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Click here to book your Connection call, a relaxed opportunity to get to know each other and to discuss how I can support you with no pressure.
If you prefer to meet in person, we can go for a coffee in Coltishall, Aylsham or North Walsham, please book a call and we can then make a plan!
If you are an existing client, you can book video calls, birth preparation and postnatal sessions online, I will send you the links directly, please ask if you need access to this.
Please contact me below if you have any specific queries, I aim to get back to you within 48 hours.
Frequently asked Questions
Here are some of the common things I get asked all the time! If you don't see your querstion here please do get in touch! I will be adding to this page over time.
What even is a Doula anyway?
It can be hard to define the Doula role because it's different for each family I work with. Consider me your well informed Bestie, who supports you without judgement or expectation! I have supported families through rites of passage for years, so I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and am always guided by my clients.
A doula provides practical support, including things like setting up and emptying the birth pool for example, helping with light jobs around the house, bringing you whatever you need to help you feel comfortable during labour (or whatever else you are going through).
I'm also there for emotional support. I am your calm through the storm, I help you feel grounded and calm through moments of intensity, and listen to your doubts, wobbles and fears without judgement. I know when to stay quite and hold space for you, and when to ask the right questions to gently guide you through decision making processes without trying to influence your decision in any direction.
I am an advocate for you when needed. I have a great understanding of your needs and wishes and am there to elevate your voice. I am familiar with the medical system so can ensure all options have been thoroughly explored so you feel well informed of your choices.
I support you with your comfort and your mindset. I am a trained hypnobirthing facillitator, have witnessed and supported many types of birth, and I walk the talk having experienced informed and empowering births myself. This means I really understand what helps in the moment. I support you through the intensity with presence, grounding and comfort measures and strategies which we have already explored during pregnancy.
Should I give birth at home or in hospital?
As with all decisions about your pregnancy and birth, no one should be telling you what is right for you. Only you know the answer!
A few things to consider when making your decision:
- Do you expect to need medical assistance during your labour or birth? The Norfolk and Norwich Maternity website states: "Home birth is recommended where it is likely that all your labour needs can be met by a Midwife. If you or your baby are likely to need care from a doctor or other specialist, we would recommend birth in the hospital environment. You community Midwife can discuss your individual circumstances." Find out more about birth places availabe at NNUH click here.
- What feels safest for YOU? Birth works best when you feel private, safe and supported. No one can tell you what will bring the feeling of safety to you, but this is worth exploring during your pregnancy, based on your own previous experiences of birth and being in hospital, and what subconscious thoughts and fears you may have.
- You can keep your options open! There are many wonderful benefits of planning a home birth including increased continuity of midwife care, greater sence of autonomy and control, staying in your safe and comfortable environment. If at any point, you change your mind, you are able to transfer in to hospital, whether that's for increased pain relief, increased monitoring, an augmentation of labour, or if you need additional medical support.
- There are also different options for a hospital birth, such as delivery suite, or the midwifery led unit. These offer different environments and different levels of clinical care.
Can I have doula for an induction or C section?
Yes you absolutely can! In fact, with medicalised births, the role of the doula is (in my humble opinion) absolutely vital!
When having medical interventions, many women feel like their sense of control is taken away from them, they can feel swept up in the process, and can feel overwhelmed, lost or unseen.
During a medical birth, I support you to feel at the centre of your experience, to ensure that you feel supported and informed at every step along the way. I bring grounding presence, advcacy and comfort measures, to ensure that your birth is the rite of passage, and the transformative experience that you deserve.
Will having a doula make my partner feel left out during the birth?
I hear this concern a lot! I am there to support you both through this journey, and definitely not to replace your partner!
During birth preparation, I will share tools and strategies to help your partner to feel grounded and confident, and to be able to step up and support you during birth however you need. I see birth partners who are more confident, more informed, and more involved in birth! This is an amazing start to your parenting journey with this baby!
During the birth, I always consider you both (and your baby!) as the most important people in the room, I am there to back you up, to notice what will improve your experience and to offer you gentle reassurance when needed. Sometimes a look at the right moment is enough to soothe a partners nerve and give them the confidence boost they need.
I encourage your partner to meet me before deciding if I am the doula for you, this is a relationship built on trust, so it's important that everyone is fully on board.
Once we start working together, I encourage your partner to attend all sessions if possibe, and we have a group chat so everyone feels involved and part of the conversation.
What's the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A midwife provides clinical care, and looks after your health needs throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. As a Doula, I am completely non- clinical and do not perform any clinical or medical tasks. My focus is providing emotional and practical support, to support you to have the best birth experience you can.
Do midwives and doctors dislike having a doula at a birth?
I can't speak for other professionals, but I usually experience a very supportive working relationship with maternity colleagues during both home and hospital births. Our roles compliment eachother, and I am always respectful of other professionals work, knowing that we have different responsibilities, but one clear goal which is a healthy, satisfying, powerful birth.
I also have a great relationship with some of the independent midwives who cover Norfolk, it's always a delight to work with other passionate birth workers.
Can a doula support with breastfeeding and bottle feeding?
Once your baby is born, I usually stay for a few hours to support you with the transition from womb to world. I also make at least one post- birth visit to offer support with adjusting to life with your new baby. This time includes supporting with the first feeds, with gentle reassurance, practical support and information. Further postnatal sessions are also bookable depending on availability. I have extensive experience with breastfeeding, both from my own journeys, supporting others with troubleshooting common breastfeeding issues, and signposting to specialist support if needed. I can also offer information and support with bottle feeding if required.
When is the best time to book a doula?
This is very personal, and there's no perfect time for everyone. I have spoken to some women before they are even pregnant, who have booked me as soon as they've seen two lines! I've also been booked at 37 weeks pregnant and supported some really powerful last minute changes of plan! Usually people choose their doula towards the end of the first, or in the second trimester. This means we have a really good amount of time to work together, to get to know each other and build trust, which is so important for us to work as a team during your birth.
Are Doulas only for home births?
Absolutely not.
Whilst i love supporting a home birth, and completely love that decision for families who know it is right for them, I've also supported many beautiful hospital births. The doula is a valuable member of the birth team in hospital, holding space, maintaining a relaxing and oxytocin- rich environment, providing comfort measures, helping effective communication with the clinical team and supporting with decision making and advocacy if needed.
Enquire Here
Contact me directly
07540 484584
bonnienorfolkdoula@gmail.com
Skeyton, Norfolk. NR10