Birth & Postpartum Doula

Would you like a doula on your support team?

A Birth Doula is someone who . . .

Draws on her treasure trove of knowledge and experience to provide you with emotional, physical and informational support in pregnancy, labour and postnatally.
Accompanies you in labour, helping you have a safe and satisfying birth experience.
Is a member of your birth team, working independently of the hospital, whose sole job is to attend to your needs.
Explores your various options with you, sharing up-to-date information and evidence, enabling you to make your own decisions about the steps you would like to take, and then supports you in the choices you’ve made.
Helps you prepare for your baby’s birth and early parenting with evidence-based information and key skills and techniques that you and your partner can use.
Offers support and information in the first hours and weeks with your baby, such as helping you get breastfeeding off to a good start.

A Postpartum Doula is someone who . . .

“Mothers the mother” in the early weeks and months after the birth of a baby, and supports the family as they adjust to their new normal in “the 4th trimester”. Postpartum doula care is tailored to the specific needs and wishes of each mother and family.
Offers evidence-based information and support around newborn feeding, soothing techniques, understanding normal newborn behaviour, and postpartum health and recovery.
Offers emotional support in the early postpartum days and weeks, often a vulnerable time for parents as they make the transition to parenthood. The doula listens without judgment and helps new parents to trust their instincts.
Offers practical support, such as help with laundry and dishes, simple meal planning and preparation, and help looking after your baby and/or older siblings while you have a shower, a sleep or undisturbed time with the new baby.

What does a doula not do? A doula is not trained to

Perform medical tasks, diagnose medical conditions or give medical advice.
Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information you need to make informed decisions.
Speak to your healthcare providers, e.g. the midwives or doctors, on your behalf. I will be your sounding board, to discuss your concerns with you and explore options with you.

Birth doula care packages include

Two antenatal visits: I will meet with you and your partner at least twice antenatally to get to know you, to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns you may have, and to plan how we will work best together.
Phone/text/email support: Throughout pregnancy and until 6 weeks postpartum, I am available by phone, text or email.
On call for your birth from 38 weeks: I will be on call for your birth 24 hours/7 days a week from 2 weeks before your expected birthing date until your baby is born.
Labour support: Continuous emotional and physical support during labour, at home and in hospital, depending on your wishes.
Immediately after your baby is born, I will stay with you until you are comfortable and can support you with initial feeding.
A postnatal visit at your home on a day you request. I am also available by phone, text or email for ongoing support and to help answer any questions you might have.

Birth Doula Support package: €900

Postpartum doula care packages

Postpartum doula care packages are planned with you antenatally and designed to meet your specific needs. They often include:

A postpartum planning session during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy to plan for a positive postpartum period and how I can best support you in your goals.
Phone/text/email support: When I am booked in and engaged as your doula, I am available by phone, text or email to support you with any questions or concerns you may have between doula shifts.
On call for your birth from 38 weeks: I will be ready for your call to start postpartum support hours as agreed, from 2 weeks before your baby’s estimated due date.
Postpartum doula care in your home is typically booked in 3-hour slots, for 2 to 5 mornings a week, depending on needs. Evening shifts are also available.
Infant feeding support, including specialist lactation support in my capacity as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), is available to all my postpartum doula clients.

Postpartum Doula Support: €25/hour

Bespoke Packages

Book an exploratory call with Tara and chat about combining Doula Next Door birth, postpartum, education and/or lactation services to receive a personalised package and avail of discounted rates.

Book a free exploratory call, so you can decide whether I am the right doula for you. It’s so important that you feel 100% comfortable with the person you choose to support you. Contact Tara at taradoulanextdoor@gmail.com or 086 232 8229.