Philia Birth, Breastfeeding, Postnatal

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Philia Birth, Breastfeeding, Postnatal

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05/06/2024

Emotions are contagious and the effects of an emotional encounter last.

In pregnancy, during labour, and after birth women are more sensitive to body language and facial expression, so can pick up how people are feeling more easily, even subconsciously. They are vulnerable to catching other peoples emotions. And when you catch an emotion, it sticks , it can make you feel sad or happy, like an emotional hangover from your encounter.

For this reason, as you prepare for your birth, and as you give birth, it’s a good idea to surround yourself with people who you trust, and who are positive and supportive about your birth plans.

Doulas believe that birth works, have been at many positive births and have trained to offer unconditional positive regard to the people they work with and the plans they have made. You’ll know you have someone to stay by your side, who knows you and your plans, and who you can trust.

When you feel unsure, if someone questions your plans, or puts doubts in your mind, you can speak to your doula, knowing that she cares, and she’s there just for you. When you open your eyes, and look up from your hormone fuelled birthing zone, you can catch a glimpse of your doulas face, looking at you with affection and positivity. You will catch her emotions, helping you to achieve as positive birth experience as possible.

Hope the picture of my happy dog made you smile!

05/04/2024

Today I went on a final visit to say goodbye to a client who has had her baby.

We chatted about her birth, and how they are getting on as a new family of three.

As we said goodbye, they headed off on a walk with their new baby in the pram. I watched them disappearing down the road together, holding hands and pushing the baby, and I felt such a strong feeling swelling in my heart.

I had the privilege to walk with them as they brought their baby into the world, to witness the moment they became three, to advocate for them and watch over their precious first moments together, to navigate the first feed. Hoping to make it the most positive and empowering experience that it could be, so that they can start their journey trusting themselves and their ability to parent their baby.

I then say goodbye, and off they walk on the rest of their journey. Birth is not the end, it’s just the beginning.

She asked me during labour, while we sat together throughout the long, dark night, waiting for the surges to grow, ‘Do you get bored doing this?’ and the answer is absolutely not! What an honour it is to be invited to be there.

08/03/2024

International Woman’s Day
To be with woman,
To listen,
To really know,
To sit through tears and joy
To hold
To advocate
To witness the transformation from maid to mother

There’s no job I’d rather do

17/02/2024

And sometimes postnatal doula work looks like walking! I walked for as long as these twins would sleep so that their mummy could have a good sleep back at home.

15/02/2024

When I work as a postnatal doula, we often bake together. Its an opportunity to do something different for half an hour, but also when hands and eyes are busy, it’s an opportunity to talk and share, to connect in a way that probably wouldn’t happen while making eye contact, sitting on the sofa. And bonus is a cake to share together later with a cup of tea.

This lovely chocolate cake was made yesterday to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

16/10/2023

We are very proud to share new evidence of the positive impact that Doula UK doulas make and the growing demand for doula support.

Our members complete an annual return each year detailing their doula work. From this data, we are able to identify the positive impact of having a doula during pregnancy, birth, and after the birth of a baby.

A staggering 2,047 births were supported by a Doula UK doula last year!

We saw an increase in families choosing home birth which was the most popular place to give birth with doula support, closely followed by hospitals and birth centres. 64% of births were spontaneous.

The power of doulas goes beyond the birth itself. With doula support, 99% of families initiated breastfeeding a stark difference to the National average of 71%.

In 2019 research published in the Cochrane Review found continuous support from a doula could improve several health outcomes for both the woman or birthing person and baby. In addition, those who receive continuous support may be less likely to use pain medications, may have shorter labours, and may be more likely to be satisfied with their birth experience.

Doulas provide continuous emotional, practical and informative support to the whole family. If you're curious to find out more about doulas or if you would like to find a doula to support you, visit www.doula.org.uk or click Find a Doula in our link tree.

Doula UK is on a mission to show the world the incredible benefits of doula support, and our research is backing it up!

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Banstead
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http://www.philiabirth.co.uk/

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