Thank you for choosing me to walk alongside you as you bring your precious baby into the world.

``Please book your sessions with me at this link

Here is the link to the `Doula Services `Agreement

I'm really looking forward to supporting you and John. 

Thanks so much for sending through the deposit and signed contract. Please see my attached signed contract below.

I have signed you up to Bonnie's course "Together we birth" Bonnie's son is getting married this weekend so she might only log you in early next week. You will receive an email with instructions on how to log in. Please let me know if you have any problems accessing it. 

In our first session we will chat all about birth mapping, also known as birth planning or creating a birth map. It is a process where we explore various possibilities and scenarios that may arise during labour and birth. It involves considering different outcomes, interventions and creating a plan or strategy for each situation. 

The purpose of the birth mapping is to empower you to feel prepared and informed about the range of possibilities you may encounter in your birthing journey. It allows you to consider your preferences, values and priorities in different circumstances and make informed decisions that align with your desired birth preferences. 

When creating your birth map, we will discuss and explore these topics:

  • Interventions and medical procedures

  • Unexpected scenarios

  • Communication and advocacy

By discussing these "less than ideal" scenarios, the aim is for you to gain a sense of control and confidence for your possible birth experience. Birth mapping is not about predicting the exact course of labour and birth but rather about feeling empowered to make informed choices and navigate the journey with flexibility and confidence.

You can start working your way through the modules in Bonnies course but if you could watch the following videos before our first session that would be great (please don't worry if you don't get to all of them, I will cover everything in our appointment)

  • Informed consent 

  • Medical interventions

  • Birth planning

Our first appointment is around week 24 -26 of your pregnancy. Please let me know some possible dates for our first catch up. The session usually lasts about 2 hours and I will come to your home.

I have also attached a questionnaire which gives me a better understanding of how I can best support you. There is no rush to fill this out but many mums find it a good journal prompt when thinking about their birth :)

I'm always here if you have any questions or need guidance and support, please feel free to reach out at any time.

In our next session we will be exploring coping strategies that can support you in your natural labour journey, equipping you with a toolkit of effective techniques to navigate the intensity of labour while embracing your body's innate ability to birth your baby. 

We will discuss and practice optimal maternal positioning techniques and how they can enhance the progress of labour and increase comfort. 

We will practice some natural pain relieving massage techniques. By having the opportunity to practice these techniques together, you will be able to share what feels good and what doesn't, allowing us to fine tune the approach to match your unique needs.

We will discuss breathing techniques, vocalisation and visualisation and how these techniques can help you relax, stay present and focus your attention during contractions.

We will have an opportunity to explore the power of positive words and affirmations, understanding how they can shape your mindset and create a positive birthing environment. If you have anything that resonates with you, please share with me on the day. 

This is a great session to help partners feel empowered and confident to actively support you in labour. 

If you could please watch the following modules that would be great

  • Coping with Labour

  • Getting your baby into position

Lets aim to catch up next around week  32 -34 of your pregnancy.

Here is the link for the "Life with a Newborn" workshop I mentioned. 

https://birthsavvy.com.au/events/parenting-education/

Please let me know if you have any questions or need any resources on any particular topics. I'm also always here if you want to chat :)

Thinking of you and I'm looking forward to when we catch up next.

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In our next session we will discuss:

  • Effective communication is key, we will discuss how I can advocate for your preferences and needs during labour 

  • BRAIN technique 

  • Emotional support your birth team can provide, offering guidance on how to offer words of encouragement, reassurance and affirmations that resonate with you (Please see below)

  • What to do in the event of a fast birth

  • What to expect in early labour 

  • Practical aspects of the birth, such as how we'll get to the hospital, when to call myself and the midwife. Packing a hospital bag etc

  • Finalising the birth team and ensuring everyone's roles and expectations are clear

  • Review your birth plan

  • Birth Sling and TENS machine

  • Breastfeeding and Postpartum 

  • Answer any remaining questions and address any last minute concerns

If there is anything extra you would like to cover please just let me know.

If you can complete any of the modules that you haven't listened to of "Together we Birth" that would be great.

As discussed, I would also like you to make a note of any affirmations, visualisations, coping tools, breathing techniques that resonate with you and share them with John and I. Some of my clients have made vision boards that they take with them to the birth or you can simply just write your ideas down on a piece of paper.