am skilled in assisting women to work through labour using natural pain relief and active birthing techniques which minimise the need for pain relief medication and avoidable interventions.

As your doula, I take time to get to know you and your needs prior to birth, and provide continuous labour support from whenever you need me. I can also assist you with breastfeeding and baby settling immediately following birth if desired. My role is to support and empower you (and your partner) to have your best birth, taking into account your unique needs and preferences. Typically I visit a couple in their homes three times prior to the birth, attend them for the entire labour (from whenever I’m called to attend), and for at least two hours after the birth. I then visit at least twice following the birth. I DO NOT charge by the hour for births as I feel strongly this puts unnecessary and unwanted pressure on birthing women.

Birthtalk bonus

Any couple that completes the Birthtalk Path to a Better Birth or VBAC course will receive a $200 discount on their doula fee if they book with me.* Birthtalk is a unique support and education organisation based in Toowong, Brisbane, and run by a registered midwife, childbirth educator and mums. Birthtalk specialise in:

• Planning a positive birth no matter how you are birthing
• Birth trauma, birth grief and birth disappointment support, understanding, tools for healing
• Mythbusting the common fears and misconceptions about birth
• Birth after caesarean support and education including VBAC and Positive Caesarean information

For further information or to book into a course, visit their website: www.birthtalk.org.

* Does not apply to other doulas I refer to unless they also offer this bonus individually.

What does my service include?

• Free meet and greet consultation in a place of your choosing.
• 3 antenatal visits in your home (lasting at least an hour each) or place of your choosing. At these visits we’ll go over your needs and expectations for your birth, coping strategies and active birthing techniques for coping with labour and birth, your birth plan, any issues you wish to discuss and any information you need.
• Email, skype/G+ hangout and phone contact as needed throughout your pregnancy.
• Access to my pregnancy, birth and parenting book library in my home office.
• I will be on-call 24 hours a day from week 36 of your pregnancy up until you’ve had your baby.
• I will attend you for your labour and birth and provide continuous labour support from whenever you call and say you need me right through until at least 2 hours post birth.
• 2 postnatal visits either in hospital or home or a combination of the two for early breastfeeding and baby settling support.
• The benefit of my extensive knowledge of quality resources and local practitioners to help you with any pregnancy issues (such as nutrition or pregnancy complications such as baby’s position or back or pelvic pain etc)
• Sourcing of evidence-based information as needed to help you make informed decisions for your pregnancy and birth.

Who do I support?

I will support any birthing woman who wants a doula. A doula can be especially beneficial for women planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean), women excluded from or unable to access midwife-led programs (which is most women unfortunately), women who’ve experienced a previously difficult or traumatic birth and first time mothers. I also refer women on to other doulas in the area if I cannot support you (in most cases because I’m booked the month you’re due) to save you time and hassle.

What are my fees?

I charge a flat fee of $1200 per birth client. This covers all antenatal and postnatal visits, the on-call period and attendance at your birth, regardless of how long it is. A non-refundable booking retainer of $100 is required upon booking in and the rest can be paid in instalments as per my terms of service (which you’ll receive when you book in). Payment plans can be arranged to suit your budgeting needs.

Call me today to arrange your complimentary, initial consultation. Phone: 0438 898 706.