There is a misconception that many parents have – doulas only support ‘natural births’, or homebirths. I hear surprise when I say I was supporting my client recently at a Belfast hospital. “Oh,” they say, ” I didn’t know doulas support hospital births!”
Let me say this clearly: “I support YOU, irrespective of your birth choices.” Whether you’re planning on having an epidural, have scheduled a caesarean section, or you’re still figuring it all out, I’ll walk beside you, respecting your choices.
Birth is not a test you can fail
Birth is probably one of the most powerful, life-changing events of your life. This is no one else’s birth but yours. You only get one chance to birth this baby. There is no right or wrong way to bring your baby into this world, only the way that feels safest and right for your needs in that moment. Whether you have a natural birth, induced, medicated, or surgical birth, I will be there for it all.
Some of my clients birth gently and quietly in a candle-lit room with no interventions. Others, roar their baby out in power, knowing that their induction was the right choice for them. Some have had to make unexpected and difficult decisions mid-labour due to unforeseen situations. In every case my role is constant: to hold space, offer comfort and remind you of your strength and intuition – no matter how your birth unfolds.
Trusting you each step
I believe deeply that your body knows. There is a deep wisdom, and a God given, maternal instinct gifted to women. It starts off small but grows as we trust and nurture it. It’s often squelched through the stories we hear, the belief that doctors and midwives know best, and the tangible fear evident in the birth spaces.
As your doula, I help you prepare for the birth YOU want, and any curveballs that may arise. Of course, like every other person, I have my own biases and beliefs, but they should be irrelevant in my service to you. My focus is on your values, your vision, and your voice.
I’ll be the voice in your ear that says, “You’re doing this perfectly!” when doubt creeps in. I’ll help you understand options in the moment. I will breathe with you, hold your hand, or simply be a calming presence. Relying on my intuition, I will give you whatever you need, before you even know you need it. Because when you’re in the right environment – where you feel safe, seen, and trusted, that’s what makes a positive birth experience, regardless of the outcome.
You deserve support that honours your choices. You deserve to feel safe and strong. But most of all, you deserve to know:
You are not doing this wrong.
You are walking the road to meeting your baby bravely. And you don’t need to do it alone.
Birth can feel safe - Even when it's hard
When you are in the right environment, when you feel safe and heard, when the people supporting you trust you, these are key to having a positive birth experience. No matter if your birth was ‘natural’ or not.
You deserve support where you feel safe, secure, trusted, and loved, no matter what your birth plan is, and no matter how you give birth. AND, you deserve to be reminded that you are not doing this wrong. You are navigating the road of having your baby in your arms bravely.
Doulas and hospital births
Despite the rising number of homebirths, the majority of births happen in hospitals. Focusing ONLY on homebirths is, number one, a poor business decision, and, number two, is that women birthing in the hospital need more support than being at home. We can see that our NHS and maternity system are under a great deal of strain. There is a shortage of midwives, funding is limited, and women are not receiving the gold standard of care that they should be. (Read how to advocate for yourself in the NHS maternity system HERE)
With 1 in 3 women having a traumatic birth experience, preparation is key to understanding all your choices with the benefits and risks. As a birth doula, I have the time and firsthand knowledge to give to you.
Will a Doula Judge Me if I Choose Pain Relief?
I don’t care if you want to use pain medication AND have an epidural! If you want to birth in a forest by a lake, I’m gonna support you there too! What I care about is that you are well informed about your options, the risks and benefits of each pain relief option, and any alternatives that may work for you. I’m sure you know that an epidural is the most effective pain relief available. However, did you know that full water immersion is the next best option? These are the little golden nuggets that I bring in supporting you. So whatever is on your chosen birth plan, I’m going to respect your decisions, and walk with you each step of the way.
Every Birth is Valid
Like I said earlier, when your birth environment is right, when you feel heard and safe and supported, birth outcomes are generally positive, irrespective of whether you had an induction, all the pain medication or had a caesarean. You brought your baby into this world! That is a HUGE accomplishment and worthy of being celebrated. You deserve to be supported and held with love, respect and dignity, no matter what you plan for your birth. Every birth needs to have a doula…in my humble opinion!
Next step....
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P.S: Your Freebie
Just a little P.S. Scroll on down a little further on the page to grab my 10-page Advocacy Cheat Sheet.
Inside you will find:
- 5 gentle ways to say no
- Key questions to ask
- Quick reminder of your rights
- Tips for your birth partner
Grab it now, thank me later! It’ll be sent straight to your inbox.
