Birth Support

FREE CONSULTATION

I always start with a consultation to see if we’re the right fit for each other. This involves scheduling and the timing of your anticipated birth, but more importantly to see if we get along. Doula care works best if people connect on a more intuitive level and feel comfortable with each other. This is low-pressure, I promise! At the end of every consultation I offer suggestions for other doulas you might consult to get a feel for different styles. We work together and are not competitors.

A standard birth support package includes 2+ antenatal visits, 2+ postnatal visits, 4 weeks on-call, and support throughout the labor.

I can customize according to your needs.

  • This is your chance to ask all the questions! I have loads of information I can share, but I will be respectful of what you want and don’t want to know. It’s also our chance to get to know each other and what your hopes and fears are about pregnancy, birth, infant care, and becoming a parent. I’ll get to know your family and who you want with you at the birth, and can suggest additional resources based on your situation, including alternative healthcare practitioners, government support agencies, community centres/groups, and classes/events. Generally two visits in your home.

  • I will be on call for two weeks before and two weeks after your assigned “due date.” This means I won’t travel too far, drink, or be away from my phone. We’ll be in contact as your labor starts, which usually is quite slow, especially for first births, and decide when is the right time for me to meet you. Once I’m present, I will usually not leave your side until a few hours after the birth. Working with backup is responsible doula practice, and the Scottish Doula Network supports this - we will discuss backup care in case I’m unavailable due to emergencies, you go into labor prematurely, or if the birth is especially long and we would all benefit from a fresh addition to the team. I am happy to take photographs and video for you if you would like.

  • After-care is too often neglected. Many people experience a desire to process the birth in the days and weeks following, and I’ll be available to talk things over with, understand what happened and how you feel about it, and give information and encouragement about caring for your new baby. I will often bring a snack or meal that suits your diet, and might take the opportunity to help out with dishes, hold the baby so you can shower, or other little acts. I will also offer to write a birth narrative from my perspective, which people often appreciate because they might not remember details when they are so focused! If you’d like further care I can refer you to skilled postpartum doulas. Generally 2 visits in your home.

Standard Birth Support Fee: £650

For services other than birth support, please get in touch.

I operate on a sliding scale. This helps me to offer services to a range of people and help make sure anyone who wants doula support can afford it. While my standard fee for birth support is £650, the range of compensation I accept is £200-£1100. Please pay what you are able to afford with this in mind; I won’t ask for any proof or details. If you can afford more you will help provide support for those who can afford less.

If you are having a baby shower, consider asking for contributions towards doula care as a gift.

I volunteer with the charity Doulas Without Borders and can support some people for no charge in this capacity. Please get in touch if you or someone you know is in difficult circumstances and could use some help.