Our first in a new series of blog posts where Sarah interviews some of our local Hampshire Doulas. We’re starting with Jess who is an NCT trained birth doula and works in the Southampton area.
Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed Jess. Let’s talk about what motivates you as a doula and what challenges and inspires you in your work.
Where did you hear about doulas?
I’m not entirely sure! I think I’ve always known they exist, as my mum was a Le Leche Leader and IBCLC all my young life, and I was aware of her activity and passion in helping women have the best birth experiences.
What made you want to be a doula?
During the covid pandemic I reflected on what was really important to me, and what I loved, and considered retraining to be a midwife. However, a friend of mine in the USA had recently had a baby and hired a Doula. Hearing her story made me realise that being a doula was so well suited for me. I have always wanted to make a real difference to people and also been fascinated by pregnancy and childbirth, so started to look for the best training to become a Doula.
What did your friends and family say when they heard you were thinking about becoming a doula?
That is so perfect for you, how has it taken you until now to realise that’s what you were made for!
What’s your favourite thing about being a doula?
Knowing that I can really impact a person/couple’s birth experience and help them feel empowered.
What’s your top tip for anyone who is trying to decide if a doula is right for them?
All Doulas are different – it’s important to find the person you really feel a connection with and who has values and views similar to your own.
What’s your favourite thing to do in an antenatal appointment?
I send my clients a questionnaire to fill out in their own time, then run through this as a basis for my two antenatal sessions. The first session is mainly finding out about what they are currently thinking and what they want, and the second is practicing practical skills for labour. I love hearing what they are thinking and suggesting and exploring other areas they may want to consider to feel truly informed and empowered.
What’s the best and worst things about being on call for you?
Being on call is difficult. I state in my contact that I won’t be more than an hour away from my clients, so you put your own life on hold to an extent to ensure you are available at a moments notice. Plus you don’t sleep well as you imagine your phone ringing and know that you may then miss a lot of sleep! However It is amazing to know that a baby will be arriving imminently and it’s the best feeling when you start to have the first conversations that sound like baby is on its way!
What’s one thing you usually do at a birth?
I usually do all the things in the background that you don’t realise you need… especially at a home birth! Setting up rooms, providing snacks and drinks, suggesting a change of scene if needed – and generally blending into the background to hold space to let my clients birth the way they want to.
What’s the longest you’ve ever been with someone in labour? What’s the shortest time?
Longest is 3 days + 2 nights. Shortest is 6 hours, but the baby was born after 2 hours!
What’s your top tip for your clients for working with their body in labour?
Wear noise cancelling headphones so you can either listen to your own music, or block out distractions so you can concentrate on your breathing and get into your own zone.
What’s your top tip for birth partners for during labour or birth?
Remember to eat! You are the best support if you are looking after your self. You may not feel like you need to, but it will make you a better support. Likewise with any support positions or massage. Make sure you are comfortable as you may be doing it for a while!
What do you always remember to keep in your doula bag?
Lollipops. There is a pressure point at the roof of your mouth which helps relax your jaw and your cervix. Plus the sugar is good if you need some energy! Also hair ties!
What’s your favourite thing to do in a postnatal appointment?
Listen. For me the postnatal appointment is a space for my clients to offload and reflect. I can signpost to any additional support or people they may want to speak to, but I’m mainly there to listen to how they feel about everything and sometimes I can help fill any gaps.
Thanks for chatting with us Jess. It’s been so lovely getting to know you better.
If you feel like having Jess at your birth would be just what you need you can find her contact details on her Hampshire Doulas listing.
Hampshire Doulas 