Massage during labour  Top^

Hospital studies show that women assisted by a doula have significantly shorter labours and a reduced need for pain medications and virtually every type of medical intervention. These studies also show that babies born with the help of a doula experience greater health and better feeding patterns at six weeks of age than babies born without a doula.

Mothers report that they bond quicker with the baby, have fewer postpartum fevers, and shorter hospital stays when supported by a doula. And 71 per cent of new mothers rate their marriages better after birth with a doula compared with only 30 per cent of mothers without a doula.

Baby massage  Top^

Baby massage can be more than just gentle touch and a way of bonding. I have qualified in Gentle Touch Baby Massage and the Peter Walker baby massage technique, so I can meet the specific needs of each child and parent. The classes provide your child with massage that strengthens the body, stimulates the internal organs and relaxes all the major joints. This gives the child flexibility which in turn puts the feet in the ideal flat position for the child’s first steps.

Working through touch with your growing family is a relaxing and nurturing path. It allows for physical and emotional healing. I have watched my son as he does ‘reflex’ on his father and experienced his pure butterfuly strokes as he massages my back or head. He gives unconditionally. As I massage him I look into his eyes and we smile and laugh. We love each other.  I’ve watched other parents as they tentatively start the classes, anxious about crying children, or how they will ‘perform’. Yet these same parents and babies turn into a loving couple with eyes only for one another, and unaware of others and their actions. If I’ve started as their Doula, this completes the journey for me.

Post-natal massage  Top^

To alleviate your aches and pains, to assess your physical changes, post-labour and generally relax with soothing massage therapy. An opportunity to discuss exercises to strengthen your body after birth. This sessions last one and a half hours.

Post-natal visit  Top^

This session is to allow you the chance to talk over your birth experience and future needs. It is an opportunity to receive objective feedback about your experience if I was present and/or to receive a mild and short relaxation session. This session is for one hour.

24-hour post-natal support  Top^

I will come to your home and stay for a 24 hour period allowing you to work as a couple on establishing feeding and bonding without interruptions. You will be encouraged to stay in bed and use skin-to-skin contact with your child. I will be on hand to provide support and information – just the little tricks that might be needed to allow calm and a joyous family time. I will do some domestic duties and care for other children, and these duties must be specified and agreed prior to my service. However, I am available during this period predominantly to assist bonding and feeding habits and not as a cleaner or a nanny.

Pre-natal reflexology  Top^

A session lasting an hour and fifteen minutes which helps to alleviate certain symptoms of pregnancy. The whole body is mapped on the feet and by working specific reflexes with different pressure techniques a state of homeostasis (balance) can occur. A very relaxing therapy finished with a foot massage using specific aromatherapy essential oils chosen to complete this holistic therapy.

Always ensure the therapist is fully qualified if you decide on using complimentary therapies during pregnancy or for your family.

Pre-natal aromatherapy  Top^

These sessions last one hour and forty-five minutes. After a consultation to identify your specific symptoms, a blend of oils will be prepared to perform a gentle, relaxing massage. You will be positioned with bolsters to support you comfortably and safely. If you wish a seated head, neck, shoulders and face massage can be performed to complete the session, taking an additional twenty minutes. You will then be given advice on the safe use of essential oils during this special time. You could also have blended oils prepared for you to use at home.

I only use essential oils from Quinessence and predominately their organic oils.  I use them because they are local.  The owners are very well respected and thoroughly research their oils.  They will also provide answers to any questions posed.

Please note: The use of essential oils during pregnancy must only be done with the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist.  Always check the therapists qualifications.

Philosophy  Top^

I believe that all women,  their partners and families have the potential to have satisfying and empowering pregnancies, births and child rearing experiences.

I would suggest that my involvement provides an objective, informed  perspective which is consistent and empowering. This support offers you the opportunity to try techniques which are practical and hands on. It also helps you through the common ailments of pregnancy and birth. It provides a chance to be informed about your options and make informed decisions, and these are resources you can continue to use as a family throughout your life together.

The useof my specific skills encourages you to break down fear boundaries, weather these are about your pregnancy (past or present) or physical changes or as a birth partner.

A positive birth experience can be life enhancing, empowering and joyous. It will allow you to start your journey together as a couple and family in a calm strong and fulfilling way which inevitably leads to loving family ties and a core of enviable strength.

I strongly believe that having birth doula support is something every couple should have access to and therefore couples should consider very carefully their choice of support at this precious time. It is a great priviledge and should be treated with respect. No birth can be repeated so optimise your chances of making yours a positive, fun and fulfilling memory. I suggest you research and interview several Doulas before deciding which one to work with so that you find one who meets your needs. See my list of Useful Contacts.