Adelaide Doula Services |
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The families who approach the birth of their child with curiosity, honesty and the courage to do hard things are the rockstars of my birth world.
Every pregnancy is different and every birth is a unique experience.
Childbirth is a transformational journey. Beautiful, yet intense. Exciting yet uncertain. It is a time of many different emotions. This is why in many cultures around the world, a pregnant woman will always have somebody of trust to count on. Sometimes family, but usually a dedicated professional with birthing wisdom to share. A doula.
The presence of a trusted doula is much sought after by birthing families. To not only support them through the intense moments but to be there for them from conception to postpartum. Creating a safe and trusting environment, being of service should anything be of need.
A doula isn't there to influence your choices.
I am there to hold space for you to feel heard and valued. YOU are the expert in YOUR birth. Positive childbirth is about you feeling respected, informed and supported. One of the most rewarding things I will ever hear as a doula, no matter how the birth turned out, is “I felt powerful!”.
It is natural to feel fears, to have questions, to feel unsure. The safe space we create together allows you to be honest about these feelings and work through them in preparation. To prepare your body, mind, and spirit.
I invite all families to take a deep look at the choices they are making and see how in-tune with their birth philosophy they are.
Have you asked yourself what your birth philosophy is?
Your hospital and care provider will have policies for your birth, but what are YOUR policies for YOU?
What do you need to learn about birth? What do you know about the system that you will be birthing in? What do you want to discover about the other people involved in your care? What more do you need to understand about your own beliefs and values?
No matter what type of birth you are planning, it is your ability to reset at each twist or turn that is important!
It's okay to speak up about what matters to you. You have the right to say "no" or to ask questions or ask for more time. Do you have the courage to change your mind? Are you willing to prioritise your needs and learn from the experience?
Birth is big and unpredictable.
Birth can bring you to your knees and then make your heart soar. Being active through your choices and actions gives you the power to influence how you feel about your child's birth.
Are you ready to be accountable?
Childbirth is a transformational journey. Beautiful, yet intense. Exciting yet uncertain. It is a time of many different emotions. This is why in many cultures around the world, a pregnant woman will always have somebody of trust to count on. Sometimes family, but usually a dedicated professional with birthing wisdom to share. A doula.
The presence of a trusted doula is much sought after by birthing families. To not only support them through the intense moments but to be there for them from conception to postpartum. Creating a safe and trusting environment, being of service should anything be of need.
A doula isn't there to influence your choices.
I am there to hold space for you to feel heard and valued. YOU are the expert in YOUR birth. Positive childbirth is about you feeling respected, informed and supported. One of the most rewarding things I will ever hear as a doula, no matter how the birth turned out, is “I felt powerful!”.
It is natural to feel fears, to have questions, to feel unsure. The safe space we create together allows you to be honest about these feelings and work through them in preparation. To prepare your body, mind, and spirit.
I invite all families to take a deep look at the choices they are making and see how in-tune with their birth philosophy they are.
Have you asked yourself what your birth philosophy is?
Your hospital and care provider will have policies for your birth, but what are YOUR policies for YOU?
What do you need to learn about birth? What do you know about the system that you will be birthing in? What do you want to discover about the other people involved in your care? What more do you need to understand about your own beliefs and values?
No matter what type of birth you are planning, it is your ability to reset at each twist or turn that is important!
It's okay to speak up about what matters to you. You have the right to say "no" or to ask questions or ask for more time. Do you have the courage to change your mind? Are you willing to prioritise your needs and learn from the experience?
Birth is big and unpredictable.
Birth can bring you to your knees and then make your heart soar. Being active through your choices and actions gives you the power to influence how you feel about your child's birth.
Are you ready to be accountable?
What Do Elemental Beginnings' Clients Receive?
Birth With Confidence $1950 |
An introductory Clarity Session to interview me, ask any questions, get clear on your needs, birth values and decide if we are a good fit to work together. This session also gives you a personal action plan to start working towards your best birth. |
Two (2) face-to-face coaching sessions during your pregnancy to build a trusting relationship with your family.
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Full email and phone support during your pregnancy.
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100% support from the start to the finish of your birthing time.
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Immediate postnatal support to welcome your baby earthside ~ 2 hrs.
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One (1) postnatal visit to see how you are settling in, debrief your birth experience, provide newborn education and make sure your parenting journey is off to the best start possible. |
Two (2) optional bonus face-to-face visits. You choose whether you would like these during your pregnancy or as additional postnatal support. That's up to twenty (20!!) hours of solid support from me in the comfort of your own home over the five visits available to you and your family. |
Free access to my extensive library of pregnancy, birth and parenting books and resources that you can borrow at any time during our work together. |
Free access to my baby-wearing library. Borrow a sling or wrap to try out and see what works best for your family before you spend money on something that doesn't work. |
The option to have your placenta encapsulated for the exclusive doula client price of $195 |
Postnatal meal-train coordination between your family and friends so you can have a few nights off cooking once baby is here. Let your network support you! |
Free hire of my ElleTens machine and CUB support |
Exclusive accese to my private online client portal containing extra video resources, free printouts and worksheets |
Continued email support for your first year with baby. Perfect for when you have any questions, would like some links to other support services or just want to stay in touch. I love to see how you and your baby are going! |
CALL
Schedule your free call with me.
Suss me out and ask those questions |
CLARIFY
This is a very important step where we both get clarity, aligning your expectations with the way I deliver my services.
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CREATE
This is where the magic and bonding begins! I am a passionate doula, ready to work along side you!
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What is your birth philosophy?
And why is it important?
Never has it been more important to be mindful of the choices you make about your care during pregnancy and birth.
When it comes to labour and birth, as your doula, I can not make any guarantees about how it will unfold. I can't promise that it will be confident, orgasmic, empowering or healing because birth is too unpredictable.
But, I can promise that I will work with you to cultivate your internal knowing and resilience. I promise that I will be there to support you through whatever path you choose.
We will work together to create your birth philosophy, your guiding compass for your child's birth.
Never has it been more important to be mindful of the choices you make about your care during pregnancy and birth.
When it comes to labour and birth, as your doula, I can not make any guarantees about how it will unfold. I can't promise that it will be confident, orgasmic, empowering or healing because birth is too unpredictable.
But, I can promise that I will work with you to cultivate your internal knowing and resilience. I promise that I will be there to support you through whatever path you choose.
We will work together to create your birth philosophy, your guiding compass for your child's birth.
PHILOSOPHY
/fɪˈlɒsəfi/
noun a theory or attitude that acts as a guiding principle for behaviour.
synonyms: beliefs, credo, faith, convictions, ideology, ideas, thinking, notions, theories, doctrine, tenets, values, principles, ethics, attitude, line, view, viewpoint, outlook, world view,
I am not your average doula but nor are you the average client.
You are someone that:
✔ Values the time we spend together
✔ Is willing to put in the hard work to achieve your goals
✔ Participates in self-reflection
✔ Can hear challenging things and take steps to work through them with my support
✔ Is accountable for your choices and actions
✔ Devotes the time to build a strong working relationship with me
✔ Knows birth can be better
✔ Is curious and wants to learn
✔ Is ready to own your birth in whatever shape or form that may take!
My biggest worry about birth was being able to fully relax and enter my birth space. Having a doula meant that I had someone to care for me in a professional manner and organise the little things that I couldn't. Tammy, Mum to Onyxia
Mt Barker SA |
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Got a question? I'm only a phone call away
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Bookings
To secure me as your doula, a signed contract and non-refundable retainer of 40% is required. The remaining fees are due by 37 weeks. Payment plans are available during this time-frame as well as a gift registry for your friends and family to contribute. I am available by phone and email immediately after receiving your secured booking and will be on call to attend your birth from 38 weeks gestation. If you go into labour before then, of course I will do my best to be by your side in any trimester. I do not provide medical care or advice. Please contact your care provider if you have any medical concerns. For postnatal care, please see my specific postnatal packages here. |
"Kelly has a beautiful kind nature and I honestly could not have asked for a better doula.
She was everything we needed to make our birth exactly how we had planned."
She was everything we needed to make our birth exactly how we had planned."
Kirstie - Roxby Downs
You got Doula Questions?
I got answers.
What is a Doula?
Technically, a birth doula (/ˈduːlə/) provides non-medical, holistic care to the childbearing parent and their family.
This means I support you during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and in the postpartum period depending on what your needs are. Most commonly, I will meet with you during your pregnancy so that we can get to know each other and then I go with you when you give birth and provide continuous support.
As a doula I offer childbirth education, physical and emotional support.
Most doulas have undertaken training from one of the many doula training organisations around the world but it is not a regulated industry so some may not have any training. You may wish to enquire about this with any doula you interview.
Other terms may include birth companion, birth attendant or birth coach.
This means I support you during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and in the postpartum period depending on what your needs are. Most commonly, I will meet with you during your pregnancy so that we can get to know each other and then I go with you when you give birth and provide continuous support.
As a doula I offer childbirth education, physical and emotional support.
Most doulas have undertaken training from one of the many doula training organisations around the world but it is not a regulated industry so some may not have any training. You may wish to enquire about this with any doula you interview.
Other terms may include birth companion, birth attendant or birth coach.
What does a Doula do?
The answer to this depends on what a client's individual needs are but it can generally be broken down into three categories:
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
- Childbirth Education - the physiological process of how you and your baby work together
- Hospital policies and how to advocate for your needs around them
- Your legal rights as a birthing person - hint: they trump hospital policies
- Birth options in Adelaide
- Research into procedures, interventions
- Local support services
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
- Previous birth debriefing
- Traumatic birth resources
- Working through fears and anxieties around birth
- Adjusting to your new family dynamics
- Moral support
- A strong belief in our clients' ability to choose what is right for them
PHYSICAL SUPPORT
- Comfort measures (non-medicated) to cope with the intensity of labour
- Techniques and positions to help relieve pre- and post-natal aches and pains
- Attend appointments with you
- Meals and light housework
- Newborn care
How much does it cost to have a Doula?
It varies depending on the extent of the services the doula provides and their experience. I ask for a 30% retainer and then allow you to pay off the rest of your investment throughout your pregnancy with the final amount paid a few weeks before your estimated due date. I'd love to discuss my tailored package and payment options with you once we've met and assessed what your needs might be.
What hospitals do you cover?
I have worked as a birth doula in Adelaide in the following locations:
I also love supporting clients who birth at home with a private midwife.
I travel anywhere between Aldinga and Gawler.
- Women's & Children's Hospital - MGP (homebirth & hospital), public & private maternity services
- Lyell McEwin Hospital - MGP (homebirth & hospital), BAUL and obstetric services
- Flinders Medical Centre - MGP (homebirth & hospital), public maternity services
- All private hospitals including Burnside, Ashford, North Eastern & Calvary North Adelaide
- Mt Barker Hospital
I also love supporting clients who birth at home with a private midwife.
I travel anywhere between Aldinga and Gawler.
Can a Doula deliver a baby?
The short answer is no.
It is outside our scope of practice and it is also illegal for a doula in South Australia to manage any of the three stages of birth. You can read the legislation here if you're interested in what is deemed as managing the health and well-being of mother and baby.
The legislation does NOT mean that we can't attend your birth at home or hospital. Most doulas will only attend a birth that is overseen by a Midwife or OB because of the risk of prosecution if something goes wrong and we are held responsible.
It is also not illegal for you to birth without a Midwife or OB present. You have every right to choose where and with whom you give birth.
We can however deliver a pizza if that's what you're craving ;-)
*inside birth joke - babies are born, pizzas are delivered*
It is outside our scope of practice and it is also illegal for a doula in South Australia to manage any of the three stages of birth. You can read the legislation here if you're interested in what is deemed as managing the health and well-being of mother and baby.
The legislation does NOT mean that we can't attend your birth at home or hospital. Most doulas will only attend a birth that is overseen by a Midwife or OB because of the risk of prosecution if something goes wrong and we are held responsible.
It is also not illegal for you to birth without a Midwife or OB present. You have every right to choose where and with whom you give birth.
We can however deliver a pizza if that's what you're craving ;-)
*inside birth joke - babies are born, pizzas are delivered*
What does a Doula do during birth?
All doulas have different skills depending on their personal interests and experience. I've given some examples below. Sometimes it may look like we are doing nothing when we are sitting quietly, observing how you are coping during childbirth and letting you have some privacy. When you are coping well, this is often what we do so as to not interrupt a birth warrior in progress. Any time you need our hands-on support and presence, we will be there for you.
And for the partners who are wondering - no, I don't take over your very special role. I will demonstrate a comfort measure and then encourage you to be actively involved.
And for the partners who are wondering - no, I don't take over your very special role. I will demonstrate a comfort measure and then encourage you to be actively involved.
- acupressure
- massage
- positioning
- rebozo work
- relaxation
- breath work
- visualisation
- compresses
- hydrotherapy
- music therapy
- affirmations
- advocacy
Im planning a __________ Can Elemental Beginnings help me?
I offer my advanced doula services to all parents including, but not limited to homebirth, low risk birth, elective c-sections, VBAC, birth trauma, infant loss, high risk pregnancies, inductions, multiples, IVF, and sexual abuse survivors.
It does not matter to me what type of birth you want. It matters that you are provided with respectful, holistic, culturally supportive care and informed choice.
Let's get started with a free 30 min phone consult to identify your needs.
Has your medical care provider asked you what your needs are and how they can support you?
It does not matter to me what type of birth you want. It matters that you are provided with respectful, holistic, culturally supportive care and informed choice.
Let's get started with a free 30 min phone consult to identify your needs.
Has your medical care provider asked you what your needs are and how they can support you?
The promise of a Doula:
1. You cannot hurt my feelings in labour
2. I won’t lie to you in labour 3. I will do everything in my power so you do not suffer 4. I will help you to feel safe 5. I will make sure that you have a voice and I will make sure you are heard |
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