Frequently asked questions
Doula FAQ's
I've decided to contacted you, what happens next?
I would recommend a chat on the phone. It's very easy to tell if we have a raport, if we do and you would like to investigate further. I will then viisit your home or we can meet for coffee if you would prefer. I’ll also happily Skype if it's easier for you.
What is a Doula?
The word Doula is actually derived from the greek word meaning "a woman who serves." It is now often used to describe someone who provides physical and emotional support to woman in labour.
Why would I want a Doula?
Which areas do you cover?
any postcode within 1 hrs drive of GU47 8JE
Which hospitals do you cover?
When is a good time to think about booking?
As early as possible is best. It then gives us more time to get to know each other and as I try not to overlap bookings I do get booked well in advance. Having said that I have had calls when the baby is due in a couple of weeks. It's never too late.
Do Doula's support Dad's or birth partners?
Absolutely, your birth partner can benefit immensely from the nurturing and practical support of a doula. The aim is to support you both as a couple. I will be there to help them help you. It can be very tiring and emotionally draining for your husband/partner. so it is also good for them to know that if they need to take a few minutes to gather thier thought or have to go and deal with other children I am there by your side while they are gone. As a doula, I’ll always stand back when the time is right and respect a couple and their privacy. Sometimes i will be in the wings and at others I'll be right by your side. It's all about what you both need at any given time.
When will go 'on call' for me?
I go ‘On call’ for my birth clients at 38 weeks pregnant.
Do Doula's attend cesarean births?
Yes definately.
Do you do home and hospital births?
Yes, I'm happy wherever you're happy. it's a big decision trying to work out whats best for you and your baby. I'm happy to help you with these chioces if your not sure. I have lots of fact based information that we can look at together.
Do you support miscarriage and still birth
Yes, I have completed training with the Foundation for Infant Loss and would be honoured to be your Doula at such a difficult time. I support families following miscarriage and during still birth.
Do you do emergency doula support
I am always willing to accept clients no matter what stage of pregnancy they are at. Please contact me ASAP and we can find a way forward together
Costs
See "Business Stuff"
Hypnobirthing FAQ's
How is are Hypnobirthing antenatal Classes different to other classes?
Why KGHypnobirthing?
We are the original UK Hypnobirthing course which is designed especially for mothers in the UK. The course is constantly evolving to keep up-to-date with the latest evidence and research, and is now taught internationally.
Katharine Graves has personally taught hypnobirthing to over 2,000 couples, probably more than anyone else in the UK and all KG Hypnobirthing teachers are knowledgeable and highly trained to support you in hypnobirthing.
A KGHypnobirthing Course not only equips you with the hypnobirthing information, but uniquely gives you the knowledge to understand your options and the implications of the choices you make. As well as teaching you the techniques you need for a successful hypnobirth, it gives you the information to navigate the system in which you find yourself to achieve the best outcome for you and your baby.
Does my partner need to come?
No, they don’t, but they will be very glad if they did. Most partners arrive at the course utterly sceptical and leave extremely enthusiastic. We don’t expect you to believe in it. Why should you? We do ask you to listen to the facts and the logic so you understand how important it is and the difference you as a birth companion can make. Have a look at the birth reports from partners, and you can benefit from their experience.
The caricature of a partner at a birth is someone who is nervous, feeling responsible for the situation mum is in, holding her hand and wishing they could help, but not knowing what to do. A hypnobirthing partner is knowledgeable and able to support her as she gives birth. They are a huge asset in the birthing room, and many mothers say, ‘I couldn’t have done it without them.’ They have practised together before the birth which brings them closer together, and they know they have played an important part in how baby enters the world. This deepens their relationship as a couple, and their relationship with baby
Will Hypnobirthing work for me if I come on my own?
Yes, definitely. Many women have come to the course on their own. If they have a partner who is away on business, as a single mum, if it’s a second baby and they can’t find a babysitter for their elder child, or any other reason. Just remember that KGHypnobirthing works, and you are very welcome. If your partner can’t come, we would welcome your mother, a friend, or whoever will be supporting you at the birth instead. If you don't have a partner or your own support please do think about hiring a Doula.
When in my pregnancy should I do the course?
I would advise doing the course any time from 20 week of your pregnancy so you can enjoy the benefits during your pregnancy as well as at the birth of your baby.
What is the history of Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is soundly based on established medical knowledge.” - MidwifeIn 1957, after two years of study by eminent neurologists and psychoanalysts, the BMA issued a statement that ‘hypnosis is an effective method of relieving pain in childbirth’ and proposed that all doctors should train in hypnotherapy.
The seeds of the natural birth movement were first sown with the work of eminent obstetrician Dr.Grantly Dick-Read. After witnessing a homebirth in the slums of the London Docks in 1913 where the mother refused any pain relief and then proceeded to give birth quickly and with no pain, Grantly Dick-Read was truly amazed.
The mother’s comment after giving birth when he asked why she refused the pain relief was “It didn’t hurt. It wasn’t meant to, was it, Doctor?” This experience was defining, and after a career of working on the battle field in the first world war and subsequently in hospitals as an obstetrician he theorized that fear was the overriding cause that led to the pain in childbirth. At the end of his career he wrote the book “Childbirth Without Fear”. He hypothesized that when you are fearful, you tense up and the natural birth process is inhibited and becomes longer and consequently more painful.
Over the years his theories have been fully vindicated with research into how hormones work during childbirth. His principles have been further developed by a number of natural birth practitioners with Hypnobirthing being the most notable and widely practised. Today KG Hypnobirthing is known by every midwife in the UK and many have trained in KGHypnobirthing, including professors of midwifery and NHS heads of midwifery. Obstetricians are also beginning to understand the significance of the work we do and are coming to be trained too. KGHypnbirthing is practised internationally and rapidly spreading throughout the world.
How does my partner support me during Hypnobirthing?
The Birth Partner is a key part of the Hypnobirthing experience.
Can I use Hypnobirthing if I'm having a cesarean?
Business stuff!!
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, for Doula services I do. We will discuss this at our initial meeting. I find it's best to get the financial side of things laid out clearly early on so that we can move on to the important stuff.
Do we have a contract?
Yes, there is one for birth and one for postnatal. They are not legal documents but simply outline the terms of my service and our commitment to one another.
Do you have insurance?
I have full public liability insurance.
How much do you charge?
As a birth Doula my prices rance from £980 to £1500
Do you have DBS
Yes my DBS ID Number is : P0001G3CY62