Birth Doula services in Essex, Cambs, Herts and Suffolk
What is a Doula?
I like to describe a doula as "a guardian of normal birth". A doula is a non- medically qualified woman who has herself experienced the ease and joys of natural childbirth, she views childbirth as normal, not a disease or sickness or something that a woman needs artificial help to achieve. A doula believes in a woman's own innate ability to birth her own baby, she doesn't so much support the birthing mother (as that would indicate that a woman needs more than her own wonderful body to birth her baby) rather she ensures that the woman can feel as at ease and undisturbed as possible so that the amazing act of childbirth can be, free from outside influences and therefore as easy and as safe as possible.
The word doula (pronounced doo-la) comes from Greek, and refers to “a woman of service” or even “slave”!
So what exactly does a doula do?
As I mentioned above a doula's primary role is to guard the environment of the birthing mother. We make sure that the mother feels comfortable (this might involve keeping her cooler or warmer, it might involve helping her into a relaxing bath and massaging her if she likes to be touched), that she feels as unobserved as possible (so we may help to keep the dad calm and occupied and make sure that medical staff aren't staring at her!) and that she feels as free of fear as possible (which is where our own wonderful experiences of normal birth come in, we are confident in the amazing ability a birthing mother's body has to birth her baby easily and safely). You may want your doula to hold your hand every step of the way or you may prefer your doula to sit quietly in the corner reading a book - her mere presence being a comfort to you, the key is we work with you to provide the exact environment that suits you best.
Research shows that women who choose to have a doula present at their birth experience a dramatically decreased chance of needing an epidural or caesarean whilst also significantly reducing the length of their labour.
Won't it be weird sharing something so intimate with somebody I don't really know?
As your doula I will meet with you antenatally at least three times and will provide continuous email and phone support in the run up to the birth, however much you need – I'll be there on the end of the telephone or PC keyboard! I find that I get to know my clients really well and by the time the birth day comes they are really pleased to see a comforting, known face!
So why can't the dad do all of that then?
Some might say that the role of the baby's father and a doula are quite similar, but the differences are crucial. The father or partner may be able to provide continuous support, but typically has little actual experience in dealing with the often-subtle forces of the labour process and like a doula has, he hasn't experienced being in labour himself. Even more importantly, many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and find it hard to be objective in such a situation. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate more actively during labour with the presence of a doula than without one.
Will I see you after the birth?
I will stay with you for around 2hrs after the after the birth to ensure that you are settling in well as a new family. If you are having a hospital birth I will usually leave when you are moved onto the postnatal ward and at a homebirth I usually leave after doing a bit of tidying and washing up leaving you either tucked up on the sofa or in bed with a cup of tea or some toast
! I provide one postnatal visit, between two days and a week after the birth usually, to ensure you are settling in well as a new family. As before, I am still contactable by phone or email in the interim. I can help with offering families evidence-based information and support on breastfeeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, mother-baby bonding, general babycare and coping skills for new parents.
Is there any evidence to show having a doula helps?
Yes absolutely!
According to recent studies, women supported by doulas benefit by experiencing shorter labours and lower rates of epidural anesthesia and caesarean section deliveries. Also, a smaller percentage of their newborns experience distress and/or are admitted to neonatal intensive care units.
Why did you chose to be a doula?
First and foremost I am a mum to four children. My first baby was born in 2002, a planned homebirth that resulted in an ambulance transfer to hospital to speed up my labour and for more pain relief. Oh how I wish I had had a doula at that birth!
In 2003 I gave birth to my second baby after being induced in hospital due to pre-eclampsia. After a fast and furious labour my little boy was born covered in meconium into a room filled with peadiatricians waiting to whisk him off. Again I had an epidural and my disappointment in my births grew. I experienced bonding and breastfeeding problems and post natal depression as a result of “birth trauma”.
In 2005, I gave birth to my 3rd little boy – third time lucky – I had a wonderfully cathartic home waterbirth, my 11lb 3oz son was born into my own hands in a pool in my living room after no medical intervention or pain relief. I felt reborn, my demons from my two traumatic births finally exorcised. My third son was followed by my first daughter, born in April 2007, again at home in water in my living room. She was 11lb 1oz and again I didn't need any help or pain relief to birth her. These two births left me feeling empowered, strong and alive. I bonded quickly and easily and am still breastfeeding to this day.
I wish so much for other women to experience birth as I did with my last two children and not the traumatic experience I did with my first two – to experience the birth of their dreams and not of their nightmares. I firmly believe having a doula present at the birth goes a long way to achieving this.
What training do you have?
In 2007 I undertook my doula training with Michel Odent – the world famous French Obstetrician with Paramanadoula training in London and in 2009 undertook further training with Developing Doulas in Norfolk.
Since then I have also qualified as a first aider and hold a current first aid certificate. On top of this I am a qualified HypnoBirthing teacher, Founder of www.babycalm.co.uk and a Women and Children's Homeopath.
I am also a member of Doula UK (www.doula.org.uk) the UK's largest registering body for doulas. I hold full recognition status with Doula UK and hold a current CRB check and a full driving licence.
How much do you charge?
Initial Meeting:
Free of charge if held in Saffron Walden
£25 if held in your own home.
Full Birth Doula Package £600
This includes:
-Two antenatal meetings
-Unlimited support via telephone and email from booking until 1month after the birth.
-Being "On call" for you between 38 and 42wks of pregnancy.
-Attendance at your birth, for however long it takes!
-One postnatal visit.
-£50 reduction on any BirthFriendly HypnoBirthing course
A 50% deposit is payable upon booking BirthFriendly doula services which covers the antenatal visits, telephone and email support and the four week on call period. The remaining 50% is payable within 7 days of the birth and covers attendance at the birth and the postnatal visit.
Return mileage is chargeable at 50 pence per mile over 15 miles from Saffron Walden
I am happy to accept payment via Doula UK gift vouchers, these make a wonderful gift from friends and family. For more information see: http://www.doula.org.uk/utilities/duk/dukVoucher.asp
Which areas do you cover?
I work within a 30 mile radius of Saffron Walden, North Essex.
This includes Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Braintree, Cambridge, Dunmow, Halstead, Harlow, Haverhill, Hertford, Letchworth, Linton, Newmarket, Royston, Sawston, Stansted, Saffron Walden and Ware.
Past Client Testimonials.
Full references are available on request
"Hey Sarah, I can't get over how normal I have felt today! I felt like a total space cadet for about a week after Sam was born, and today I have felt so well, I even went to pick Sam up from Nursery!
It all seems a bit of a blur, but I am so pleased that we were at home too (although I think we would have had a homebirth even if it wasn't planned!) and that I didn't need stitches! Bathroom was fantastic, thank you so much, you never would have guessed that all that went on when we woke this morning!
I am really glad that you were there. When I called I really thought that I had a good few hours left to go! I think the hypnobirthing may have worked a bit too well!! I have to say delivering my own baby has got to be the most amazing thing I have ever done! (and am likely to do), I just remember standing up and feeling her head, then it is a real blur and then I was sitting on the floor with her in my arms!
Anyway thank you so much for helping to make it such a special experience.
Kerry xx"Kerry, Harlow, Essex, September 2010
Kerry had a super speedy labour and ended up "catching" her own baby in her bathroom – just 2 minutes after she spoke to a midwife on the telephone and told her "not to rush, I'm doing fine", hence the bathroom comment above. She is one amazing mumma and I was honoured to be a part of their birthing!
"Hello!
We all wanted to say a big thank you for everything during the birth of Elias. It was all a bit mad when you left this morning but you know how much we appreciate everything.Elias is feeding well and is recovering from his journey. Amelie is still mystified but did well today with her new brother. Deb slept a bit and is super happy as I of course. It was quite a night! Hope everything was under control when you got home and speak soon.
Love from all 4! Of us xo "
Jonathan, Newport, Essex. September 2010I was honoured to be booked again by Deborah and Jonathan for Elias' birth, having been their doula for the birth of Amelie in 2009, it's always so special sharing in the birth of a new baby, but even moreso when you really know the family!
"Thank you so much for all support that made Ruben's delivery so perfect in it's own way! I am so extremely happy that I found the two of you and the Hypno Birthing course! After all the fear I had for a second delivery.... it worked out exactly as I wanted.... A natural delivery, no painkillers, at home with wise people around me (or on a distance Sam! and with us in hospital afterwards!) to support me. Having a great doula next to my bed supporting me in doing it just as I thought it had to go or actually as my body and baby were telling me to do; next to the support in breathing techniques was just as I wanted it to be. The ambulance people were wonderfull and thanks to Sarah and your wonderful way of keeping the atmosphere 'natural', Ruben was born safe and extremely quick! I thought beforehand that a 5 hour delivery would be great; didn't think too much beforehand of a full delivery from feeling a little squeeze that could be something till a new baby on my body in three hours (although I thought that those stories of very quick deliveries sounded tempting to me).
Ruben is a very strong and content baby.
Many thanks!
Ronald and Annette"July 2010, Birchanger, Nr. Stansted, Essex
Annette had a very speedy unplanned homebirth, we didn't quite make it to the Rosie hospital in time, but the paramedics we had were great and the new family were overjoyed with their experience. I shared Annette's care with another fantastic local doula called Sam, something that doulas do when they have commitments that mean they cannot be on call for a whole 4wk period.
"I have found Sarah's own birth experiences combined with her scientific knowledge and holistic approach to birth invaluable in my confidence of her as the perfect pregnancy and birthing companion. She is not only profoundly well read in this field but is compassionate and above all has 4 personal birth experiences of her own to draw invaluable knowledge from not to mention the numerous experiences of those she has supported through pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond. I find there is not a question she is not able to help me answer and no end to the lengths she will go to in assisting me with research, statistics and other information gathering exercises that I have felt important for my pregnancy not to mention attending hospital appointments with me. Fantastic for deciphering 'medical speak'.She is passionate about pregnancy and birth and respectful of a birthing mothers privacy and needs during labour that I feel completely relaxed and reassured about her being at the birth of my second child. "
Jo, Stansted - Essex - January 2009
**UPDATE** Jo's baby was born on the 26th of Feb 2009. A wonderful VBAC (Vaginal birth after caesarean). This is her story:"I have to say I really wouldn't have done it without the support of the two most amazing birth partners (and partners in Haribo crime) Jason and Sarah. Apologies to Sarah for the state of your hands, I think I squeezed quite hard. You were blooming fantastic :)
Anyway, yes Lanah arrived at home on the bedroom floor Thurs morning 9lb 10oz and it was truly the most magical and surreal experience of my life. Hugely satisfying and rather monumental for me after having a previous c-section with Henry.
I didn't make it to the hospital as after returning from a reflexology session I felt some twinges and headed for the bath. That was around 6ish I think. The time in between to her arrival at 00.53 is all a little blurred but basically dragged Sarah from a HypnoBirthing session, my mother from my Dad's own birthday celebration, a young midwife from her slippers and Jason from his plans of a chilled night in front of the TV with a glass of wine.
Sarah captured a rather magical moment which I will be eternally grateful to her for along with her truly wonderful support during the event. I will be waxing lyrical about that in far more detail in a testimonial if you wish to read more but in the mean time, if you know anyone who's having a baby then having Sarah at the birth is as essential as snow on a ski holiday."
“Sarah was a constant help, with gentle suggestions and negotiation with midwives and hospital staff. She also supported my partner, giving him someone to talk through the issues that arose.”Suzie, Bishops Stortford – Herts – August 2008
"My husband and I would highly recommend Sarah Ockwell-Smith as a birth doula and postnatal doula. From our first meeting, we found her to be warm, extremely well-informed, confident and confidence inspiring. We truly believe that Sarah enabled us to have the birth we really wanted (in our case, at home and without any drugs) for our first baby despite a fairly difficult labour. It wouldn't have been possible without her deep knowledge base, relaxation techniques and calm manner.
I spent the first 36 hours relaxed and calm despite an obviously slow labour as our daughter was in a posterior position. Sarah then came over and worked in partnership with my husband during active labour to give the support needed to continue with a natural birth. Her support and encouragement helped my husband to be the best birth partner possible and gave us both confidence as labour went on. She also worked well with midwives to always ensure that both the baby's and my health were the top priority as the birth progressed. After 48 hours and the fantastic support of Sarah and my husband working together, our beautiful daughter Amelie was born!
While it was far from a straightforward birth, I am sure that if I had not had the additional support of Sarah that we would have ended up in hospital with a c-section. Instead, we were cuddled up in bed with Amelie within hours of the birth and she is a very relaxed baby.
Sarah was constantly available before and after the birth for any questions no matter how big or small. It was a great reassurance to have a friendly voice at the end of the phone or on email for the many queries that arose. She also provided invaluable support for us after the birth by helping us as a postnatal doula on several occasions in the weeks following the birth.
We truly cannot imagine our birth without Sarah's support and she will get the first call when we find out the next one is due to make sure she is free!!!"
Deborah, Bishops Stortford - Herts, April 2009
"My second birth experience – much better than my first!Following a rather traumatic first birth I finally thought all would be okay and got pregnant again after 8 years!. At about 32 weeks a visit to my consultant had me in tears and all the old fears came back so I looked for some support and a doula.
Finding Sarah’s website was so very reassuring as I could really relate to her experiences and meeting her made me much happier about the whole thing. Initially I wanted her support at a hospital birth - so the medical staff would listen to me. However we later decided on a home - water birth!! My friends wondered if I was the same person when I told them! - it was such a change for me as I am a major worrier!!. It was the understanding Sarah gave us of the actual physical birth experience and applying that to my sons birth that gave us the confidence that I could do it this time without intervention if all went well - but knowing when to ask for help if needed.
I asked the birthing unit for their help in a home birth and they were very supportive as long as I listened to the midwives and if any concerns went to hospital which I agreed to. In the end I went 16 days overdue and it was Sarah’s support that reassured me and my husband to check with the medical staff that our baby was okay and to then ask for daily monitoring - and to hold out for it to start naturally………..finally it did!
I had our gorgeous baby girl Cally, at home in the birth pool on the 10th May 2008!! She is so wonderful and we all, including her older brother Ethan, dote on her. She is a calm, content child who loves cuddles and we do believe that the natural birth experience has given her a great start and made her the baby she is.
My labour proper was approx 7 hours - it started and I was so calm for ages my husband could not tell when my contractions were. Unfortunately I slowed down in the middle and agreed to having my waters broken as I did not want to go to hospital. That part was uncomfortable so I then had some gas and air and delivered her a few hours later.
Sarah was so reassuring for both me and my husband throughout the whole experience which helped us stay calm and in control. Being at home during and post the birth was a wonderful experience for me as I was so much more relaxed being in my own surroundings – it definitely helped.
We would highly recommend Sarah in particular and the doula experience as it changed our lives (so much so we are considering no 3!!). For anyone reading this if I can do it, you can most definitely!"
Tracy – Mayland, Essex - May 2008
"After doing the hypno-birthing course with Sarah, we decided the birth of our son Hunter would be a homebirth with Sarah acting as doula for us.Due to a non birth related problem that arose in the final week of my pregnancy, a c-section was performed soon after my waters broke. The birth was obviously as far from our 'birth plan' as could be and although Sarah then couldn't be at my birth, her total support in the last week of my pregnancy was incomparable. She was in constant communication with me...at least five emails a day when I was particularly worried! Sarah helped me find the positive information I needed to make informed choices, giving my partner Camille and I something other than fear to digest!
We were on the phone to Sarah as soon as my waters broke and Camille continued to talk on the phone with Sarah when we reached the maternity unit until we went to theatre. Sarah gave us the help that no family member, friend or healthcare professional could/had provided us with in our circumstances and we consider her role in Hunter's birth as paramount - before and after.
If there is a 'next time', we hope Sarah will be around to help us!"
Simone - Saffron Walden, Essex - January 2008
"We really can't thank you enough - so much of our confidence and knowledge has been built up over the past 6 months with your help and guidance. It was a huge, huge support having you with us during the birth. I am glad we had your support and expertise, and experience, and I am glad you nurtured my own confidence and my voice through the last few months, as I was able to be strong and I was able to focus when I needed to most, and look how well it all turned out. “N, Hertfordshire - September 2008
“I have nothing but praise for Sarah's services as a Doula and for the hypno-birthing course. Having a doula meant I didn't have to worry about my husband at the birth, in fact he was a fantastic support and felt far more confident due to Sarah's presence. Sarah was a great sounding board before, during and after the birth.Adele was two weeks late and I was feeling pressured into an induction at my local hospital (which wasn't my hospital of choice!), Sarah supported me in getting the birth as close as possible to my ideal while being realistic to my situation. When I am (hopefully) pregnant again, Sarah will be one of the first people I call to book her doula services.
Alison, Essex. August 2008