It’s all about you and not me!
As a doula, the support I provide is different for everyone, it is never “one size fits all” and is led by you, based on your own needs, beliefs, expectations and personal birth, loss or neonatal experience. I believe that you and your baby are worthy of receiving safe, individualized care and I work for you, not a hospital or doula agency.
I recognize that pregnancy, birth and early parenting can be overwhelming for many reasons and every person is an individual, with their own unique life and family. Our individuality influences the way in which we interact with healthcare systems and receive care, therefore the support I offer recognises, validates who you are, and is trauma informed. I acknowledge that the most vulnerable groups of people (based on race, ethnicity, citizenship, spoken language, social and economic status, education, gender, disability, body size etc) face the highest levels of discrimination, bias and poorer outcomes within the healthcare system than those who hold more privilege and the protection of human rights underpins the way in which I work as a doula.
My doula approach is typically different from the way in which many (doulas) are trained and create their packages of care. My approach is rooted in advocacy, justice and trauma prevention, and I aim to support you to take a deep dive into what finding and keeping your power in your care means and looks like to you. I strive to support you to think deeply about what you want and need to confidently make care decisions based on your unique needs, to consent to (or refuse) care options and to advocate for yourself, and/or your baby. I believe that you have a right to a safe and respectful pregnancy, birth and early parenting experience, and that you can find and keep you power in this process. Learning how to own your experience is a personal committment to yourself and I am not here to “save” you or to tell you what do. I am here to guide you in your knowledge building, critical thinking and decision making so that you are heard and respected within care systems that can be challenging and harmful to navigate.
In addition to all of the really great things that I do as a doula to support you emotionally, physically and through education, I will also work with you to create an advocacy plan, and I will be your voice in the moments where you can’t find or use your own. Your safety and wellbeing are my priority and I will absolutely advocate for you in moments where you cannot, do not want to, or you request that I do so. I will center you at all times, and support you to navigate hospital care policies that you may not want, and support you to have your rights respected and your expectations met.
Let’s talk and get to know what you need!
Credit – @birthmonopoly @tracidoula @doodlepeoplexo @sootmegs