Trained by
Baby-on-Board Doulas
in conjunction with
Eastleigh College
My name is Alison. I am married to Rob who is in the Royal Navy and we have one son callled James who is now 17 years old. We live in Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire.
I understand what an important and emotional time it can be when you are expecting a baby and would love to be able to help you through this transition to parenthood. I will do this by answering your questions and discussing your needs before the birth and giving continuous support when you go into labour until you have your baby. I have worked in a local maternity unit for over 5 years and have supported over 50 families both emotionally and physically during this precious and remarkable time.
I have the Professional Doula Award Level 3, CACHE qualification, run by Baby-on-Board Doulas in conjunction with Eastleigh College, Hampshire, which is endorsed and recognised as a national qualification by employers across this country and overseas. I also hold a Certificate in Higher Education in Maternal and Newborn Care, along with Access to Higher Education in Health. I have certificates in Basic Resuscitation of the Newborn, Handling Disclosure in Midwifery and Food Safety.
I am CRB checked to Enhanced Level.
The word "doula" is a greek word used for the most important female slave or servant of the household.
Today's "doula" refers to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides a continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and after childbirth", (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus 1993).
Research has shown that the attendance of a doula giving continuous support to the parents during labour and birth can lead to:
* shorter labour
* reduced risk of caesarean section
* reduction in epidural request
* lower rate of analgesia use
(Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, 1993)
Post Natal Doulas will help you to settle into your new lifestyle and help you with a variety of activities to enable you to bond with your baby.
It is best to book your birth doula as early as possible in your pregnancy to ensure availability around your due date.
If you require a local post-natal doula I will be pleased to recommend someone.
Please note:
*The doula is not medically trained and as such, will not be supporting the woman in a clinical role. That is the job of the midwife/medical staff.
*The doula is employed by the parents. The doula is responsible for her own tax and insurance and has her own public liability insurance.
Antenatal Birth Preparation Sessions.
These sessions are held on a 1:1 basis in the comfort of your own home.
4 Sessions for birth preparation are written under the guidance of local midwives, ensuring accurate information.
£150.00
1 session entitled "Life with Baby" is also available separately.
£60.00
Refresher Workshops.
These workshops are for parents who have done it before and would like and update and will be tailored to your individual needs.
2 sessions £60.00
Birth Doula.
This includes a minimum of 2 visits antenatally, but I am always available to contact by e-mail or telephone. Also included is continuous support during the labour and birth (I will be on-call from 37 weeks) and one visit postnatally.
From £350.00
Elective (Planned) Caesarian Birth Doula.
Includes a visit antenatally to discuss what happens during a caesarian. Also, a discussion about the support you would like during and immediately after the birth.
Breastfeeding Support
I will visit you in your own home to give help with technique and support you while you breastfeed your baby. Minimum of 1 hour charged at any one time.
First hour - £20.00, then £10 per hour thereafter
Four sessions are written under the guidance of local midwives ensuring accurate information for your area.
Session One - Pain Relief.
This session will include different types of pain relief available.
Ways in which you can help to relieve your pain through positioning, massage etc.
Role of the support person.
Session Two - Labour and Complications.
This session will explain the different stages of labour and will include explaining complications that could occur. Discussion will also take place about way to help avoid complications through positioning etc.
Session Three - Life with Baby.
This session will give some idea of what it will be like to have a baby in the family. You can practice how to put on a nappy or how to bath your baby. We will talk about why your baby cries and what you may be able to do to soothe your baby.
Session Four - Breastfeeding.
Using dolls etc, I will give you advice and guidance on how to breastfeed.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my website.
Please contact me below.
If you would prefer to speak to me direct, please feel free to telephone me for a chat on:
023 9255 3323 or 07793 561971
Upon discussing what type of antenatal classes we would like to attend, my husband and I were both very much of the opinion that group sessions were not for us. I couldn't think of anything worse than introducing myself to a group of people and discussing things that I deem to be very personal and private, with lots of people. We wanted to be able to feel free to ask questions without feeling silly and without having to wait for our turn!
I found Alison on the internet after searching for Doulas and one to one antenatal classes in Hampshire and having just finished our last session, my husband and I both feel ready for the arrival of our baby boy next month (July 2010).
The first class covered everything from pain relief to positions. Alison gives an objective view, the advantages and disadvantages of each drug etc. and she doesn't thrust her advice and opinions down your throat, just gives you food for thought. Upon announcing my pregnancy I disliked everyone having their say, sticking their nose in and offering advice when it was not asked for. This is my pregnancy and I will do it my way! Alison never took that away from us as a couple. She has a very calming nature and is instantly likeable, I can see why women choose to have her present at the birth of their child and I would certainly consider this if I was a nervous mum to be.
The second session was life with baby, what to expect, throught to breastfeeding. This session was so beneficial and we even got to practice changing a newborn's nappy, along with the soon to be grandparents!
Each session (in 2 blocks) lasted about 3 hours and we both came away with so much knowledge and positivity! I can't wait until my labour starts to put into practice everything Alison talked to me about!
I would not hesitate in recommending Alison to you and will be delighted to keep in contact with her.
Thank you so very much for all your help and I cannot wait to be a mummy x
Carole and Damian Cox
EDD 30 July 2010
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