FAQ
- What does Beneath the Boab mean?[+]Boab is a well known Australian bush flower essence intended to release us from negative family patterns. It is quite common for younger boab trees to form a circular pattern around the parent tree. Over time the smaller trees merge into the older one, symbolising family enmeshment. Our children come to us unblemished, wholesome and offer a new hope for the future of our species. For me Beneath the Boab is a reminder that we can take on the good from the past and leave behind that which doesn’t serve us, or our children.
- What is a doula?[+]A woman who serves is the ancient Greek definition for the word doula (doo-la). Throughout history, women with experience in birthing have always attended other women during their labour and births.
In current times a doula refers to a trained professional with experience in birth work; not in a medical role but as a person who understands the process of birth, both physically and emotionally.
My primary and very unique role is to provide a space in which the mother can feel confident and safe. A doula will stand by the mother no-matter how the birth journey unfolds and what decisions she makes. This can significantly help reduce fear and tension, creating a calmer and more settled environment.
A doula is constantly aware of the mother and her needs; emotionally, physically and practically. They help make the birth space the mothers’ own and strengthen her communication with other carers. - I’m not sure I need a doula, what can you actually do for me?[+]I feel the most valuable assistance available is the preparation we do well before labour begins. From our first meeting we begin a process of connecting and tuning in to what you want in your birthing field. We look at all available options and explore those that resonate with you.
Proven benefits of birth doula care are:•
Decreased medical intervention in labour•
Reduced need for caesarean by 50%•
Reduced need for forceps or vacuum extractor by 40%•
Reduced use of epidural requests by 60%•
Reduced use of synthetic oxytocin by 40%•
Reduced length of labour by 25%*6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:•
Less anxious and depressed•
Had more confidence with their baby•
More satisfied with their partner•
More likely to be breastfeeding** Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth. Klaus, MH, Kennell, JH & Klaus, PH 1993. - I want my partner to attend my birth, could I still benefit from a doula?[+]YES! A doula does not replace your partner’s role in the birth; it enhances it. A doula can provide essential support to dads, partners and other mothers regardless of whether or not it’s their first experience of birth.
Fathers & partners supported by doulas have reported feeling:•
More enthusiastic about their role and their contribution•
A sense of pride in understanding and fulfilling their role•
Independently supported in their process of becoming a parent•
A deeper sense of intimacy and empathy with their partner•
More bonded to their baby, sooner** Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth. Klaus, MH, Kennell, JH & Klaus, PH 1993. - I’m nearly 40 weeks. Is it too late to book in?[+]You can book anytime. However, to ensure my availability the more notice you can give me the better.
- What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?[+]Sometimes, the impression is that you do not need a doula if you have a midwife. However, a midwife and doula have distinctly separate roles in their support of your birth.
Birth doulas specialise in non-medical skills, and do not perform clinical tasks, or diagnose medical conditions. Midwives and obstetricians are responsible for your vital medical care. Doulas are trained to help with natural strategies to help you cope with labour and provide 100% continuity of care. We have no other patients to attend to and no policies to follow. We are just there for you. Midwives and doulas work well together and respect each other’s roles in supporting your birth. Doula’s are welcome in public and private hospitals and are seen as an integral part of a birth team. We are self-employed and therefore are hired by you, not the hospital. This means on every level I am wholeheartedly bound to your wishes alone and am happy to advocate for you if necessary. - Will a doula make decisions for me?[+]I do not make decisions for my clients. My goal is to provide you with the support and information you need to help you have a safe and satisfying birth as YOU define it. A doula doesn’t speak for you but rather helps you find and nurture your own voice.
- Do you only support natural births?[+]I support and respect any kind of birth a mother chooses, and will stand by her no matter what course the birth takes. It’s my aim to help women feel supported and informed so no matter what might take place, she is confident in herself and empowered to make a conscious decision. I am happy to assist caesarian births and help mothers taking this path to ensure the gentlest start possible. All birth is a sacred event no matter how it unfolds.
- Do you attend elective caesarian births?[+]Yes! An elective caesarian is no less a birth. It’s still a path with intense emotions, choices to be made and support needed. I don’t feel a caesarian is an easy option; it’s simply a different path with its own benefits and challenges. I can offer support by staying with you every step of the way and give assistance for optimal bonding, breastfeeding and healing.
- Do you attend births at home?[+]I attend births anywhere, home, hospital, igloo! I gave birth to two of my children at home and found it to be a wonderful experience. I offer a discount to women planning to birth with an independent midwife in recognition of the added expense this requires. Those midwives earn every penny too. I believe you can have the birth you want anywhere! The most important thing is to find the place that YOU feel the most comfortable.
- Do you attend births with private obstetricians?[+]Yes! I 100% support you in whatever care you choose and feel most comfortable with.
- Where does the idea of a blessing way come from?[+]Blessing ways are traditional to North American Indians who mark the transition a woman makes when she moves from maiden to mother. This rite of passage is the second 'blood rite' for a woman; the first being her first menstruation. It’s a time of receiving for the mother; a time where she is nurtured and honoured by her community of women. The blessing way ceremony acknowledges the commitment and energy involved in being a mother and gives her a time where all the energy is available for her to receive. This ceremony can be given to a woman each time she has a child, as with each child comes a new level of commitment and surrender.