I am a very experience birth doula of 18 years. I have supported over 300 births and from background I am a qualified adult and childrens nurse, the longest standing hypnobirthing teacher and trainer in the area(16 years) and am the owner of The Bump and Baby Hideout in Sale where we provide a nurturing hub for everything pregnncy birth and baby related. I am passionate about support at this time of a couples life and absolutely love what I do. I am welcomed into so many families and regularly support couples with their second/ third pregnancies! I have vast experience on supporting all kind of birth experiences incuding home birth, VBAC, higher risk, induction, gestational diabetes, birth after a past traumatic experience,birth after loss and much more.
The presence of a doula reduces:
- Overall caesarean rate by nearly 50%
- Length of birth by 25%
- Need for induction by 50%
- Pain medication by over 30%
- The need for forceps or vacuum extraction by 34%
- Requests for epidurals by up to 60%.
- Doula-attended mums also report less pain during birth, fewer signs of depression, and a higher level of self-esteem.
Unfortunately the system doesn’t allow for a named midwife and it is highly likely you wont of met her before she walks into your birth.
I am passionate about giving a constant nurturing and caring relationship to a couple to enable the journey from conception to birth and beyond is a calm and very happy one.
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to someone experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the couple before, during, and just after childbirth. Studies have shown that when doulas attend births, they are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. This is because the couple feel safe and cared for and protected.
Having myself as a birth support doula means that you will get to know me and know I will be with you at the birth long before the birth itself you will have my time to express your needs and desires through pregnancy, helping the whole journey be a positive and enjoyable experience.
Full birth doula package
Antenatally we will spend time getting to know each other and grow comfortable in each others company. Every family is different and needs may vary from one to another we can be very adaptable to those needs and will always support in a way that works best for you.
As well as doing three visits we would be available throughout via phone or email from booking. If you need to see a consultant we will also accompany you and if you feel you would like more visits then that would also be included as its not about a strict package its about your needs and making sure you are positive and confident and feel well supported. We are on-call for you 24hrs a day from 38 weeks and available to join you at your birth as early as you feel the need. We include the hire of a tens machine, aromatherapy oils and a birth pool if you birth at home.
During labour I will support you over the phone, offering suggestions on comfort measures until you reach a point where you feel you’d like me to join you. I then remain with you throughout the birth regardless of length until you are happily settled and feeding your baby.
Postnatally I visit again to check that you’re happily settled into your new role at home. To debrief your birth experience (perhaps filling you in on details you may have missed or forgotten). To listen to how you feel about both the birth and being a new mum. I can also support with feeding, bathing, dressing etc.
£1500
Hypnobirthing package
Exactly the same as above but includes the full hypnobirthing course at The Bump and Baby Hideout or we can do the courses privately in the three home visits instead.
£1650
Hideout package
Exactly the same as the full birth package/hypnobirthing package but I include a yoga or pilates course, an induction reflexology session and a lovely full body pregnancy massage at The Hideout
£1650/£1800
A common concern is that a doula will somehow try to take dads place or that he will be made to feel redundant, this is not the case. I am there to support you as a family and encourage partners to participate at whatever level feels comfortable for you both. I provide peace of mind that should they need to take a break, get something to eat or choose not to be there for whatever reason you will not be left alone. Also I am there to help you make informed choices and liase with the midwives/doctors about your preferences for your birth.
‘’ Tracey was our rock before the birth helping us to prepare so we could make informed choices and I really felt part of the whole experience and felt 100% comfortable that she would be at our birth. She became like family, a real trust built very quickly, care like you just cant get in the NHS. The best part however was the birth itself. When a curve ball was thrown our way she remained calm, stopped the feeling of panic, kept Julie from letting the situation spoil our experience and this meant that although we needed a little help at the end, it was still positive and controlled. A special lady!’’
Please see more births that I have supported on the birth story page and also on facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thebandbhideoutsale/
I love being a doula and feel very honoured to be part of so many couples special day when they first join eyes with their baby for the first time.
Here are some interesting articles on having a doula to support you both at your birth.
http://www.dona.org/resources/research.php