I offer an antenatal package, a birth package, a planned caesarean birth package and a childcare for labour and birth service. Postnatal services are available on an hourly basis.
If you feel that you would benefit from my services, but would struggle to pay my fees, then do look into applying for Doula UK's Access fund, which could allow you to hire a doula at no cost to yourself.
My antenatal package costs £80 and includes:
• up to three meetings, of up to 2 hours (or you may choose to have two antenatal meetings and one postnatal visit)
• the option to borrow one of my TENS machines*
• the option to borrow any of my books, CDs or DVDs
My birth package costs £650 and includes:
• up to six antenatal meetings, depending on your specific needs
• being on call 24 hours a day, once you reach 37 weeks**
• labour support - from as soon as you want me for as long as you need me
• two postnatal visits to your home (or hospital), during the first 4 weeks after the birth, for up to 2 hours each
• the option to borrow one of my TENS machines*
• the option to borrow one of my birth pools*
• the option to borrow any of my books, CDs or DVDs
My planned caesarean birth package costs £350 and includes:
• up to three antenatal meetings, depending on your specific needs
• being on call 24 hours a day, once you reach 37 weeks**, in case you go into labour before your planned caesarean
• support on the date of your birth - from as soon as you want me for as long as you need me
• two postnatal visits to your home (or hospital), during the first 4 weeks after the birth, for up to 2 hours each
• the option to borrow any of my books, CDs or DVDs
Childcare for labour and birth:
This allows those who are struggling to arrange childcare, peace of mind, knowing there is someone (known to their child) whom they can call at any time of the day and night who will get to them within an hour, and stay for as long as needed.
I ask for a non-refundable payment of £100, for me to go on-call for your birth. I will meet with you and your child(ren) once or twice before the birth, so that I am not a total stranger to them, and so I can find out a little bit about your child's personality, likes/dislikes etc.
If I am called out, I will charge a further £25. If I stay longer than 6 hours, then I will begin charging £14 per hour, for each hour over 6 hours.
The package includes:
• one or two antenatal meetings, with you and your child(ren)
• being on call 24 hours a day, once you reach 37 weeks**
• chidcare, in your own home, for as long as you need
• the option to borrow any of my books for siblings, to read with your child(ren) ahead of the birth
I am happy to do school/nursery runs, cook meals for your child(ren) and feed any pets you may have.
My postnatal services cost £14 per hour:
Visits may be between 2 and 6 hours each. If you book several visits in advance, then you will get the option to borrow any of my books, CDs, DVDs or slings until the final booked visit.
Antenatal Meetings
Antenatal meetings usually take place in your home and are tailored to your specific needs. We will spend time exploring your beliefs regarding labour and birth and discuss any previous births and areas of potential concern or anxiety. Depending on your level of knowledge, I can help explain the physiology of birth, and how your environment and hormones affect labour, birth and breastfeeding. I can provide you with information on a wide variety of different methods of pain relief, from self-hypnosis to epidurals, as well as suggest how best to utilise birth partners.
I am able to accompany you to any medical appointments, either to act as an advocate or simply as a supportive presence.
I can provide help and advice on choosing and using slings and can do maternity and nursing bra fittings.
I am also happy to provide you with practical support, such as help with housework or looking after your other children. I know only too well how utterly exhausting pregnancy can be (especially with a toddler to look after) and how difficult some everyday tasks can become.
Postnatal Visits
Whether your postnatal visits are as part of a package or stand-alone visits, you may choose what they entail. I am able to offer information and support on various aspects of caring for your newborn. Or you may wish to discuss your birth, go through your maternity notes or take advantage of the practical support I offer, such as:
• looking after the baby while you rest/take a bath/spend time with your other children
• taking care of your other children
• feeding information and support
• nursing bra fitting
• being a supportive presence, during those first few public feeds
• help and advice on choosing and using slings
• doing light housework, including cooking
• walking your dog
• doing your shopping
I am available to work evenings and weekends, as well as 'office hours'. I do not charge any extra for 'unsociable hours'. And once the initial postnatal period is over, I am happy to continue to offer my services as a daily nanny/babysitter, to the families I have worked with, either on a regular or occasional basis.
* TENS machines and birth pools are subject to availability.
** If you are pregnant with twins (or more) or there is another reason that you are likely to go into labour before 37 weeks, then I can arrange for my on-call period to start earlier.