Massage Doula - My Doula CV

Updated:- April 2008

How long have you been a doula?
Since June 2004. I am a qualified massage Doula with the Massage Doula Network and have completed a Doula Course recognized by Doula UK with Nurturing Birth. I am now waiting for my interview to be a "recognized Doula" by Doula UK.

How many families have you been a doula for? 11 which includes two c-sections and a home birth.

What Hospitals have you been a Doula at?
High Wycombe, Wexham Park Labour Ward, Heatherwood, Stoke Mandeville, Wallingford, John Radcliff and Home birth.

What doula certification do you have or what courses have you attended?
I attended a prenatal and massage Doula course. Requirements for the course were to have experience and qualifications in massage and have completed at least 100 hours of massage. The course was 4 days length ending with a practical prenatal massage exam and written Doula exam.

In July 2005 I completed a course recognized by Doula UK (Nurturing Birth) and am a 'trainee Doula' on their website (www.doula.org.uk) I am waiting for my interview become a Recognized Doula.

How much do you charge, and what is included?
Please see my 'what will your Doula do ' and costs

Do you draw up a written agreement? If yes, can I see a copy of it?
Yes. I can provide an agreement for our interview.

How do you handle conflicts with family members and medical professionals?
I respect medical professionals and the work they do, I have never been in conflict with a medical professional.
I respect that family members may have opinions about another person being involved, it is my job to be impartial and help mum and dad feel empowered in their birthing decisions. As an objective member of the birthing team I am able to be less emotionally involved than a family member and feel that this can benefit my clients.

Are you insured?
Yes, with the Doula Network and IGPP. (http://www.embodyforyou.com/) and (http://www.massagedoula.com/)

How long will you stay with me before and after the birth?
We have some prenatal meetings before your due date to get to know one another. You may also like to have some prenatal massage or reflexology.
Our time together will enable us to build trust and a confident working relationship.
Immediately after birth I will stay until you are breastfeeding and/or ready for family time. I will visit you at home a few days later.

What is my partner's role during my labour?
Support in any way they feel comfortable with. I will encourage them to be involved in your labour by showing them techniques before the birth, during birth I ensure they do what they would like and are relieved from things they are uncomfortable with.

Will you support my partner and if so how?
I want very much for your birth to be your experience rather than an experience with me also! I hope to encourage your partner ot be as involved as they feel confident with and only step in when I feel I am needed. Also, should your partner need sleep or to eat, I will stay with you and visa versa. Father’s will be confident that you will never be alone and can rest when needed most.

What are your feelings about hospital midwives?
They probably don’t have as much time to spend with each woman as they would like and most midwives that I have met have been confident that I am able to help my client as best as possible.

How many prenatal visits do you provide? How many postnatal visits?
2 antenatal sessions (these are not designed to replace NCT or NHS antenatal classses), but we can spend time together throughout prenatal massage or reflexology and spend additional time together to build a rapport as needed.

Will you attend a prenatal appointment with us to meet our caregiver?
Absolutely, if you wish.

Can we meet to draw up a Birth Plan together?
Yes, certainly. I would like to have a birth plan to enable me to help you the best way I can.

How do I contact you? Daytime and night time?
Day and night on my mobile anytime from the 38th week of your pregnancy until you have the baby.

Can we telephone/email you before and after the birth with questions/concerns we have?
Absolutely.

Contact Louise@mindbodyandsole.com