Birth Doula
‘Being pregnant and giving birth are like crossing a narrow bridge. People can accompany you to the bridge. They can greet you on the other side. But you walk that bridge alone.’
African proverb
As a birth doula my work is about offering a familiar and comforting presence that enables you to relax and focus on birthing your baby. This can help take the pressure off you (and your partner), as well as making sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions so you feel calm and in control of your birth choices. I will support you in a way that is right for you and which nurtures strength and confidence in your instincts and intuition around birth and mothering. I have been lucky enough to support the arrival of first babies, second babies, women on their own or with partners, from a wide range of nationalities, at home, in the birth centre or in hospital.
What to Expect?
During your pregnancy we will spend time getting to know each other by meeting at least three or four times. This is an opportunity to discuss your plans, preferences, and hopes as well as hear about any fears and anxieties you may have. We can talk about your preparations for the birth such as workshops or antenatal classes and if you wish do some preparation together. If you have a birth plan we can go over or work on this together so I become familiar with your needs and choices. Some women find it helpful and even cathartic to share past experiences of pregnancy and birth.
What Happens Next?
I will go ‘on call’ for you at 38 weeks, be available any time of day or night and remain so for 4 weeks or until your baby is born. When your labour begins I am happy to be with you as soon as you want me there and you feel in need of support. I can be with you at home while in the early stages of labour and will stay with you until your baby is born at home or in hospital.
During your labour I can help you with hot or cold compresses, homeopathic remedies, tens machine, snacks & drinks and any essential oils you may choose to use.
Once you have birthed the placenta I like to stay with you and your baby until you are comfortable and settled.
After Birth
After the birth I will come and visit you at home to see how you are getting on. This is an opportunity to talk through the birth experience with someone that was there with you and women find this an important part of completing the birth process. I can give you information on local post natal support groups and activities if needed.
For more information on birth doula support in Scotland please visit the Scottish Doula Network by clicking the link here.
What Families Are Saying
‘Robyn helped us feel supported in our birth choices from the moment we met until we delivered our firstborn at home. She very quickly felt like our friend but by the end was like family. She had helpful hints for our preparations and at the birth she seemed possessed of psychic powers, taking care of things ranging from helpful to absolutely essential as we passed through labour, birth and into the beginnings of our new life as a family. Robyn has been our rock in this amazing process, always there for us, always helping.. we can’t imagine anyone more suitable. She has truly left her mark on our lives and has helped make our baby’s birth magical.’
Anna Rzemieniewska
‘I can’t articulate how special it was for me to have you sharing in the birth. You were absolutely fantastic, so tuned in and helpful and supportive. I couldn’t have wished for more. Words don’t do my feelings justice. Given all your support before and during the birth helped tremendously in feeling really positive about the whole experience. Thank you, thank you.’
Anna Shepherd
‘Robyn has a wonderfully calm presence and I simply enjoyed her being there. Having a friendly non-medical person made me feel more like it was a magical event not a medical procedure. She looked after Hunter a lot immediately after he was born while I was in 3rd stage and having stitches and I felt happy he was being cuddled by someone warm and gentle. The remedies she gave me for healing postnatally were literally miraculous. More than that I loved being able to talk through the birth, both the good parts, to relive them and the parts I found difficult. It was incredibly important for me to talk them through with Robyn.’
Catriona Crawford
Autogenic Training can be beneficial during pregnancy and birth by keeping the stress response switched off and the relaxation response on, resulting in decreased levels of pain in childbirth and happier and calmer mothers and babies. For a more in depth look at pain during labour and how AT has helped women in their birth journeys, please click on the button below. For more information on Autogenic Training please see the main menu.