Doula support during childbirth and postpartum
Doula in Iceland
The support of doula is individual for each family. Mainly it's emotional support for the new mother, explaining what she does not understand, helping her get ready for childbirth in the way that is suitable for the mother and her family. During labour, doula cares about comfort, and is often the main source of power.
With her knowledge, doula helps parents to gently slide into their new roles.
A doula will promote natural labour progression by providing comfort for the mother through the use of:
- safe, supportive environment
- techniques for pain relief;
- relaxing breathing techniques;
- variety of labour positions;
- massage and acupressure;
- praise;
- fluid intake;
- or any other pain-relieving method;
- supporting partner;
- music and photography.
During the process of birth, doula can help the mother articulate her wishes to others. This creates a wonderful, supportive environment for the mother.
Doula can also remain objective and assist in helping the parents understand any birth interventions and the associated risks or benefits. This allows both partners to make informed decisions.
A baby enters the world as a person, with his temperament and needs. At this stage, doula helps parents get to know their baby, and understand what is best for the new family.
When new parents returns home, they usually have a lot of questions and confusion.
Postpartum doula offers:
- support for breastfeeding issues;
- care for the new mother, the child and the whole family a few weeks after giving birth;
- newborn care (diapering , swaddling, umbilical cord care, bathing and etc.);
- tips for household management;
- meal preparation, small shopping , or another important job done for you;
- helping partner to engage in taking care of baby.
What do i offer in prenatal meetings?
ca.2h
We will talk about how do you see your birth (make a birth plan), and I will share my knowledge about how:
• the birth process,
• how your hormones work and what to do to prevent them from interfering.
• I will introduce you to relaxing breathing techniques,
• I will show you coping methods and variation of positions,
• I will explain what is visualization and how it works,
• I will also help to prepare a partner,
• We will go over the basics of breastfeeding
• Postpartum period and how hospital policy looks here in Iceland.
My presence during birth
up to 48h
By the fact that the date of birth has been set, I am ready to go at any time 24 hours a day to support you. Two weeks before and two weeks after the due date, no matter what time of day - day or night. I'll be there when you call me. I will go to your chosen place and time, home or hospital.
During childbirth, Ill take care of your sense of security and comfort. I will listen to your wishes and follow them. I offer natural coping methods, which we have already discussed in prenatal visits.
Before I leave (around 2h after a baby is born) we set the next meeting if needed!
What do I offer for postpartum visits?
2-4 weeks
Support the family from the first moments after giving birth.
- I help with my knowledge of breastfeeding, suggest ways to take care of the newborn and suggest how the new dad can get involved in caring for the baby and mother.
- We definitely also discuss childbirth, and if you want, we can write a birth story together.
- I am also available by phone or email during this time.
Remember!
The role of the doula is not to replace, but rather to complement, the partner, so that they can work together to help the mother through the labour and the wonderful process of birth. Research proves that having a doula present during labour, has very positive effect on the partner, which, in many cases, can increase the bonding between the partner and baby.
Studies have shown
Studies have shown that choosing a professional birth doula, helps mother feel calmer, more balanced, and have more confidence in her abilities. That helps achieve a better birth outcome:
50% less likely to have caesarean birth;
25% reduction in duration of delivery;
60% will reduce the number of requests for epidural anaesthesia;
Less likely to need Pitocin;
30% less likely to use any pain medication;
More likely to rate their childbirth experience as positive.
My offer
Support during birth
Support during birth
Support during birth
2-3 prenatal visits;
attending the birth;
staying up to 2 hours after the birth;
and
2 postpartum visits (optional)
since 2017
Postpartum support
Postpartum support
Postpartum support according to an agreement, for 2-6 weeks, creating a customized schedule/plan.
Selfoss area
Birth photography and doula
Birth photography and doula
Imagine what if ...
You don't have to worry about fumbling with the camera trough out your baby's birth day, and you had every detail artistically and professionally photographed.