Where do I support families?

Anywhere families choose.

 

Can I recommend where you should birth your baby?

No, I can’t but I can help you consider your options and find the best fit for you.

 

When should you choose your model of care?

After you know what your options are, and have done the necessary research to ensure that whatever model you choose is aligned with your wishes and vision for your birth. Not all models are suitable for all kinds of births.

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Can I help you choose your model of care?

Yes, I can help you to identify the model of care that feels most aligned to your vision for your birth.

 

Should you change your model of care if it no longer feels like the right fit?

I would definitely encourage you to consider this. If something doesn’t feel aligned now, it should raise some concerns. 

 

How long have I been a birth worker?

I have been supporting mama’s in birth since 2016. I was drawn to become a qualified doula after the birth of my third baby in 2021. I have been a qualified Birth and Postpartum Doula since 2023.

 

What did I do before?

I have a Bachelor of Physical Education and worked in aquatic education.  I taught swimming, managed a swim school, and trained swim teachers throughout New Zealand. I hace worked in retail and customer service. I have lived in New Zealand, Australia and the United States over the course of my children’s lives. I am often surprised at how much of my skills and life experience are relevant and used in my work as a Doula.

 

What kinds of births have I attended/suppported?

First, second, third time mums, spontaneous labours, induced labours, entirely physiological labours and births, vaginal births, labours with varying degrees of intervention such as gas, morphine, epidural, syntocinon, instrumental deliveries with vacuum and forceps, episiotomies, hospital births and home births.

 

What do I do in prenatal sessions?

The work and support that I bring to each family is informed by what emerges in our conversations. We can talk about the physiology of birth and postpartum, but often families choose to focus more on guidance to help you explore your vision for your birth, your fears, any concerns or challenges you may be having in your life. In my prenatal sessions I also help you to think about and plan for your postpartum to ensure you will have the support you need/want.

 

Can I teach pain coping skills?

Yes, I can teach a range of different pain coping skills and also facilitate a conversation to help you understand your attitude towards pain, the difference between physiological and pathological pain and the importance of pain in labour.

 

When do I join a family in labour?

Whenever you are ready for me to come. This is usually when active labour has begun. We can discuss this more when we talk.

 

What do I do at births?

First, I take some time to observe.Then, I allow my intuition to guide me in providing the support that best fits your needs at the time, responding to what I see rather than following a predetermined checklist.  In fact, sometimes I don’t actively DO much and my bag remains in the corner. The most valuable tools I bring are my hands, soothing voice, reassuring presence and groundedness.  This journey is yours alone to navigate. I can help steer you back on course when I notice you straying, and if I sense your mind racing ahead, I gently guide you back to the present moment. It's difficult to describe, but the most significant aspect of my offering is the way I make you feel. 

 

When do I leave a family after birth?

Whenever you are ready for me to leave.  This is usually a couple of hours after the birth, once you’re settled and comfortable.

 

How do I support partners, if applicable?

I make sure that partners are aware they're the main support team. I like to include them in the prenatal sessions so that we can get to know each other and how we will work together to provide you with the best support. It's important they feel they're the heart of the support team, I don’t see my role as taking their place, but as enabling them to be your biggest supporter. I frequently touch base with partners during labour, asking if they're okay, need anything, or simply need a break. In case labour gets tough, I've got the partner's back so they can keep being strong for you. After birth, I also reach out to partners to see if they need help in processing anything.

 

How many clients do I take each month?

A maximum of 1 for in person birth support.

 

Do I work with backups?

As I only take on 1 birth client per month I do not require a backup doula. If I know a mama is in early labour and I am unwell or I can see that I will have something preventing me from being able to attend the labour, I would do a last minute callout to see who is available and able to step in to provide support. I have never needed to do this. While I cannot ever guarantee that I will be able to be at a labour/birth, I have a deep trust that it will work out the way it needs to and this has so far been the case every single time.

 

What do I do in postpartum sessions?

The way I support postpartum families is also unique to each family.  It may include birth debriefing, companionship, simple chores around the house, food preparation and cooking, walking pets, playing with other children, holding and caring for the baby while you rest and lots of reassurance and positive validation. 

 

If you have any further questions, book in a chat with me and we can talk about them then!!