Pregnancy, labour and birth support
I have always held a special interest in pregnancy, labour and birth experiences. Following my own positive birth experiences, I have been drawn to support women to have agency, to experience autonomy and to feel empowered during their pregnancy, labour and birth.
Therapeutic support: We can look at your hopes and expectations. I can support your exploration of pregnancy, labour and birth options and we can work together to create a birth plan. We can work on previous birth experiences and any experiences that still need to be processed or any fears you may currently hold.
Birth partner support: If you wish I will be with you throughout your labour and birth, advocating for you when necessary. I will stay calmly present with you to help you with breathing, visualisation, pain control, and body positions, keeping you as calm and focused as possible.
Postpartum Support: Immediately after birth I can support you and your baby as you rest and recover. In subsequent sessions, we can take time to process your birthing experience and I can give you the space to "debrief". We can work through your experience in a way that feels safe for you. We can also look at any issues you may be experiencing related to attachment, bonding, sleep and feeding.
Birthing trauma and Baby Loss: Whereas we are always hopeful for a positive outcome, sadly not all pregnancy and birth experiences end the way we wish. I can be there to support you through this too.
Fees:
£60 per 60 minute therapeutic session (pre/post birth)
£50 per hour for birth partner support
Resources:
New Active Birth by Janet Balaskas
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
Birthing from Within by Pam England
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Childbirth without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read
Counselling and psychotherapy for birth