Have you heard of a Doula?

They are very popular in the UK, the States, and Australia, and definitely growing in popularity and understanding of importance here in Aotearoa.

A birth doula is a trained professional, hired by the family to provide research-based education, emotional, spiritual and physical support and guidance to the birthing māmā and her partner.

Just saying ‘trust in your body and release your fears’ to somebody who has no clue about birth or previous trauma surrounding birth isn’t going to work, how can you trust what’s happening if you don’t know what’s happening.

When you hire a doula you are getting someone who will be with you from the beginning to the end of your birth. She will advocate for you, help you have a voice and be that person that will help keep you calm, reassured and protected in your birthing space.

I became a doula because I had amazing birth experiences myself and that has empowered me to help other women try and have a birth they feel good about. How a women’s child birthing experience goes can have an effect on her whole approach to how motherhood begins. My goal is to enable women to have a confident and positive birth experience and beginning of their motherhood journey.

You think that sounds good!? There’s more….

A Postpartum doula, is there to help you and your partner settle in as new parents or with your new baby in your existing family. This professional support can include help with breastfeeding, sleeping and help answering the should I, shouldn’t I questions we all have as parents (that you definitely shouldn’t google the answers to) It also includes help with holding baby so parents can sleep or take a break, and entertaining the older children so you get some guilt free quiet bonding time with the baby and so much more.

If you are thinking of having a baby, are pregnant or know someone who is, I encourage you to look into hiring a doula. There are many of us throughout New Zealand who are all passionate about caring for women during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. You are not alone!

Take away tips for goddess mothers . . . 

- Build a healthy relationship with your body and its capabilities

- Don’t listen to peoples bad birth stories, its not your job, just because you’re pregnant.

Take away tips for super dad . . .  

- Learn about the importance of oxytocin and protect it with your life

- Don’t say a word. If she is focused and not talking to you, don’t ask her                    questions

Joelene is the wonderful lady behind Beautiful Birth and Beyond Doula Services, offering birth and postpartum doula support to women in the Thames area. 

Visit her website here - https://www.beautifulbirthandbeyond.co.nz

Or connect with her on social media on Facebook or Instagram