L u c y R o s e D o u l a
Doula support
It's hard to explain exactly what my support will look like as it will unfold in response to your needs - it's unique to everyone I work with. It will likely involve some emotional and practical support (listening can never be underestimated, nor can someone making you a snack!), as well as birth planning and sharing all my birthy knowledge. If you'd like to find out more about exactly what it's like having me as a doula, please get in touch and I can provide more detailed information or arrange a chat over a cuppa. I offer an initial hour meet free of charge - this gives you an opportunity to find out if we click, to share your story with me, and to ask any questions you need to decide how to move forward.
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This is one of the most special and sacred times of life and you need a doula you feel utterly comfortable with.
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If you'd like to arrange a chat, head here.
To see what my previous clients have to say about working with me, head here. I also have an FAQ section in case you've found yourself here but aren't entirely sure what the deal is.
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You can find out more about my doula packages below - I have quite a few offerings, but if you can't find what you need, please get in touch!
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Please also let me know if price is a barrier as I can offer very flexible payment plans. It’s always worth having a conversation!
The circle exclusive packages
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One of the cornerstones of my doula work is 'relationship' - building a solid relationship is vital to offering good support, which is why I generally encourage plenty of visits and contact. These packages are designed to recognise the relationships that are built through regularly attending pregnancy and postpartum circles. Getting to know each other in this way, I am able to reduce the number of visits and offer a lower price.
To be eligible for these packages you need to have been to at least three circles.
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Birth circle package
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one antenatal session
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birth support (on call from 38 weeks, or sooner if needed)
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two postpartum visits
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continuous support via message/phone from booking
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access to my birth book library
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birth education and hypnobirthing resources
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£995
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Postpartum package booked before birth
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one antenatal session
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three postpartum visits
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continuous support via message/phone from booking
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access to my birth book library
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birth education and hypnobirthing resources
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£280
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Postpartum support booked adhoc at my reduced rate of £30 per hour.
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The light package
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three antenatal sessions
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birth support (on call from 38 weeks, or sooner if needed)
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two postpartum visits
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continuous support via message/phone from booking
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access to my birth book library
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birth education and hypnobirthing resources
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£1300
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This package is a lighter version of my continuum package, but still provides bundles of support! The number of visits is reduced, but you still get amazing continuity with three visits after your baby makes their arrival to ensure you feel supported and are settling into your new rhythm.
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The continuum package
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five antenatal sessions
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birth support (on call from 38 weeks, or sooner if needed)
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five postpartum visits
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continuous support via message/phone from booking
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access to my birth book library
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birth education and hypnobirthing resources
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£1850
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This package is born out of my training as a continuum doula and offers comprehensive support throughout your whole journey. Many people pay for birth and postpartum support separately, but in my experience having continuity all the way through is something magical.
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The ultimate package
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six antenatal sessions
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birth support (on call from 38 weeks, or sooner if needed)
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six postpartum visits
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two flexi visits for support at medical appointments
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continuous support via message/phone from booking
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access to my birth book library
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birth education and hypnobirthing resources, plus an optional bespoke hypnobirthing track
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pregnancy and postpartum massage vouchers
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£2500
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This package is designed to give you comprehensive and nourishing support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period and is ideal if you are wanting to weave in birth education, bespoke hypnobirthing, and a little relaxation time!
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The pocket doula package
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8 hours of antenatal education, including optional hypnobirthing
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A dedicated birth planning session
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A dedicated session to get to know each other and talk through your feelings around your pregnancy, birth and postpartum
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Continuous support by message and phone from booking to six weeks postpartum (and let’s be honest, beyond that if you need it!) with a guarantee of a response within 24 hours during the booked period, barring exceptional circumstances (if I’m physically at a birth or I have a family emergency)
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Three virtual sessions postpartum so we can check in and talk about your birth and early experiences
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Pregnancy and postpartum care packs - love and support through your door
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£700 with payment plan options
This is the perfect option if you want support and someone to be a constant sounding board throughout your pregnancy and into postpartum, but don’t feel you need someone physically with you.
Frequently asked questions (no such thing as a silly question!)
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What exactly is a doula?
Oof this is a hard one as doulas get the absolute joy of showing up authentically and so every doula is different. For me a doula is someone who has your back and holds you as the authority on your body, birth and baby. Someone who understands birth and postpartum and what support may be needed. Someone trauma informed and able to advocate for you. You know when your friends say "is there anything I can do to help?" and you say no because it feels awkward saying "actually yes, the washing pile is horrific and I'm panicking" - well you can say yes to your doula because they are literally there to support you (and you are paying them!). Doulas are great sounding boards for the many decisions you need to make before, during and after birth and can help you unpick what you want and are comfortable with, without an agenda. They are also excellent supports for other birth and/or life partners. While any other partners may be totally fabulous supports, the likelihood is their experience of birth is limited and having someone on the team who they can also look to for support and reassurance (and can tag team on passing water and rubbing backs in labour) can be invaluable. So a doula is many things really - a counsellor, advocate, birth educator, cook, friend, woman in your community, cleaner, play buddy for older children and probably a load of other things too!
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Is there any evidence for having a doula?
Yes! There is evidence that shows having a doula:
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reduces the length of labour
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reduces the rate of induction of labour
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reduces the risk of caesarean or instrumental birth
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reduces the need for painkillers and epidurals
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reduces depressive symptoms
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increases satisfaction with the birth experience
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increases the likelihood of initiating breastfeeding and establishing it
If you're a lover of evidence and research, you can read more about the evidence for having a doula here.
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What's the difference between you and a midwife?
Midwives provide medical care, as a doula, I don't. That's the main one! I work for you and have no guidelines, policies, or procedures I'm obligated to follow - you and your decisions are sovereign.
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Why does it cost so much?
Ah yes, great question. The cost factors in lots, including visits, which are usually two hours each, being on call 24/7 for potentially a month, being at your birth for as many hours as needed, the usual self employment overheads, travel, and an unlimited amount of time messaging, video calling, voice noting and providing all the support needed. I quite literally got out my calculator and did all the maths (and I hate maths) and the price is what I need to charge to make it viable for me to do this work...and I really believe in this work.
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Do you offer discounts?
I offer a 5% discount for referral from a previous client and for NHS employees.
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Do you recommend a particular package?
Only you know what package is right for you. The Continuum package is my original one and is designed to build relationship and give excellent continuity. People who have booked being unsure about the number of postpartum visits have quickly become converts, as having someone bringing you soup, giving you a foot rub, and being an emotional sounding board, always goes down well!
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How far do you travel?
I generally cover up to an hour from my home in Christchurch. I will consider travelling further afield, but this does add to the price as I charge 35p a mile for distances over 15 miles from my home.
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Do you only attend home births?
Nope. Wherever you choose to birth is where I'll be!
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What happens if you have two clients at the same time?
I don't take clients with due dates within two weeks of each other and if there is any crossover in the on call period, I ensure a back-up doula has met you and is also on call to cover that 1 in a million possibility!
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If I've missed anything in my FAQs, please head to the contact page and drop me a line!