I am a mother of four living by the principle of attachment parenting including home birth, baby led weaning, extended breast feeding, baby wearing, co sleeping and autonomous home education.
I have had 3 hospital births (2 inductions) and 1 home birth. When I had my first baby I did not know I could have a home birth but for my second and third I was more aware of the various options and booked home births. In both cases I went past 40weeks and was booked in for induction. For my fourth I was determined to have my baby at home with my family around me. I did loads of research into the risks associated with going past dates. During the course of my research I learned about doulas and the work that they do supporting mothers during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period.
My husband and I felt we were not able to afford the services of a doula, but the idea stayed with me. Over time I found myself thinking about the role of doulas, about the importance of women having an experienced woman around during this time to talk over things, to reassure and support them. I especially found myself thinking about my experience of being a young, single mother after the birth of my first child, how isolated and lonely I felt, how I could have done with someone coming around to check I was looking after myself as well as my son, someone to talk over the birth with, even give me a chum to mums and baby groups.
All of that, and more, brought me here. I began training to be a Doula in 2011, I am a member of Doula UK and am currently mentored by an experienced Doula.
P.s. My Daughter was born at home, I went into labour at 41 weeks and 6 days just two days before I was due to see the head obstetrician about induction.
I have had 3 hospital births (2 inductions) and 1 home birth. When I had my first baby I did not know I could have a home birth but for my second and third I was more aware of the various options and booked home births. In both cases I went past 40weeks and was booked in for induction. For my fourth I was determined to have my baby at home with my family around me. I did loads of research into the risks associated with going past dates. During the course of my research I learned about doulas and the work that they do supporting mothers during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period.
My husband and I felt we were not able to afford the services of a doula, but the idea stayed with me. Over time I found myself thinking about the role of doulas, about the importance of women having an experienced woman around during this time to talk over things, to reassure and support them. I especially found myself thinking about my experience of being a young, single mother after the birth of my first child, how isolated and lonely I felt, how I could have done with someone coming around to check I was looking after myself as well as my son, someone to talk over the birth with, even give me a chum to mums and baby groups.
All of that, and more, brought me here. I began training to be a Doula in 2011, I am a member of Doula UK and am currently mentored by an experienced Doula.
P.s. My Daughter was born at home, I went into labour at 41 weeks and 6 days just two days before I was due to see the head obstetrician about induction.