Next in our interview with a doula series we meet Caroline. Caroline is based in West Sussex and also works in Hampshire.
Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed Caroline. Let’s chat about what motivates you as a doula and what challenges and inspires you.
Where did you hear about doulas?
I began offering VBAC support and information in 1993, and began attending births, as a birth supporter. I cannot remember exactly where or when I first heard about doulas. It would have been around that time. Janet Balaskas and The Active Birth Centre were just a few miles away, but well out of my price range! Debbie Chippindon, Derreck and Linda Howes were instrumental in sharing stories, advice and research that we all spread as far as we could across the UK.
What made you want to be a doula?
My own first birth experience, I was determined that no one would go through what I had been through, if I could help it. I started by supporting women who had had caesarean sections and did not want another. It had never occurred to me that birth could be political. My Mum had had 3 straightforward births, I was born at home. I believed that giving birth would be straightforward.
What did your friends and family say when they heard you were thinking about becoming a doula?
I was already living and breathing birth work 🙂 Although I phoned Mary Cronk to tell her that I was “Officially” a doula, I had joined DUK in 1997, and I spoke to her husband, who said I was brave to be telling her. She hated doulas at that time, she saw us as unofficial / bush midwives. She was my midwife and I worked with her for several families. I did as I was told, and did a lot of post natal work too. We stayed good friends till her death.
What’s your favourite thing about being a doula? Is there anything you find challenging?
There is not one specific thing because it depends so much on the woman. I love teaching assertiveness and facilitating women to grow the confidence to take full responsibility for their births. I feel humbled and deep joy when I see their power, however the birth goes.
Challenging, always working within a medical system that still uses psychological tactics to bully women and undermine their self belief . It is still a privilege to serve.
I also love a homebirth when older children meet their sibling for the first time. I love to see dad’s / partners absolute awe when they see the power of their woman birth. Their face when they greet their baby, when scared / nervous dads / partners step up to be the best birth partner they can be.
What’s your top tip for anyone who is trying to decide if a doula is right for them?
Be clear about what you want / need from a doula, interview several and choose the one you click with. Don’t dismiss the idea of a doula if this is your first baby or your 5th.
What’s your favourite thing to do in an antenatal appointment?
Getting to know the parents and to tailor our meetings to meet their needs, as well as identifying information they may not have.
What’s the best and worst things about being on call for you?
Being on call? Another baby is making their sacred way earthbound. And I have the perfect excuse to go to bed early, something I am rubbish at!
Worst is the guilt when I miss important family / friend gatherings. I have missed a wedding and a few funerals.
What’s one thing you usually do at a birth?
Quietly oooze confidence
What’s the longest you’ve ever been with someone in labour? What’s the shortest time?
Longest 5 days, shortest 45 minutes. The thing is, I may be there just before baby arrives, but then I am with the family for hours afterwards.supporting Mum, waiting for a placenta, clearing away the birthing pool and tidying up the room, making a meal or staying with them until they go down to post natal ward. With new dads, teaching them how to put on a nappy and dress the baby. And always, if parents want homeopathic treatment, leaving appropriate homeopathic remedies for them.
What’s your top tip for your clients for working with their body in labour?
Tune in, trust and know that biologicaly, you are made for this.
What’s your top tip for birth partners for during labour or birth?
Depends on the birth partner…. Always, trust your partner and love her, if you get scared, turn to me, go for a break. Take your ear out of the room..
What do you always remember to keep in your doula bag?
My homeopathic kit, rebozo, clients birth plans, phone charger , purse, spare socks and tee shirt, toothbrush and tooth paste
What’s your favourite thing to do in a postnatal appointment?
Again, too specific. It depends on the mum’s needs. I do reflect back her power, achievement and strength. If she needs breast feeding support, I’ll spend hours trying to help / find more specific help. I love to take home cooked organic hearty meals and do house work so the family can chill.
I have stepped back from PN work, but still occasionally offer the service, In the past, a 4 week contract often extended to 2 years, and then 3 🙂
If you think Caroline sounds like the person you would love to have on your team for your birth or postnatal journey you can contact her through her Hampshire Doulas listing.
Hampshire Doulas 