Birth ideas
How a doula offers support through;
Information support – Physical support – Emotional support
Begin draft birth plan – jot down ideas
Hypnobirth – birth affirmations & visualisations
Discussion and explanation to help dispel myths and anxieties about birth if any
Recommend resources/readings/videos/ etc
Discussion of the birth plan. Provide information re; hospital protocols.
Discuss any new ideas & review books, DVD’s & articles of interest
Practice relaxation, visualisations & affirmations (at the clients acceptance & is not compulsory)
Massage
Discuss the role of the partner – how we work together
Pregnancy exercises for optimum foetal position
Birth positions for labour
In depth discussion of birth plan, including specific accept/decline of hospital protocols (if birthing in hospital)
Review information from books, DVD’s & articles of interest
Massage
Continue practice of birthing positions
Continue practice of relaxation/affirmations/visualisations
Relaxation/affirmations/visualisations
Final review of birth plan & ensure at least 3 copies are made
Finalise requests for members of the family to be present/absent during & after the birth
Massage
De-brief the birth
Breastfeeding counselling if needed
Refer to useful services
Photos returned if any taken