Birth support

Every birth should have a Kate..Leanne, Jon and baby Eirwen

We found Kate to be a huge source of strength through some quite difficult circumstances. It is amazing how the right words and a listening ear can transform your experiences. Sophia, Andrew and baby Madeleine

NavitaKatedoula

Doula_KG

Doula_Caesarean love copy

See my full doula profile here including my distinctive, deeply real approach to preparing for birth and parenting.

What is a doula? See short film clips that say it all at Doula Film

Every birth is different; each one – like the baby born –  completely unique. It is an honour to work alongside a mother or a couple to encourage, inspire and hold them in their preparation for birth, on the day their baby decides to be born, and as they get comfortable in their growing family.
I am a certified birth doula with Nurturing Birth and Doula UK and work alongside my doula partner, the wonderful Sally Anne, sharing your care. Her profile is at http://doula.org.uk/content/sally-anne-holman-doula-profile

After an initial interview, we will usually meet you twice before the birth for around 1.5 – 2 hours each time. At least one of our meetings will be at your home, so we have considered together how you plan to labour there and how we might help as labour takes shape. We often talk through your hopes, desires and choices for birth (and with experienced parents, we will unpack previous births). We have books, DVDS, a wealth of articles and links, as well as TENS and a birth pool to borrow or use.

We will then be ‘on call’ for you from 38-42 weeks pregnant, and always available for reassuring conversations and information as you get closer to your baby’s birth day. One of us (we divide the on call period between us) will be alongside you as your labour strengthens and as your baby is born, and for about 1-2 hours afterwards, ensuring quiet, intimate time for you, and helping where needed with baby’s first feed.

We are particularly passionate about supporting couples to work together as their baby is born. There is something very special about being with a woman in deep labour, who is safe in her partner’s arms. We recognise the complex and nuanced role of the birth partner/father and work to support both parents, practically and emotionally during the birth.

We also love to work with women who want one of us to be their sole, trusted companion for their birth.

We will usually visit three times after your birth to celebrate with you and your baby, support with breastfeeding, offer practical ideas, point to other services and health professionals and be a trusted, loving voice in those early weeks of parenting a new baby. We also talk through the story of your baby’s birth in detail.