What’s a Doula?
A doula ‘mothers the mother’ and provides ongoing physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to the birthing couple during the birth and the immediate post birth period. A doula usually meets with the couple at least once or twice before the birth to get to know you a little. Seeing a familiar face in the labour room can be a huge comfort.
I also provide an extensive post natal service, offering support in the way of perhaps cooking a meal, taking the baby for a walk so Mum can have a sleep, putting on a load of washing or doing the vacuuming, offering breast feeding support and so on.
Why Hire a Doula?
Some of the benefits of employing a doula:
- Up to a 50% reduction in caesarean rate
- Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth
- Reduced desire for pain medication.
- 40% reduced use of Pitocin (a uterine stimulant, similar to Syntocinin which is more commonly used in Australia)
- Fewer episiotomies
- Duration of labor is reduced
- Reduced assisted delivery (use of forceps and vacuum extraction)
- Reduced chances for health complications and hospitalisations for baby
- Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection
- Increased chances of successful breastfeeding
- Reduced incidence of postpartum depression
- Reduced levels of anxiety during labour
- Better mother-infant interaction
- Increased confidence in ability to birth naturally
- Increased confidence in ability as to mother
- More positive birth experience for mother and partner
Special Delivery Services
My fees vary, depending on the level of service you require or desire in the pre and post natal period. Some general packages are as follows, though a package can be personally tailored to suit your needs and financial situation.
Special Delivery Doula Service
Initial consultation
2 prenatal visits
Assistance with a Birthing Preferences Plan
Continuous attendance at your birth
2 post natal visits
$750
Special Delivery Doula and Yoga Service
Initial consultation
2 prenatal visits
Assistance with a Birthing Preferences Plan
10 group Yoga in Pregnancy classes
3 one on one Preparing for Birth With Yoga sessions
Continuous attendance at your birth
2 post natal visits
$950
Special Delivery-The Works
3 prenatal visits
Assistance with a Birthing Preferences Plan
10 group Yoga in Pregnancy classes
5 one on one Preparing for Birth With Yoga sessions
Continuous attendance at your birth
10 1hr post natal visits including home or child help
$1650
One on One Yoga and Post Natal Visits
3 hours for $180
5 hours for $250
10 hours for $450
A $250 deposit is required to retain my services and book your place on my calendar.
These prices are based on clients within a 40km radius from Lilydale. I am happy to provide services to those outside this area at additional cost to cover travel expenses.