Ascension Alchemist

Pregnancy, Birth & Postnatal

If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it"
- Dr John Kennell

Given this quote, a very simple definition of a doula is a person trained in childbirth who provides continuous emotional, mental and physical support to the woman and her partner during the pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. This is in addition to the medical care offered by the midwife and medical teams. The doula is an advocate for the women's wishes within the maternal medical system.
The act of physical birth is deeply entwined with the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the woman and the event. When we acknowledge this, the woman and her family-with the doula’s assistance- are empowered to direct the course of events to their own satisfaction. To this end, the services of a doula are bespoke for the clients that she is working with.
Continuity-of-care is usually not an option for most pregnant women in the larger cities. I consider this to be one of the most important things for a happy outcome for mother and baby through the birthing and postnatal period.
I have a calm, professional and gentle approach. I am passionate about women giving other women the support they need and would feel honoured to assist your family at this most special time. I am non judgemental and will genuinely support and respect the choices you make.
This is your time!
I can provide support to you during your birth and with your new baby that will benefit both you and the whole family- step by step with a doula!

Prenatal and Birth Doula Investment €800

I will be there to support you on your wonderful journey into parenthood, taking tiny steps together to make this process as stress free as possible. I will do this by:

Visiting you twice before your birth to discuss what you can expect to happen during your labour and then listening without judgement to your birth wishes. I will help you to create a plan to fulfill these desires to make your birth the magical experience that you wish for. Each one of these visits will last approximately 2 hours.
Providing continual telephone and email support for any challenges or issues that may arise.
Being on call from two weeks before until two weeks after your due date. If your baby arrives earlier than this, I will do everything I can to still be there to support you. Includes back up in place to attend if I am unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances

Being present at your birth either at home or hospital (if necessary, travel to hospital with you) from the moment you call me, and remain with you until your beautiful baby is born till at least one hour (your glorious ‘golden hour’). after the birth assisting with first feed and skin to skin.

Visiting you once more at home, (visit lasting up to 3 hours) where we can debrief on your birth, discuss any issues that you might have and ensure that you feel confident and comfortable with your transition into parenthood (your new family dynamic).
Being available by telephone and email for up to 6 weeks after your birth.

Summary:
2 Prenatal visits (1.5 - 2 hours each)
On call from two weeks before until two weeks after your due date.Attendance at Birth.
One postnatal visit lasting up to 3 hours to help with feeding options, safe sleeping, referrals to other services, etc.

Emergency/Last minute birth support
For whatever reason you may find yourself wanting or needing a doula right at the last minute. Please call me to see if I can help. I will do my very best to help you out and if I can't I will try to find you a doula who can!
Last minute rates charged at €50 per hour
Travel time/mileage may be added on all services.

Postpartum/Postnatal Doula Investment €35ph.

A postnatal doula’s role will look different for every family. As your doula I can support you physically, practically, and emotionally in the first few days, weeks, or months as parents.

I can provide practical and emotional support, caring for your baby and caring for you, cups of tea an empathetic ear and a hug if needed. I can help you to recognise what’s normal for a newborn, assisting you in working through the differing advice and opinions, to find what’s right instinctively for you and your newborn.

I provide support in your home environment to enable you to develop your mothering skills, in a relaxed manner.
I can provide feeding support and signpost for any concerns you may have. I will listen to your birth story and support your decisions in a non-judgemental way, we are all different.

I have a wide knowledge of various approaches and methods of childcare and will use this knowledge to help you discover how you want to do things for your family, to follow your instincts.

I can assist with light housework, laundry, meal preparation and older siblings, really whatever you need to feel comfortable and supported.

I am flexible and my role is to support you and your partner with running your household and getting to know your newborn.

Summery:
This service costs €35 per hour for a minimum of 4 hours.

Emotional Support – listening and holding space for you to share or explore feelings, this may be around birth/parenthood/other, signposting to helpful contacts. To help you know you are not alone, take away feeling of overwhelm, and reduce decision-fatigue.
Practical Support – caring for your baby/babies (walking, holding, changing nappies, feeding) while you rest, sleep, relax, exercise, or attend appointments. I may also do light housework, cooking, washing, organising.
Feeding Support – support you in your feeding choices and goals, discussing any concerns, sharing guidance, signposting, preparing/cleaning feeding equipment.
Travel time/mileage may be added on all services