Bernice Smith Doula

10/01/2026

Ooh, I love this. I often remind moms not to focus on the dilation alone, but on the whole journey.🌸
Childbirth isn't a predictable, straight-line progression but a unique, unpredictable journey with stops, starts, and diversions, where cervical dilation speeds up, the body adapts dynamically, and factors like emotion and environment affect progress, unlike textbook timelines🩷

05/01/2026

While the majority of the births I support are in hospital, there are many moms exploring home / birth house options in and around Gqeberha.
We have an excellent network of wonderful midwives in town who provide this service, creating beautiful birth experiences for moms everyday💙 It's a privilege for me to be a part of that network as well.
Always remember: Your birth, your choice

Home birth with a midwife is a planned, supported option for some families 🤍

With careful screening, professional care, emergency planning, and ongoing postpartum support, midwife-attended home birth is very different from unassisted birth. For eligible families, the home environment can support comfort, autonomy, and physiologic labor—while still prioritizing safety.

Save this for later or share it with someone exploring their birth options. Knowledge supports informed choice.

29/12/2025

Each family has a magical journey ahead with their precious baby 🤍

25/12/2025

23/12/2025

The way a woman experiences birth can shape their confidence, mental health, and early parenting experience. Doulas play a critical role in helping parents process birth, access postpartum resources, and feel supported—especially when birth doesn’t go as planned.

21/12/2025

Christmas babies have arrived and a Jan baby gave his parents an extra special early surprise this week!
Best gifts in the world🎁

15/12/2025

Every woman deserves support during labour. As Doulas we strive to create a calm, safe space, offer hands-on comfort, explain procedures, and support partners, helping families navigate the challenges of childbirth with more confidence and less stress.

Labor comfort looks different for everyone 🤍

Movement, breathing, counter-pressure, water, heat or cold, and continuous support are simple but powerful tools that can help labor feel more manageable and supported. Comfort measures can be mixed, changed, and adapted as labor unfolds—there’s no one “right” way to cope.

Save this for your birth prep and remember: you deserve comfort, choice, and support during labor.

12/12/2025

The festive season is here🎄While some are unwinding, others are getting ready to meet their precious gifts 🎁 Excited for the Christmas and New Year's birthday stories to unfold ✨️

19/11/2025

November births ended with an early beautifully strong Vbac 🌸

08/11/2025

Late in pregnancy, you may experience something called prodromal labor. These are contractions that are typically further apart than active labor (greater than five minutes) but are more consistent than Braxton Hicks, which are usually erratic.

Prodromal labor is sometimes referred to as “false labor,” but the contractions in this phase actually do prepare the body for labor. While you should not expect dilation or an increase in dilation or effacement in this phase, your baby may settle into position, muscles and ligaments might loosen for birth, and your body will naturally prepare for the birth journey ahead.

All that said, prodromal labor can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. It’s smart to save your energy; you’ll need it during active labor! Here are some things that may be helpful during prodromal labor:

🎒 Packing your delivery bag

😴 Taking a nap

🚶🏾‍♀️ Going on a short walk

🎲 Playing cards or a board game

📒 Writing a journal entry

🍎 Preparing a light snack

👥 Spending time with your support person(s)

☕ Drinking a cup of warm tea

✨ Having patience

🫂 Receiving gentle touch

♨️ Using a warm heating pad on your back or above your p***c bone

🚿 Taking a warm shower or bath

It’s important to remember: We are all unique in our bodies, capacities, and experiences, and knowing what you’re experiencing can also be a preventative measure. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your birth team.

📸: Mint & Cocoa

01/11/2025

Having both a midwife and a doula provides a comprehensive support system by combining medical care with continuous emotional and physical support.
The "best" team is one that aligns with your specific medical needs, personal preferences, and desired birth experience🩷

20/10/2025

Regulating your breathing during labour and birth helps with relaxation and can change your perception of pain💜