Let’s Talk About: My experience of hiring a birth doula
My amazing doula Olivia Denham (www.bebirth.co.uk) with a new born Finn!
Hiring a doula; a non-medical support person who provides continuous and ongoing informational, emotional and practical support throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period, has been proven to:
Reduce the length of labour
Reduce the likelihood of assisted or caesarean birth
Reduce the need for pharmacological pain relief (including epidural analgesia)
Reduce the need for induction of labour
Reduce the likelihood of postnatal depression
Improve parental satisfaction
Improve prospects of successfully initiating and continuation of breastfeeding
Improve postnatal recovery rates
… to name but a few. Therefore, it was definitely something I wanted to secure for myself!
What lead to me hiring a doula?
My first birth experience with Poppy was such a wonderful and hugely positive experience which, in large, I put down to the mindset I went into my birth with (thanks hypnobirthing) and the tools I practices religiously in the lead up to my birth. I take a great amount of pride from the efforts I invested into my birth preparation. However, I was also blessed with a straight forward pregnancy which gave me more freedom to make my own choices regarding my birth. When it came to being pregnant again, I was actually looking forward to giving birth again!
However, circumstances were different this time. A few test results meant that I was initially placed under consultant care and required additional growth scans. My personal circumstances were also different. I didn’t feel as prepared for this birth and I also felt a level of pressure to “perform” again; to have another incredible birth experience. Another blow suffered was that Cossham Birth Centre, where I had given birth to Poppy and had hoped to give birth second time around, was temporarily closed due to staff shortages around my due date. This meant I had birth place choice to make.
ENTER: DOULA olivia denham
I was lucky enough to already know Olivia (my doula) as a close friend. I spoke to her about my concerns and she encouraged me to do a refresher hypnobirthing course to adjust my mindset and help me begin to feel more prepared.
Olivia agreed to join our birth team as our doula despite being on maternity leave with her 5 month old daughter. I think it was at this point that I really felt a change in how I was approaching my second birth.
Olivia researched my circumstances, she ascertained mine and Joe’s wishes for birth, she discussed with us the potential benefits and risks of our choices and she encouraged us to consider alternative preferences “in case” circumstances transpired which required me to adjust my “plan”.
After our antenatal sessions together, I felt totally clear and confident. I felt prepared that whatever path my birth ultimately took - it would be a positive experience.
The support
On the morning of 28th July when I was 38 weeks pregnant, I received a text message from Olivia saying she was now, officially, on-call for me!
One of the most valuable things about hiring a doula, for me, was the reassurance that whenever I needed Olivia, she would come. It didn’t matter what time of day it was, she was available to come and be with me when I wanted her there. I felt a complete sense of security and reassurance and an ability to just relax.
When my waters went later that evening, it was Olivia’s calm and reassuring voice that I heard on the phone encouraging me to get some rest.
When things “hotted up” during labour, it was Olivia who placed a reassuring hand on me and helped me feel grounded.
When transition hit and I was asking everyone to “just go home”, it was Olivia who encouraged me to relax my jaw and release tension with some “ahhhhhing” and “ohhhhhhing” sounds.
Olivia helped Joe set up the perfect zen den for me and she ensured I didn’t lift a finger in the post birth clear up.
I have no pictures of me with Olivia during or after my birth but she was always there; by my side when I needed her or very close by when I didn’t. She brought company at the perfect time and provided space at the perfect time.
Her presence alone allowed me to feel safe to travel to my birth bubble, knowing that her feet were firmly on the ground for us both. And yes… she may have scooped some poop out of my pool at times!
Olivia played an essential role in my birth whilst also allowing me to feel like I was in complete control and that I was totally able to own my birth achievements.
My husband says that having the support of Olivia made his experience so much more enjoyable rather than feeling solely responsible for the practical tasks that needed to be done.
Olivia remains a close friend, a mentor, a source of encouragement and the support she provides to other women and birthing people astounds me every single day.
She’s quite simply an angel on earth and I will forever feel so incredibly grateful and privileged to have had her support at my birth.
Parting words
My advice to you, if you are considering a birth doula, is: value yourself and your birth experience and hire yourself an Olivia. I have no doubt that my experience was entirely enriched by her support through my pregnancy, birth and beyond!