— Laureen Eaton — Doula Care – based in the Crawley area extending into Surrey and East Sussex
Having a doula can make all the difference to your pregnancy labour and birth of your baby; making this special time one of positivity, calm, confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions.
Doulas provide continuous support for the whole family through pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenthood. We are there to listen, give confidence and not judge. Offering flexible, practical and emotional support we work in women’s own homes as well as in hospitals. We support you in whatever type birth you choose, whether it is a home birth in water, a medicalised or non-medicalised birth in hospital.
Doulas do not offer clinical skills and are not medically trained.
While doulas are not there to change outcomes there is growing evidence that having a birth or postnatal doula brings a number of tangible benefits. From reducing intervention rates, shortening labour and improving the condition of babies at birth. While this research is important, it’s the less tangible benefits of having a non-judgemental companion during a life-altering event that most woman remember and value.
Working together as a team, with Mum, the loving support of Dad, and the knowledge and experience a doula brings can create an amazing atmosphere for a baby to be brought into the world.
Postnatal doulas provide flexible practical and emotional support postnatally for new mothers and families in their own homes.
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My name is Laureen and I am married with five lovely grown up children and seven gorgeous grandchildren. My background is teaching and I am a qualified infant teacher and an Adult Education tutor.
I believe passionately in the ability of a woman to birth her baby, and whilst there is a place for medical interventions, most women, with loving support and care, can give birth without them. Dad’s are important and they need support too.
Since training with Nurturing Birth in 2009, I have supported over 40 women and their families, in all stages throughout the birthing process. From breastfeeding support, to facilitating pool births at home, to providing practical support around the home after the birth. I can give you the confidence to feel empowered to birth your baby without medical interventions. Essentially, I will support and prepare you towards having the birth you want, safe, calm and confident. I also specialise in using a Rebozo – a Mexican scarf, as well as breathing and relaxation techniques.
My services
Birth Package – £500
I offer you a free consultation to talk about my services and answer any of your questions.
I will meet with you twice before the birth to get to know you and your partner to build a good relationship with understanding and trust and to ensure I know your plans and requirements for your labour. I will prepare you for the labour and the birth of your baby and help you write your birth preferences, giving you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
I will stay with you throughout labour, however long, providing nurturing, continuous support and reassurance; helping you to have the birth you want. I will also encourage your partner (if you have one) to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable.
During labour, whether at home or in hospital I do my best to create a quiet and comfortable environment where you will feel safe and nurtured while you give birth to your baby. I will remain with you until after the birth to ensure you are comfortable with your new baby and baby has had his first feed.
I will make two follow up visits to debrief with you your birth, give you support and encouragement with breastfeeding, help out in your home, with baby care, light housework and be a listening ear.
If you wish I can make you a placenta smoothie.
I have a tens machine
I have a birth pool-which you can hire.
Postnatal Services – £17 an hour
In the early days or weeks following the birth of your baby you and your family may need some extra help. I will be available to come to your home for 3 – 4 hrs a day to do various household tasks such as light house work, making lunch, preparing vegetables, shopping, walking the dog, looking after siblings etc., to enable you to mother your newborn and also to have a well deserved rest.
I will give you support and encouragement in breastfeeding if that is what you have chosen to do and provide you with emotional support if needed.
One to one Birth Preparation
You may not wish to have a doula with you in labour, but would like to have the benefit of one to one birth preparation with a doula in the comfort of your own home. These evenings are tailored to each woman and her partner depending on YOUR needs.
Guha – second baby
Laureen was a pillar of strength and support for me during the birth of my second son. Having had a traumatic emergency cesarean birth for my first son, I was very keen to have a vaginal birth for my second son. My first baby was posterior. Laureen’s suggestions and exercises during my second pregnancy helped maintain my baby in the proper position. On the day when I was in labour, she arrived at my home very quickly once I messaged her. She was highly professional and helped my husband and me remain calm throughout. She massaged my back during every contraction for almost 9 hrs. She reminded me to breathe throughout labour and helped me have the water birth that I wanted, constantly encouraging me at times when I was almost about to give up.
Zara – first baby
Laureen was brilliant from the start. She answered my phone call and talked me through the services she offers. She was so friendly. When she came for our antenatal meeting she had so much information about labour, birth and breastfeeding, which put our minds at ease. We both really enjoyed her two sessions as she gave us so much insight into the wonderful labour. I found it was so helpful to practice the breathing and getting into the different positions she showed me for labour and giving birth.
I cannot stress enough what an amazing woman Laureen is. She is so calming yet assertive when she needs to be. For example she repeated and insisted my requests to the medical staff when my voice was not being heard. I would use Laureen again, without a doubt.
If you are considering a Doula, or would like to find out more about how I can support you, please get in touch for a chat.
Email me: [email protected]
Visit my website: http://www.doulacare.net
Like and follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/doulacare
