We get to know each other and get familiarized with medical and childbirth history.
Debrief any previous birth experiences
Discussion how pregnancy is going so far and any feelings or discomfort the parent may have.
Discuss emotional aspects of pregnancy and practice any exercises or remedies to relieve pregnancy discomfort.
Go over examples of birth plans and interactive birth plan worksheet.
Discuss all birthing options and client's hopes, dreams, fears and desires about the upcoming birth.
Discuss the stages of labour and go over all options available.
Provide resources available in the community (pregnancy massage, mother's group,
Breastfeeding, childbirth classes) for the mother
Provide videos, books, magazines from my lending library.
Help with any research or information the couple may need.
Listen to the parents desires for childbirth.
Encourage parents to share desires for the birth with each other.
1st Hypnosis session
Understanding the basics of hypnosis
Understanding the Fear Tension Syndrome and how it affects labour
Visualisation and birth affirmations
2nd Hypnosis session
Self hypnosis techniques
Prenatal Bonding techniques
Relaxation and visualization
Personalized Relaxation CD based on parents birth plan and visualizations
2nd Antenatal Meeting :
Compose and finalize birth plan.
Discuss all possible circumstances that can occur during birth that deviate from the birth plan and what the parents preferences are.
Understand the process of informed consent as it applies to your birth.
Review of any questions regarding pregnancy, pre-labour or the first stage of labour.
Discuss in detail physical comfort measures that client would like to try. (Breathing, Relaxation, Massage, Water, Focusing, Mental Activity, Positions and Movement, Aromatherapy, Acupressure, Encouragement, Contraction Rituals, Distraction, Vocalization, Hot/Cold, Backache Relief)
Hands on practice of comfort measures including use of the birth ball and labour and birth positions.
Review positions for second stage and breathing baby down.
Discuss how you would like your birth environment and any specific rituals and meaningful things you would like to do to welcome your baby.
Review any questions from antenatal classes.
Discuss the third stage of labour, the post-birth period, newborn procedures and breastfeeding preferences.
Unlimited telephone/email contact
On call starting 2 weeks before estimated date of delivery - 24 hours a day.
Labour and Birth:
Available to answer any questions about pre-labour and the start of actual labour.
Telephone support until the couple wishes for me to join them in labour
Continuous support as soon as you need me, even at your home.
Help making the transition to your birthplace as smooth as possible.
Help facilitate communication between staff and couple if necessary.
Explanation of interventions
Continuous emotional and physical support until after the birth of the baby including such things as: body massage, foot and hand massage, aromatherapy, use of showers, visualization, guided imagery, reassurance, information about labour and birth and what to expect; various position changes to help with labour progress, e.g.. back labour; counter pressure techniques, the use of hot and cold packs.
Take special care to help your partner or other family members (as desired) so they can participate more fully in the birth experience. (i.e. make phone calls, go for food and water, call the nurse)
Doula will bring a birth bag of tools for massage and comfort measures.
I will always provide a back-up Doula, in the rare event of an emergency and I am unavailable
If desired, your Doula will take photographs or video of the labour and birth.
1st Postpartum Visit:
Doula will provide a birth story documenting your labour and your child's birth.
We will review the birth experience in detail.
Doula will answer any additional questions the Mother might have.
