What is a doula?
Doula comes from the greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". Throughout history in most cultures, lay women have lovingly supported one another through the journey of childbirth, however due to societal changes over recent generations, that structural care and support is frequently no longer present. A doula now refers to someone who supports women and their families on an emotional, practical, physical, informational and spiritual level before, during and after childbirth.
We all have different lives and unique needs, as a doula I aim to provide open, non-judgemental support to you and your family. Knowing that there is someone you can trust present and available, can reduce stress and help a family to relax, be with the whole birth and early parenting experience and enjoy it more fully.
We all have different lives and unique needs, as a doula I aim to provide open, non-judgemental support to you and your family. Knowing that there is someone you can trust present and available, can reduce stress and help a family to relax, be with the whole birth and early parenting experience and enjoy it more fully.
Postnatal Doula Service
During the time after birth, families can benefit from some extra support as they adjust to life with an expanded family. I have been working with families all my life and specifically in the role of birth and postnatal doula since 2011. Each family is unique and has different requirements, my aim is to provide flexible, open and non-judgemental support for you and your family. We can explore together what would best suit your families needs.
Some of the things you can expect from my postnatal doula service include:
Some of the things you can expect from my postnatal doula service include:
- An opportunity to share your experience and your birth story (perhaps with the aid of talking mats)
- Feeding, biological nurturing and general baby care support and ideas
- Empathic listening, emotional support and reassurance
- Signposting of relevant information and evidence based research
- Supply of homemade recovery food and herbal teas and the preparation of plantbased meals for you and your family. I can also provide nutritional information and considerations on foods that will support you.
- 10-15 minute reflexology sessions for you or your baby focussing on any particular issues you may be experiencing (full sessions can also be requested, I am a fully qualified reflexologist)
- Rebozo rocking, gentle belly massage or belly binding to aid your physical recovery as well as information on pelvic care
- Teach you how to massage your baby
- Recommendations and supply of herbs for baths and healing
- Taking care of the baby, giving you time out to rest or do other things
- I can teach you baby massage and reflexology techniques to support you and your baby.
- Interaction, songs, massage and developmental play for your baby (I have degrees in Education and Psychology)
- Practical help with light housework and laundry
- Taking care of siblings
Fiona has my highest recommendation as a post-natal doula, I couldn’t have asked for anything more." (E, postnatal doula client)
"I was able to relax and have some down time. A new baby is a big responsibility and I needed some time off. This was especially important for me because I don’t have family nearby. Having a doula also helped me to enjoy being a parent more, because I wasn’t always trying to take care of the baby and do other jobs at the same time. I could give the baby to Fiona and then quickly and efficiently do many other things. I especially appreciated it that Fiona could play with my older child as well as the baby. The older child felt like he was having a special visitor and really appreciated the adult attention. My husband is really glad we have a doula. Fiona was also great at pitching in with odd jobs around the house. She helped with laundry, cooking and even buying groceries sometimes. When Fiona arrived, I often felt like I’d hit the bottom and was barely managing. By the time she left I’d sort of been picked up and dusted off, ready to go again. " (Linda, postnatal doula client)
"Fiona has a calm, warm and confident way with children that my baby immediately responded to. From the start, my daughter loved her completely. Whenever Fiona looked after our daughter I knew I'd come back to a happy smiley baby who'd spent the afternoon playing games and singing songs. Having that bit of space in the week also helped me be a better mum." (Caitlin)
"I was able to relax and have some down time. A new baby is a big responsibility and I needed some time off. This was especially important for me because I don’t have family nearby. Having a doula also helped me to enjoy being a parent more, because I wasn’t always trying to take care of the baby and do other jobs at the same time. I could give the baby to Fiona and then quickly and efficiently do many other things. I especially appreciated it that Fiona could play with my older child as well as the baby. The older child felt like he was having a special visitor and really appreciated the adult attention. My husband is really glad we have a doula. Fiona was also great at pitching in with odd jobs around the house. She helped with laundry, cooking and even buying groceries sometimes. When Fiona arrived, I often felt like I’d hit the bottom and was barely managing. By the time she left I’d sort of been picked up and dusted off, ready to go again. " (Linda, postnatal doula client)
"Fiona has a calm, warm and confident way with children that my baby immediately responded to. From the start, my daughter loved her completely. Whenever Fiona looked after our daughter I knew I'd come back to a happy smiley baby who'd spent the afternoon playing games and singing songs. Having that bit of space in the week also helped me be a better mum." (Caitlin)
"Fiona is very kind, caring and attentive, she anticipated our needs even before we mention anything. As first time parents with no immediate family around, Fiona's help during the postnatal period gave us precious time to rest and bond with our little one." (Sim, postnatal doula client)
"Thank you so much for all you have done for me over the past 5 months - your help has been invaluable. You are like an angel appearing once a week and picking up on all the things I haven't been able to do. You have kept me fed and watered, been a listening ear, a sounding board and a wonderful carer for my children when I haven't been there. You have been such a great support. My strength and confidence now in work and in my new expanded family has come in no small part to you and your understated and warm manner" (Laura, postnatal doula client)
"We were so very grateful to have Fiona with us on our journey to parenthood. Planning for a caesarean birth, and with no family in the country, we knew we could do with some support. In the hectic days after the birth, we looked forward to her calmly coming and restoring order to chaos. It was such a joy to us to become parents, but that joy was sometimes lost in the treadmill of feeding, cleaning, cleaning some more, cooking and lack of sleep.
Fiona has a warm and caring manner, and a real skill in finding the best way to help at the right time. She has a lovely way with children, and we engaged her on an ongoing basis because our daughter really bonded with her after their afternoons of playing and singing. We really believe this little bit of extra space has inspired us to become the parents we hoped to be. She helped me process my birth story and anger about lack of breastfeeding support by listening, when everyone else was interested in the new baby. "
"Thank you so much for all you have done for me over the past 5 months - your help has been invaluable. You are like an angel appearing once a week and picking up on all the things I haven't been able to do. You have kept me fed and watered, been a listening ear, a sounding board and a wonderful carer for my children when I haven't been there. You have been such a great support. My strength and confidence now in work and in my new expanded family has come in no small part to you and your understated and warm manner" (Laura, postnatal doula client)
"We were so very grateful to have Fiona with us on our journey to parenthood. Planning for a caesarean birth, and with no family in the country, we knew we could do with some support. In the hectic days after the birth, we looked forward to her calmly coming and restoring order to chaos. It was such a joy to us to become parents, but that joy was sometimes lost in the treadmill of feeding, cleaning, cleaning some more, cooking and lack of sleep.
Fiona has a warm and caring manner, and a real skill in finding the best way to help at the right time. She has a lovely way with children, and we engaged her on an ongoing basis because our daughter really bonded with her after their afternoons of playing and singing. We really believe this little bit of extra space has inspired us to become the parents we hoped to be. She helped me process my birth story and anger about lack of breastfeeding support by listening, when everyone else was interested in the new baby. "
Feel free to get in touch for a chat about what your family may need, I'd be delighted to explore possibilities with you or answer any questions you may have.
I charge £20/£25/£30 per hour for postnatal support, depending on your circumstances and our plan for working together (concessions are available). If you have experienced some form of trauma or would like to explore more deeply I recommend booking a birth exploration session.
I charge £20/£25/£30 per hour for postnatal support, depending on your circumstances and our plan for working together (concessions are available). If you have experienced some form of trauma or would like to explore more deeply I recommend booking a birth exploration session.
I am delighted to be a mentor with the Scottish Doula Network and a guide with Conscious Birthing. Both these communities provide me with a lot of support and rich nourishment. You can find lots of great doulas in the Scottish Doula Network. We encourage you to chat to a number of doulas so you find the one that is right for you.
Birth Doula Support
If you are pregnant and feel you would like some additional support for your birth, I would be delighted to meet you for a no commitment chat and explore what you might need. I feel passionate about women and families having a positive and empowering birth experience whatever their circumstances.
A doula is someone that will be with you during a very intimate time in your life. People chose doulas for various reasons and I am flexible and non-judegmental in how I support you and your unique needs and desires. It is important that you find a doula that is a good match for you, as a member of the Scottish Doula Network, I suggest you connect with a number of doulas before choosing the right one to support you.
If I am the doula you choose, the following are some of the things that I can offer:
My charge for the doula service as above is £1400, though if you feel you cannot afford this, do not hesitate to get in touch, as finance should not be a barrier to people obtaining the support they need. (Usually half the fee is paid upon commitment and the remainder when I go oncall for you)
A doula is someone that will be with you during a very intimate time in your life. People chose doulas for various reasons and I am flexible and non-judegmental in how I support you and your unique needs and desires. It is important that you find a doula that is a good match for you, as a member of the Scottish Doula Network, I suggest you connect with a number of doulas before choosing the right one to support you.
If I am the doula you choose, the following are some of the things that I can offer:
- Two or three birth preparation appointments to get to know one another and to explore your ideas, needs and intentions around your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period along with any questions you may have.
- Support in creating an individualized birth intentions list if this is something you would like (often referred to as birth plan).
- I use a tool called Talking Mats to explore aspects of your upcoming birth.
- Referencing and signposting of relevant evidence based research and information.
- If you have a partner, we will work together to enable them to support you in a way that best suits you both. Once partners understand a doula's role, they too appreciate the extra support to enable them be present for the birth and to be the best support they can be for their partner. I can offer them reassurance and enable them to take breaks... etc
- I'll be available for contact throughout your pregnancy (via email, phone, text or in person).
- I support your choices and am a listening ear, sounding board and non-judgemental advocate of your decisions. It's your body and you know it best, I accept that mothers know what is best for their baby.
- Continuity of care is an important aspect of doula support. We will build up a relationship with one another prior to your birth.
- Birth attendance including the following examples of physical, emotional and practical support as appropriate to your needs - relaxation and pain relief techniques (reflexology, acupressure, massage, homeopathic/herbal remedies among others), providing encouragement and reassurance, communicating with medical staff, protecting your privacy, suggestion of differing positions if required, getting drinks/meals, practical tasks such as filling birth poolA reflexology involving partner and supporting them to support you, simply just being there or whatever else may be right for your situation. (I would be on call and be fully available for you 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your estimated due date, 28 days in total).
- A maternity reflexology session in advance of your birth
- A minimum of 2 post natal visits for you to share your birth experience and to assist with any issues that may have arisen.
- Referral to various types of local community support
My charge for the doula service as above is £1400, though if you feel you cannot afford this, do not hesitate to get in touch, as finance should not be a barrier to people obtaining the support they need. (Usually half the fee is paid upon commitment and the remainder when I go oncall for you)
"My second child's birth was the most amazing, mind-blowing and empowering experience, and having Fiona as our doula was a huge part of making that happen. I feel immense gratitude to Fiona for helping me find the confidence and headspace for our home birth. She provided my partner and I with reassurance, emotional support, a wealth of experience and knowledge and, most importantly, a belief in my body to birth my baby. I feel very lucky to have met her and to have shared the journey of Viggo's birth together. Take Fiona on as your doula and give yourself the best chance possible of having the birth you want!" (Zara)
"It has been such a pleasure having you as our doula. I honestly don't know what we would have done without you during the 48 hours of Leon's labour and birth. For me, you helped turn that situation from something possibly beyond my capacity to come with into something beautiful and inspiring" (Chris, Leon's Dad)
"I can’t recommend the lovely, kind, caring and professional Doula, Fiona, enough. She held my hand throughout my pregnancy and into post partum. Ensuring I felt so well supported and cared for. This included both emotional and physical work (with reflexology). Fiona is so passionate about her work and this really shines through. I’m truly grateful that she was with me throughout this magical time! Thank you Fiona" (Lauren)
"We can't thank you enough for the beautiful way in which you supported us and Leon on his journey into the world. Before, during and after you held us with such strength. The way you are with Leon is a joy to see. And the teas, reflexology, massage... etc, etc gave us such incredible healing. We will never forget the loving kindness you brought to our journey into becoming a family" (Elspeth and Chris)
"Thank you again for helping in every way - it made 100% difference to how I felt and how the outcome was reached - I am very grateful." (K, mother after a vbac)
“I can’t think of any woman who would not benefit from the amazing support of a doula to guide you through a very important time in your life.
As a doula Fiona has a wealth of knowledge in natural, holistic pregnancy and child birth. She acts as your voice, your advocate, an emotional supporter, your advisor. She offers guidance in assisting you with making decisions and choices that are best you. Not only this, Fiona provides practical support in whatever way you need it once your baby is born. From early pregnancy until finding your feet as a new mother (including during labour), she is at your right hand.
Fiona helped me navigate my journey to finally holding my healthy baby in my arms; resolving anxieties, healing past birth trauma, and helping me grow in confidence along the way. I really appreciated the nourishing stews Fiona brought for me and my daughter when visiting us, experiencing reflexology for the first time and the natural remedies supporting me both antenatally and postnatally. Fiona is forward thinking and highly efficient in her many roles. The confidence Fiona instilled in me in my abilities to birth my baby naturally gave my husband confidence in the birth experience too” (Katy Jane)
"Fiona was sensitively present, available and resourceful throughout, which greatly contributed to a hugely positive experience, both on a practical and emotional level. We found the preparation sessions really useful, and were grateful for the aftercare. Thank you Fiona!" (L&S)
"It has been such a pleasure having you as our doula. I honestly don't know what we would have done without you during the 48 hours of Leon's labour and birth. For me, you helped turn that situation from something possibly beyond my capacity to come with into something beautiful and inspiring" (Chris, Leon's Dad)
"I can’t recommend the lovely, kind, caring and professional Doula, Fiona, enough. She held my hand throughout my pregnancy and into post partum. Ensuring I felt so well supported and cared for. This included both emotional and physical work (with reflexology). Fiona is so passionate about her work and this really shines through. I’m truly grateful that she was with me throughout this magical time! Thank you Fiona" (Lauren)
"We can't thank you enough for the beautiful way in which you supported us and Leon on his journey into the world. Before, during and after you held us with such strength. The way you are with Leon is a joy to see. And the teas, reflexology, massage... etc, etc gave us such incredible healing. We will never forget the loving kindness you brought to our journey into becoming a family" (Elspeth and Chris)
"Thank you again for helping in every way - it made 100% difference to how I felt and how the outcome was reached - I am very grateful." (K, mother after a vbac)
“I can’t think of any woman who would not benefit from the amazing support of a doula to guide you through a very important time in your life.
As a doula Fiona has a wealth of knowledge in natural, holistic pregnancy and child birth. She acts as your voice, your advocate, an emotional supporter, your advisor. She offers guidance in assisting you with making decisions and choices that are best you. Not only this, Fiona provides practical support in whatever way you need it once your baby is born. From early pregnancy until finding your feet as a new mother (including during labour), she is at your right hand.
Fiona helped me navigate my journey to finally holding my healthy baby in my arms; resolving anxieties, healing past birth trauma, and helping me grow in confidence along the way. I really appreciated the nourishing stews Fiona brought for me and my daughter when visiting us, experiencing reflexology for the first time and the natural remedies supporting me both antenatally and postnatally. Fiona is forward thinking and highly efficient in her many roles. The confidence Fiona instilled in me in my abilities to birth my baby naturally gave my husband confidence in the birth experience too” (Katy Jane)
"Fiona was sensitively present, available and resourceful throughout, which greatly contributed to a hugely positive experience, both on a practical and emotional level. We found the preparation sessions really useful, and were grateful for the aftercare. Thank you Fiona!" (L&S)
Additional Extras
Some the related support I offer includes
- Maternity Reflexology
- Pregnancy Massage
- Mother Blessing Ceremony
- Birth Preparation Workshop
- Bellycasting
- Post Birth Meal drop off
- Post Birth body work and closing massage
- Post Birth Reflexology
- Teaching of Baby Massage
- Our Birth Stories - a workshop with the opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate and mourn the various aspects of your birth experience
Birth Exploration Sessions
Birth exploration sessions are similar to Active Listening sessions, though particularly focused around your birth experience or your anticipation of giving birth.
Prebirth - Pregnancy and the time prior to birth can be an awesome experience and an incredibly powerful and spiritual time in a woman's life. She and her body are going through enormous changes as she prepares to bring new life into the world. It can be a time when she is exceptionally sensitive and aware. A prebirth doula is especially helpful if you are feeling anxious, would like to learn more about natural birth or are experiencing a challenging pregnancy for whatever reason. Knowing that there is someone you can trust available and present can reduce stress and help you and your family to relax, prepare for and enjoy your birth and beyond. Some times women have fears, anxieties or blockages that are best worked through prior to birth.
Now and then for various reasons, women feel pressure from the medical system to follow procedures and take advice from "experts" who apparently "know best". It is your body that they are talking about and only you can truly know it best. You have the right to make the choices that are best for you and your baby. I encourage women to explore, become informed and make the choices that are right for them. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space for your to examine your options and choices.
Postbirth - Birth doesn't always go according to one's plan and expectations, occasionally things can happen that result in upset or trauma. It is important to acknowledge and work through such trauma, fears and experiences. I offer birth exploration sessions where we explore your experiences, fears, anxieties, joys and anything else that may be happening for you.
There are a number of resources I draw upon when engaging with birth exploration;
Cost is £55 for a 75 minute session, in person in Findhorn or via zoom/skype, concessions are available. Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to book a session or discuss further.
Prebirth - Pregnancy and the time prior to birth can be an awesome experience and an incredibly powerful and spiritual time in a woman's life. She and her body are going through enormous changes as she prepares to bring new life into the world. It can be a time when she is exceptionally sensitive and aware. A prebirth doula is especially helpful if you are feeling anxious, would like to learn more about natural birth or are experiencing a challenging pregnancy for whatever reason. Knowing that there is someone you can trust available and present can reduce stress and help you and your family to relax, prepare for and enjoy your birth and beyond. Some times women have fears, anxieties or blockages that are best worked through prior to birth.
Now and then for various reasons, women feel pressure from the medical system to follow procedures and take advice from "experts" who apparently "know best". It is your body that they are talking about and only you can truly know it best. You have the right to make the choices that are best for you and your baby. I encourage women to explore, become informed and make the choices that are right for them. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space for your to examine your options and choices.
Postbirth - Birth doesn't always go according to one's plan and expectations, occasionally things can happen that result in upset or trauma. It is important to acknowledge and work through such trauma, fears and experiences. I offer birth exploration sessions where we explore your experiences, fears, anxieties, joys and anything else that may be happening for you.
There are a number of resources I draw upon when engaging with birth exploration;
- Counselling and facilitation skills
- Talking mats for birth - this is a way of looking at how you are anticipating or have found your birth experience using symbols. It can provide a basis upon which to explore deeper.
- Birth art
- Energy work
- Maternity reflexology and/or massage
- Signposting and offering of information and resources
Cost is £55 for a 75 minute session, in person in Findhorn or via zoom/skype, concessions are available. Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to book a session or discuss further.
"It was lovely to have a female companion on the journey. Someone I could be very open and honest with, someone to share my fears and concerns with. Often when I met with Fiona I was feeling scared or tearful but by the end of our meeting I would feel optimistic and hopeful again. She has a very gentle but effective approach. I have such gratitude for Fiona and the tireless support she has given me through this process. She is inherently a very beautiful, warm and loving soul with a deceptive strength of character." (A, doula client)
"Fiona helped me process my birth story and anger about lack of breastfeeding support by listening, when everyone else was interested in the new baby. "
"I wanted to thank you for all your support and wisdom over the past year. You have set me on a path of deeper knowing and connection to myself. I feel so much more strongly aware of my feminine intuition and worth and for that I am eternally grateful to you" (Amy)
"Fiona helped me process my birth story and anger about lack of breastfeeding support by listening, when everyone else was interested in the new baby. "
"I wanted to thank you for all your support and wisdom over the past year. You have set me on a path of deeper knowing and connection to myself. I feel so much more strongly aware of my feminine intuition and worth and for that I am eternally grateful to you" (Amy)