Leila Gardiner
PG Dip Obstetrics and Medical ultrasound
BSc (Hons) Radiography
Diploma in Hypnotherapy Foundation Certified Hypnobirthing childbirth educator
Member of Doula UK
Birth and Postnatal Doula (mentored)
Trained with Developing Doulas by Maddie MacMahon
About Me
I am now able to offer birth and postnatal doula (mentored, as I have recently joined Doula UK). This means that I have attended a training course approved by Doula UK and follow the Doula UK Philosophy and Code of Conduct.
I am passionate about support families being able to relax and enjoy their pregnancy and early parenting days together, while increasing their confidence and knowledge for the future. I feel that accompanying families through such a significant time is an enormous privilege. Every individual, family and situation is unique and as a result, being a Doula is a continuous learning process.
Postnatal doulas often describe their role as mothering the mother and providing guidance during the transition to motherhood/parenthood and following the birth of any additional children. Postnatal doulas aim to fulfil the role that extended family would have done in the past. This support is often unavailable now, as many family members live remotely from one another. Nurturing the mother supports her to be able to nurture her own child or children. Doulas provide practical and emotional support as well as information. They refer families to relevant resources and professionals to enable them to find solutions and make decisions that are right for them. Doulas do not provide clinical care or advice (even if qualified in a clinical role otherwise). The purpose is to empower women and families to care for themselves. The assistance provided is flexible and is determined by the needs of the mother, baby and family. Postnatal Doulas often work with a family for 6-8 weeks or more.
Research has shown that postnatal doula support:
•eases the transition to parenthood
•increases confidence
•improves successful breastfeeding rates
•decreases postnatal depression
All of these factors can have an impact upon the early days as a family and beyond. Also important is the fact that women personally chose their doula, so should feel comfortable with her.
