* Tell me about your experience as a birth doula?

We have all completed the doula training with Nurturing Birth. We have each attended many births, in a variety of settings and we are all passionate about supporting women to have a life enhancing birth experience.



* What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labour?

We believe that having someone with you who believes in your innate ability to birth your baby gives you the greatest opportunity to experience childbirth as an empowering and positive life event. Unfortunately most women do not know the midwife who cares for them during labour and birth. The midwives in hospital are also often required to care for several other women at the same time. We can provide the constant and reassuring presence that is proven to make birth a satisfying experience.



* May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me through birth?

The fee includes 2 antenatal visits, each lasting at least 2 hours, these will be tailored to your needs and form the basis for the labour and birth. We can talk about birth physiology and the optimum birthing environment. We can also formulate an individual birth plan focusing on what is most important to you. Or if you prefer you can choose to have 1 antenatal visit and an Active Birth Workshop - this is a one day workshop, run by Olivia Lester a highly experienced Birth Educator, which looks at the birthing process and ways in which a birthing partner can offer support. Topics covered include:-

* Physiology of labour & birth
* Positions for 1st stage of labour
* Breathing in labour
* Massage
* Positions for 2nd stage
* Comfort measures
* 3rd stage (the placenta)



* May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?

Yes, our fee also includes unlimited phone and e-mail support. We will lend you appropriate books, videos and DVDs on birth and provide you with up-to-date information that is pertinent to you and your needs.



* When do you try to join women in labour? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?

When you go into labour you can call as soon as you feel you want somebody to be with you, at any time of the day or night, at home or in hospital. Somebody will stay with you for as long as it takes with back-up in place should labour continue for longer than 12 hours. After the birth we will remain until you and the baby are settled but, always mindful of the need for you and the father to have private time with the baby to get to know each other, we will not outstay our welcome.



* Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labour and answer questions?

Whichever one of us is present at the birth will visit you a few days after the birth to talk through your experience and make sure you, the baby and the rest of the family are all doing well. We will visit you twice if extra support is required.

To contact us please email: mail@sheffieldbirthdoula.com


Photo © Michelle Barnes