A doula is
“a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.”
-dona.org
Birth with a Doula
Doulas nurture and support the birthing mother throughout labor and birth. Their role is to provide continuous labor support to the mother, no matter what she decides or how or where she gives birth. Labor support is defined as the therapeutic presence of another person, in which human-to-human interaction with caring behaviors is practiced (Jordan, 2013).
Unlike many other countries where you have your own Ob-Gyn present at the time of your birth, in Switzerland births are typically attended by midwives. In most cases, you will only get to meet your midwife when you arrive at the hospital for delivery. Doctors will be available as well, but just like the midwives, they often have several patients to attend to and they work on shifts, so it is possible they will not be able to give you continuous, one-on-one support, care and guidance. This is the role of your doula.
A doula does not have any clinical responsibility during the birth, as that rests with your midwife and/or doctor. But your doula knows you and your partner, having established a relationship of trust during pregnancy. She understands your values and preferences, and will support them so that the birth is the best possible experience for mother, baby and their family.
I believe that having an international background and the personal experience of birthing in countries other than my own make me uniquely equipped to support women from all over the world as they live through this special time, especially women who are giving birth away from their original “tribe”. Every woman can be supported to live her pregnancy, birth and baby’s first year as a gift, a unique time to connect to her body, her power and her family.
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Benefits of having a Doula
Many studies have validated the benefits of having an experienced woman accompany and support the mother before, during and after birth. A 2017 Cochrane review published by Bohren et al. compiled data from 26 trials totaling more than 15,000 women whose birth experiences included women who had different kinds of support during labor, or no support at all. It found that mothers who had continuous support from someone outside their social network, and who was not a member of the hospital staff, had much better birth outcomes. Mothers with doula support:
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Were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births, and less likely to use any pain medication.
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Experienced less interventions such as epidurals, vacuum or forceps to extract the baby, were less likely to require C-sections, or to have negative feelings about childbirth.
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Reported were shorter labor times, an increase in positive childbirth experiences, better baby Apgar scores at birth, higher breastfeeding success rate, and higher maternal self-esteem.
There is no evidence for negative consequences to continuous labor support. The results of this review show that when a mother has continuous labor support (someone who will not leave their side), both mothers and babies benefit!
DOULAS & COUPLES
Many couples feel they don't need a Doula because the baby's father or the mother's partner will be present during the entire labor. Some may feel that a Doula could also interfere with a very private moment.
While it is true that your partner knows you intimately, he or she likely has little or no experience with the birthing process. In addition, she is going through her own emotional experience regarding the birth, and will eventually also need breaks, for example for eating and using the bathroom.... Dads or partners also need care and support. They will often have limited knowledge of birth and hospital procedures, and will need information and guidance on what they can do to help effectively.
Working together with the Doula, they can form a team to support the laboring mother in having the best birth possible. By having the Doula, your partner can also take the necessary breaks without feeling like she is leaving you without any care.
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
Sometimes interventions are medically necessary and unavoidable. If this happens, your Doula can help you have a positive birth experience even with these changes.
As your Doula, I can help you have a positive birth experience even if this happens. I can also find a way that even with some medical intervention, your wishes are respected and you remain the focus of the birth.
Having a positive birth experience is something that extends far beyond the hours of labor and birth. It will give you positive memories that will be reflected in the bonding with your baby, in your health and well-being, and in the spirit you will bring to your family.
Accompaniment
Basic package
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Non-binding initial meet-and-greet meeting. This is a 1-hour meeting for both parents and Doula to meet and see if there is chemistry. We will meet in a mutually agreed location (usually a quiet cafe) or at your home if you prefer. If the decision is made to hire the doula after this meeting, a non-refundable 50% fee deposit is due. This deposit is included in the 1450 CHF total fee. There is an 80CHF charge for this meeting, but if the signing of the contract follows, this fee will also be absorbed into the total fee.
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One to two prenatal meetings.
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On-call 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after your expected due date.
Continuous support during the whole birth, at the place of birth of your choice. -
Continuous support during the birth, at the place of your choosing.
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A follow-up visit and birth reflection.
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Contact by mail, telephone or message.
The remaining 50% will be paid to the doula at week 38 of your pregnancy.
Price: 1450 CHF (standard fee) *see note below for financial hardship
*Excludes travel costs outside BS/BL, parking fees (with receipt).
The fee for the comprehensive support service I offer is 1450 CHF. A non-refundable deposit of 725 CHF is payable at the time of confirmation of our agreement to work together, upon signing the contract. This deposit is included in the total fee of 1450 CHF. My fee includes everything listed as the Doula Package in the Services section.
*I believe every woman and every family who wish to have doula accompaniment should have it. I am happy to chat about a solution if you need help covering the standard fee.
I can help you book an additional back up doula if you are interested. You would have a complimentary phone or Skype consultation with her during your pregnancy so you have the opportunity to meet her. If you would like an in-person prenatal consultation with the support doula, there is an additional charge of 108 CHF which is paid directly to her. If for some unforeseen reason I am unable to attend the birth of your baby, she will be at your side and will receive the remainder of the fee and additional expenses.
Add-on services
Prenatal Yoga Classes
Enjoy this time to breathe, connect with your baby and stretch and strengthen mindfully preparing for birth.
Postnatal Yoga Classes
Bring baby along to class! Come back to your practice in a gentle way, feeling for the changes present after pregnancy and gradually regain your strength and rebuild your pelvic floor.
Price: 25 CHF per group class |
65 - 85 CHF per private class
Price: 65 - 85 CHF per private class
“Mother’s Blessing” Ceremony
Help with planning and holding a Blessingway for the expectant mother. Before the arrival of baby, let’s plan a special time to honor and bless the mother! Friends, female relatives and your doula come together to bless the expectant mother and bathe her in love in preparation for the upcoming birth. Every Blessingway is unique, as each mother and each birth is unique.
Price: 280 CHF
Closing of the Bones Ceremony
A tradition received from traditional midwives in Mexico and Guatemala, the Closing of the Bones ceremony is a beautiful way to acknowledge the mother and support her recovery after childbirth, celebrating the wonderful abilities of her body. The ceremony usually takes place 40 days after the birth. It is a postnatal ritual that creates a space for gratitude and stillness that allows the mother to physically and emotionally close the circle of pregnancy and birth and come back to her own body.
Price: 265 CHF
Additional Consultations
If you would like additional preparation before your birth, in addition to the prenatal meetings on the standard package..
Price: 108 CHF per hour
Postpartum Accompaniment & Support
If you would like additional support and attention, or an extra pair of hands during the postpartum days.
Price: 216 CHF for two hours
My Doula backup circle
As your Doula, I will make every effort to be with you at your birth. Although I have never used a backup, life can be unpredictable. If I am unable to attend your birth for unforeseen reasons, such as illness, injury or being at another birth, and you so desire, one of these doulas will be there for you.
You can click on their photo to learn more about them, and we can talk about how this would work at our complimentary meet and greet.
