My Background
Doula For You is based in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire and is run by myself - Lanna Hussain. I have been trained by Nurturing Birth, and am a committed Doula who aims to provide parents with support throughout late pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood by focusing on their desires.
A Doula - the Greek word for a female slave - provides practical and emotional support to a woman during birth. Commonly termed 'mothering the mother' focus is upon listening to the mother-to-be's wishes, and providing a calming presence throughout.
I have a First Class (Honours) Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sociology and Social Anthropology and a Master of Research (MRes) in Social Anthropology. The whole year of my MRes focused on exploring childbirth academically, discovering what factors contribute to ensuring women have positive birth experiences. This research highlighted the need to consider a multitude of factors relevant to a woman (these factors may include previous pregnancies or birth experiences, birth partner, social expectations, individual ideologies or family ideals) and these will vary with different women. Women can have positive, empowering and satisfying birth experiences if they, and their needs, are listened to.
The medical system is often overstretched and unable to provide such individualised care that would incorporate all of a woman's needs (because they often do not have the time or staff to get to know the pregnant women to discover what their needs are, beyond medical ones). I felt very strongly that women should be offered information of all their options, and support for whichever option they choose. And so this research was the catalyst for me training to be a Doula.
My Aim as a Doula
As a Doula I can provide you with continual support, and fit into the role you would like. I am not medically trained. My role is to provide you with the support to empower you to make the decisions you feel most content with, and that suit your needs. I will support you through whatever type of birth you choose, and in whichever location you feel most comfortable in. I will not offer advice, but instead I will provide you with suggestions and information, so you are the one to choose what happens during your birth (and/or postnatally), and have someone to support you during this time. I want to be there to support YOU during this vulnerable time.
Birth Doula Services
I work as both a Birth and Postnatal Doula where I will provide you with emotional and practical support
A Birth Doula provides support through late pregnancy and birth. My Birth Doula package includes:
• Initial Interview (required to ensure a connection exists between a Doula and the parents)
• Two antenatal visits where we will discuss your pregnancy, your preferences, your expectations and any particular questions you have. This time is yours: we will cover a number of topics and can discuss anything you are particularly concerned about in more detail
- Regular email and phone contact up to your birth and afterwards – the care will gradually subside, not abruptly stop J
• On call two weeks before and two weeks after your due date
• The birth itself where I will provide the care we will already have discussed you wish to receive, being as hands on or off as you would prefer, but mainly offering support and reassurance throughout
• One postnatal visit (usually within the first week) to dote on your newborn :)
Postnatal Doula Services
A Postnatal Doula provides support to new (or second/third/forth etc time mothers) during the first few weeks after childbirth. My Postnatal Doula package includes:
- 60 hours (or more if required) usually spread across 6-8 weeks
- Practical support around the house
- Light housework (general tidy-up)
- Giving you time to do things (have a bath, catch up on the soaps, read) while I look after the baby
- Helping with other siblings
- Support with feeding (and signposting to professionals or providing you with extra information if necessary)
- Being able to rest and enjoy your newborn knowing YOU are also being looked after
- Listening to any worries you have
- Making sure you feel happy and confident
Availability
I am based in Abbots Langley and I cover the areas of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex and London.
Please contact me for information on prices and date availability (I can be very flexible with the dates you wish to book your antenatal visits or postnatal hours).
Contact Details:
lanna@doulaforyou.co.uk
07738150170
I am also happy to work via the Doula Access Fund that is available through Doula UK. For more information on the scheme, and to see if you are eligible, visit http://doula.org.uk/content/doula-access-fund
You can find me on Twitter: @Doula_For_You https://twitter.com/#!/Doula_For_You
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