What is a Doula?

 

A Doula is a non-medical person who stays with and assists a woman/pregnant person before, during, or after childbirth, to provide emotional support and physical help if needed. Doula's provide support to the partner and family as well. A Doula can also support with advocacy, protect birthing space and preferences and help you to navigate the maternity system. Continuous support during birth from a person outside the mother/birthing person's family or social circle, such as a Doula, is associated with improved overall health of the mother/birther and the baby, shorter labour time, reduced risk of a c-section, reduced mortality rates and a lower need for medical intervention or pain relief.

 

Research has shown that the continuous support of a Doula can lead to:

 

• ·        Reduced risk of Caesarean birth † *.

• ·        Reduced risk of instrumental birth † *.

• ·        Reduced need for painkillers or epidural during birth † *.

• ·        Reduced rate of induction of labour † *.

• ·        Shorter labour †.

• ·        Increased parental satisfaction with the birth experience. †

• ·        Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding *.

• ·        Increased likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding & breastfeeding at 6 week

 

Research outcomes shown in percentages:

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• 31% decrease in the risk of induction of labour

• 25% shorter labour

• 50% reduction in caesarean rates

• ​12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• ​60% decrease in the request for an epidural

• 40% reduction in forceps delivery

• ​14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a neonatal care unit

• ​34% decrease of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

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Hypnobirthing Birth Doula Package - £1600

Fee includes:

•  Initial meeting

•  10 hours of antenatal time to teach my full Hypnobirthing course 

•  24 hour on-call period starting from 10 days before your due date

•  Continuous support throughout the labour & birth (see further down for full details)

•  1 postnatal visit

• 10x Hypnobirthing MP3's 

•  Unlimited support throughout the perinatal period via email, text & calls

• Birth Pool hire from 37 weeks (first booking get pool priority)

• Access to my lending library - books, resources.

• Travel cost/expenses up to 50 miles (extra mileage invoiced at 45p per mile)

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Antenatal Birth Doula Package - £1350

Fee includes:

•  Initial meeting

•  2x 2 hours of antenatal time

•  24 hour on-call period starting from 10 days before your due date

•  Continuous support throughout the labour & birth (see further down for full details)

•  1 postnatal visit

• 5x Hypnobirthing and Relaxation MP3's

•  Unlimited support throughout the perinatal period via email, text & calls

• Birth Pool hire from 37 weeks (first booking get pool priority)

• Access to my lending library - books, resources.

• Travel cost/expenses  up to 50 miles (extra mileage invoiced at 45p per mile)

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Short Notice Birth Only Doula Package - £650

Fee includes:

• This package is for people whose circumstances may have changed at the last minute and are
  now in need of a Doula (for example your partner can no longer support you in labour.)

• This package is intended for people booking within 2 weeks of their estimated due date. 

• I can offer this package if I am not already on call or have previous bookings around your EDD

• Initial meeting

• 1 Antenatal session (if time) to discuss birth preferences, concerns etc

• Continuous support throughout the labour & birth - advocating, emotional & practical support  (e.g hypnobirthing, relaxation, massage, rebozo, aromatherapy, , reassurance, communication facilitator, constant support)

• Access to my lending library - books, resources.

• Travel cost/expenses up to 50 miles (extra mileage invoiced at 45p per mile)

 

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I offer payment plans and skills swaps (where appropriate). Please contact me to discuss these options. 

 

Initial Meeting

The first step is a no-obligation consultation where we can meet up and find out more about each other. It’s an opportunity to discuss your expectations and wishes and I will outline what I can offer you in more detail and talk you through the Hypnobirthing course also. This initial consultation will serve to help you decide if I am the right Doula for you.

 

Antenatal visit/HypnoBirthing course

​Once you have decided you would like me to be your Doula, we will book in your Hypnobirthing sessions – 10 hours antenatal/hypnobirthing classes, starting around 20 ish weeks. During the course we will look at breathing techniques; relaxation techniques; visualisation and hypnosis as well as what happens with your body and mind during childbirth; discuss the options that are available to you; look at your birth preferences and write a birth plan and also explore various ways of pain management if wanted. The course will also educate your birth partner on how they can support you. I will happily answer any questions you may have to the best of my knowledge.

 

During birth

I will be available on call 24/7 from 10 days before your due date until your baby arrives. I will come to your chosen birth facility or your home, when you feel like you need me. I can offer emotional and physical support during labour and birth - hypnobirthing prompts, relaxation techniques, rebozo, massage, aromatherapy, position suggestions, advocacy, communication with healthcare professionals, practical tips, comfort measure, holding your space,  encouragement, and constant reminders of what a birthing warrior you are!

 

Postnatal visit

After your birth (usually within the first 1 to 2 weeks, but later if you wish you enjoy your babymoon in your little bubble for a bit longer) I will come to see you and your baby/babies to check in that you are both doing well.  I can hold space for you to talk through your birth and help process your experience.  I will also provide you with the videos and photos I took (this will have been previously discussed - I only take photos if requested/previously agreed). Photos and or videos are a wonderful keepsake, but also will give you a clear picture of your birth allowing us to talk about your emotions and feelings about it if you wish. I can also offer support with breastfeeding.

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Please Contact Me to arrange your no obligation meeting

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Client Feedback:

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Lucy and Tom - Click here to watch their video testimonial

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"Terri just “got it”. Our entire journey (so far!) she just got it. And that made us feel safe, supported and so cared for. From our initial meeting - where I burst into tears with fear (just the thought of hospital, all things medical, birth in general…) to the week after RoRo was born when she popped round with cake and to chat through the birth and check we were okay- she just got it! Terri took the time to understand us- as a couple and as individuals, and to really listen to what we wanted; she even heard the things we didn’t say… she read the silences and the wobbly lip moments perfectly. The first time we met with her, she gave me that knowing side smile (if you’ve met her, you’ll no doubt know the one!) and the night she left the hospital, following almost 4 days of labour, she looked back from the doorway and gave us the same smile! We felt it throughout our time with Terri, but at that moment it became obvious that she had believed in us since the beginning - and bearing in mind I was a petrified nervous wreck, I wouldn’t have blamed her for not even taking us on!!!! Terri has empathy, love and understanding in abundance and having her as our doula, on our side and in our corner was something we will always be grateful for. 

A lifelong fear of hospitals, all things medical, blood, needles, even the thought of driving into the car park at the hospital, made for a really nerve wracking and anxious start to pregnancy. Believing in medicine, yet not totally trusting how it’s sometimes “thrust upon” you, coupled with being quite spiritual whilst also being a realist is quite tricky. Wanting to feel in touch with my inner strength, whilst also having the knowledge and understanding to utilise the medical system in our favour was important to me. Having a doula that understood all of this, and was on the same page, was invaluable. To hold our space for us in the delicate moments and understand when we wanted to lead ourselves - just so intuitive. Having a doula meant we believed in ourselves and didn’t second guess when faced with curve balls (and fu*k me there where a LOT thrown our way!).

Just do it. If you have the means to do it; do it. If you don’t, but you can beg, borrow, steal; do it. If there was ever a life event to invest in, bringing your baby into this world is it. On paper, our birth story is actually pretty traumatic, but we felt supported and cared for throughout the whole FOUR days, and because we understood every eventuality (thanks to the amazing hypnobirthing training we did with Terri) we didn’t feel railroaded or out of control- every decision was ours, and just knowing Terri was there with us gave us the strength to make informed decisions along the way." Lucy and Ben

 

"It was amazing having Terri as our Doula. We felt well supported throughout. My husband and I did a Hypnobirthing course with her and it left us feeling well-prepared for the birth, and I was able be rid of the fear of childbirth, trust my birthing body as well as the birthing process. Having a Doula meant having someone always there throughout pregnancy to reassure me, offer me emotional support whenever I had the wobbles, advocate for my choices and to give emotional support my husband and I during the birth. I would recommend Terri to anyone due to give birth; she's worth every penny and more." Mwenya and Raph

 

"I couldn't have had this birth experience without Terri supporting me as a doula.  I knew that she would look after me, and that between her and my partner I could just go inside my head and let it happen without worrying about external things.   I would encourage every pregnant woman to contact Terri and do some form of birth preparation with her.   Knowing your rights and the system you are in gives you the power to deal with whatever happens in an informed way, and the confidence to get in your zone and birth your baby despite any trepidation you may feel. Thank you Terri, you are amazing and will always be a special person in my family's life! " Arwen and Rob

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"You honestly made our birth experience one of the most amazing days of our lives. It was an absolute privilege to have you by our side the whole way through and I don't  think words can really express the difference you made, to not only our birth experience but to our lives! Thank you for being our wonderful Hypnobirthing teacher and Doula - we will be forever grateful." Becky and Terry

 

"I honestly do not know where to start with the value that Terri brings. I chose Terri as my Doula and had Hypnobirthing with her and I can hand on my heart say that this has been THE best investment that I have ever made. Because of Terri, I had the most magical birth experience and one that I dreamt of. I will always feel indebted to Terri because what she has given me is beyond words and money. From one Mother to another book Terri and her services because you will gain a valuable education and a magical birthing experience. I feel proud and happy to call Terri a very good friend of mine now." Leigh

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"Having Terri by our side as a doula was life changing. This was our first pregnancy and we’re both a pair of worriers who’d had little experience with babies. I knew I needed a lot of support with this huge life event, but convincing myself I was allowed it took a while, as a part of me was conditioned to believe it was an indulgence. It was a big investment, but we literally can’t put a price on the value Terri brought us! If you’re on the fence, take this as your sign to go for it! As soon as we made the decision I felt a massive weight had been lifted & I felt safe for the first time in my bumpy pregnancy. 

Terri is unbelievably knowledgeable, inspiring & supportive. She’s non-judgemental & a passionate advocate for your birth rights, which we ended up very grateful for when we were heavily pressured into induction towards the end of our pregnancy. 

You get a double whammy with Terri, as she’s also a hypnotherapist. We had some antenatal sessions which helped me change my mindset from fear to excited to give birth! I loved each time Terri visited in the run up & miss seeing her now! 

On the big day, Terri went above & beyond to support us. We received top notch treatment from the medical team, some of which we were refused initially, like going into the pool at the birth centre. But as Terri knew our rights, she was able to work things out for us, which we were so grateful for. 

Terri was so calm throughout the birth & constantly reminded me to relax. She was a big support for my husband too, helping him out with counter pressure hip squeezes on an olympic level! 

Having Terri on our side throughout pregnancy & birth gave us a confidence we would never have had as first time parents. We’re so grateful for this wonderful woman! We will always remember her as she played a huge part in bringing our beloved son, Finn, into the world safely & calmly. Fran and Will

 

"With some big unexpected events in our home life and a desire for the birth of our son to be as intervention free as possible my partner, Emma, felt strongly that we should ask Terri to be our doula. We had taken her HypnoBirthing course (online due to Covid) and both felt so inspired and empowered by Terri’s delivery and knowledge that it was a no brainier that she was the woman we wished to have by our side. Thankfully Terri had space in her diary and from there our positive personal journey began. Terri visited us in our home and got to know our birth wishes. We bombarded her with questions and explored our options; no questions was too small and with her knowledge we felt calm and prepared for what lay ahead. She enabled us to discuss aspects of the birth which we may have overlooked and provided a much needed listening ear as the weeks building up to the birth unfolded. As an IVF pregnancy there was a lot of pressure on us to agree to an induction. We knew we didn’t want this and with Terri’s support we were able to question the protocol and statistics being throw at us by numerous consultants. The knowledge we gained from the course along with having Terri in our corner as our doula was invaluable - our birth would have been completely different had we not known our stuff and bowed to the pressure to induce our baby just hours before he decided to arrive naturally with no intervention whatsoever. Our birth began unexpectedly and a bit (under statement) quicker than we had anticipated. By the time anyone realised I was in labour I was 9cm. Luckily, I was at the hospital as I had been kept in for a light bleed that night. Terri arrived swiftly, breezing into the delivery suite like a bad ass Mary Poppins. I immediately felt calm. Nowhere on our birth plan had we envisaged being in the delivery suite, I hadn’t even thought about it as we had planned water birth or C-section, but once Terri arrived none of that mattered and our old plans melted away. Emma set the room up with essential oils, crystals, music etc and created as much of our planned birth environment as she could in the brief moments we had to spare.

Having Terri there throughout the birth was wonderful. She picked her moments perfectly to quietly reassured me and her voice interwove my thoughts in the moments between surges. She explained what was happening in the room and to my body - being our first baby we really needed this in order to stay calm and know everything was as it should be. She was there, beside us, yet almost invisible, allowing my partner and I to be present in the moment together. Terri being there allowed Emma to completely focus on what I needed instead of having to listen to other conversations and hustle and bustle in the room. Both Emma and I were so confident that Terri knew our wishes and could feel her holding the space for us to experience this special once in a lifetime moment.

Terri’s support didn’t end when our son arrived. She was right there to offer latching help, answer any questions we had, explain hospital protocol and she continued to hold the space to ensure we had time to meet our baby in a calm and magical way during those all important first hours after birth. Would I have a doula again? Absolutely! Was my birth a positive experience? A resounding yes! Do I think that’s down to HypnoBirthing and Terri! I 100% do!

Both my partner and I cannot thank Terri enough for her part in our positive birthing story. We feel incredibly lucky to have had her by our side to guide us through the minefield that is being a first time parent. Calmly empowering you to believe in your own ability, even at the moment you may doubt it most - that is the true gift of an amazing doula and you don’t get more amazing than Terri." Lisa and Emma

 

"What having my doula meant to me - Freedom- peace- security-empowerment-trusting my own body. These are just a few words which spring to mind when thinking about what having a doula meant to me. My doula Terri I call my angel. Her knowledge and support meant I found the courage to believe in myself and my body- to have a vaginal birth and not be scared or coerced or bullied by the ‘system’. (There was a lot of pressure!) I embraced my ‘slow cooker’, my previous c-section scars and my PTSD because my Doula embraced me. My doula gave me and my husband strength by carrying our grief and stress for us. I could call her anytime to talk, to cry, to seek comfort, to find my voice and sound-board ideas off. 

During my extremely long latent labour and birth Terri was unwavering in her ‘Doulaing’. She massaged, stroked, fed and watered me- Terri made me feel like the most important woman in the world and that nothing and no one would take my healing birth from me. She believed in me completely. My husband turned to her for reassurance and I leant on her when exhausted. I laid myself bare in birth, in person and in soul... and my doula was just reassuringly there ,so calm, so natural, just meant to be." Anna and Olly

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"Having you as my doula meant I felt supported through the lead up to my birth and gave me increased confidence in having another home birth (after I was transferred to hospital via ambulance after my first birth at home). 

The actuality of having you as my doula meant I felt fully nurtured throughout my labour and the time after. You knew what I needed without me asking for it and the care you gave me post birth to help me get showered and changed and fed and watered will always stay with me. I also really appreciate your reassurance when Etta didn’t feed immediately; you could tell that I was starting to worry ( a hang up from my previous experience of breastfeeding with my first child) and looked at me and said that it didn’t matter and she would do it in her own time - you were right and we haven’t looked back! 3 words:, Supported, Nurtured, Warrior (you made me believe I am one!)" Holly and Tom

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"I want to thank you Terri, for being our angel, you flew in and spread your peace and love and held us all in your protected, safe cocoon. I have such a fond memory of Terri's presence at my birth. When I say angelic, I really mean it in the sense of a magical peace maker (not religious). It’s like we became ancestor sisters, and to have a woman there I think made me feel even stronger. Terri reminded Otto, Chris and I that we are humans. That we can breathe. That meditation is powerful. That believing in one’s self is the one and only strength we will ever need. She is right." Olivia and Chris

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"Having a doula with me was like having a best friend who was also a birth expert; teaching me, having my back, helping me with decisions and moral support and taking the pressure off my husband so that he could be there for me without feeling out of his depth, throughout the birth. I'm a nurse and frequently work in delivery suite, and I would never have a baby without a doula. I tell every pregnant woman to consider it. Still so very grateful Terri, you are a very special person to us." Arwen and Rob

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"Everything changed when we enrolled onto Terri‘s hypnobirthing course and booked her as our Doula. I learned about my rights, gained confidence and felt empowered by the huge amount of pregnancy and birth related knowledge. Terri provided us with knowledge that is transferable in so many aspects of life and helps you to re-evaluate things from different angles. And not to mention the impact that an empowering positive birth experience can have on your mental well-being. I was hesitant about the financial aspect, but now I believe she is not charging enough! Terri also supported us emotionally throughout the pregnancy and afterwards. She does have an incredible in-depth knowledge about pregnancy and birth related matters - I called her the human dictionary as there was never a question she couldn’t answer! She was always on the other end of the phone when needed. Always real, authentic and honest. And I remember how she was driving on high speed to keep up with our car when driving to the hospital whilst in active Labour. She does really care and I am grateful for what this lady did for us! I would recommend her service to anyone without hesitation!" Kris and Kev

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"Thank you for going above and beyond, for genuinely caring about me, my baby and our birth experience, and providing love and support to my whole family. You have clearly answered your calling and you are great at it. Love forever - Michie, Tom, Dallas, Mason and Seth."

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"Terri you are an absolute star and I can only just begin to express the support that you have given me not just during the birth process but throughout my pregnancy. It wasn't straightforward, as I was going for a home Vba2c ( Home vaginal birth after 2 cesareans) and would be doing it against standard consultant recommendations, but together we did it. Your unending faith in me was absolutely key, from accompanying me to tricky consultant appointments to encouraging me when i doubted myself
Just as key was hypnobirthing, especially in helping me stay extremely calm and to conserve my energy throughout a very long night of latent labour.
Terri was there, pulled the all nighter , followed and supported my birth plan, massaged me, encouraged me, held me, believed in me. She was also a pillar for my mum and my partner especially during the tricky bits when they were struggling to hold their nerve. We love you ! welcome to the family and welcome to our hearts ." Micheline and Tom

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"The first word that springs to mind of what having a doula meant to me is “safe”. I just knew everything would be ok with you by my side. I also felt completely supported, you helped to make sure that my wishes were listened to. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for you there’s a good chance I would have had a c-section. Which I really didn’t want! You also increased my confidence, you gave me constant reminders that not only I could deal with my ridiculously long labour but my body was designed to do it. I really believe that if it wasn't for having you as my doula with Bertie then the whole experience could very possibly have turned into a traumatic and scary one as the birth moved further and further away from the natural one I planned and prepared for and so desperately wanted. You kept me calm and empowered me to not only cope but in fact I look back and see it as a very positive experience. We will be forever grateful to you." Lucy and Tom

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"The birth of my second son was beautifully calm and supported I am forever grateful for the information, support and nurturing I got from Terri as our Hypnobirthing instructor and Doula. Every woman needs the support of a Doula, they are worth their weight in gold!  Terri was there for me and my husband every step of the way and truly made our birth experience what it was.  My husband is as grateful as I was to have her with us and felt we were truly lucky to have met her.  He was able to take care of our son and the things I needed him to do knowing I was in great care and not feeling the pressure to be everywhere at once which kept him calm thus keeping me calm.  I also really appreciated the nurturing gentleness of having another women supporting me and cheering me on.  She was very discreet too! Taking pictures throughout and I didn’t notice one single picture! Until she sent me an amazing video of them a few days later which was a beautiful surprise.  I would recommend everyone able to have Terri’s support do because it is invaluable." Adrienne and Justin

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"We originally booked a private Hypnobirthing course with Terri. After the first session, I felt very safe and secure in Terri’s company and was able to open up to her about my anxieties and fear. Terri was kind, positive and non judgemental and my husband and I were completely assured that our decision to start hypnobirthing, particularly with Terri was a great decision.

My husband and I felt so confident and empowered in Terri’s presence that we decided to ask her to be our Doula.

On our estimated due date, my waters broke and within a few hours we contacted Terri to come out. She came to our home and helped enormously. She provided reassurance and positive affirmations to me as I slowly made my way out the house and provided support to my husband through the practicalities of getting to the hospital.

Terri was well versed in recognising the stages of labour and once at the Birth Centre quickly realised my baby was ready to be born. Using her kind, positive and supportive approach, Terri empowered me to give birth to my little girl within five minutes of arriving. 

The whole experience was so positive, I had given birth to my little girl without intervention and without pain relief. Resultantly, I was able to enjoy the first few hours of my daughters life with a real buzz.

I still think about the birth often, of how proud I am of myself, of how I would do it all again tomorrow and of how I wouldn’t have had the confidence without the amazing service we received from Terri. She will always have a special place in our hearts and I couldn’t recommend her enough."

Kirsty and Jack

References-* Brigstocke S. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 24, no 2, 2014, pp 157-160† Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5