Doula Support
‘One cannot actively help a woman give birth. The goal is to avoid disturbing her unnecessarily.’ Michel Odent
As a doula I offer practical and emotional support at this powerful transition time.
Together we will create the space to fully connect with the deep knowledge and instincts you have about what your body and baby need at each point in the journey. You can gain clarity on the right path for you during your birth and beyond.
I can provide evidence-based research, should you wish, in order that you can make fully informed decisions about the choices which may come up during pregnancy, birth and after baby is born. I am there to discuss and support whatever these choices may be.
Babies and women’s bodies know how to birth naturally and peacefully given the optimum conditions and I do my utmost to ensure these conditions are protected, whatever that means for you.
I offer tailor-made sessions of shiatsu and birth preparation throughout all stages of pregnancy, birth and beyond. These can be combined into a package of doula support during the latter stages of pregnancy should you wish. You can include birth pool hire, birth attendance and/or post-natal visits in whatever combination works for you.
I am passionate about supporting women’s choices through pregnancy and birth. If you are considering hiring a birth doula, feel free to contact me for a free initial consultation.
“I found Megan to have an extremely intuitive, calming and sensitive approach. The visits during pregnancy were invaluable and the trusting relationship we created helped mentally and physically prepare me for the challenges of birth. I highly recommend Megan. I respect her work and her personable approach was just what I was looking for.”
— JF
What I offer:
Labour Attendance
Currently I offer birth attendance within the radius of the Royal Sussex County Hospital. Minimum of three meetings before labour and two after. Shiatsu/birth preparation sessions available should you wish. I work in collaboration with other local doulas to provide constant availability for the 4 weeks around your due date.
“I felt we developed a solid relationship which made me feel safe, secure and looked after – during contractions I didn’t need to speak and she knew what I needed!”
Post-natal Doula Support 1 ½ hours.
Baby is here! Tiny or chunky, snoozy or alert - a new being has emerged into the world and you are getting to know each other! Minimum of 2 meetings post-natally if I have attended your birth. This can include a debrief, shiatsu, breastfeeding support or baby cuddles while you shower. I’m flexible!
Birth Preparation Session (usually with birth partner) 1 ½-2 hours.
This can include a debrief of previous birth(s), talking through birth choices, optimal positions for labour and simple massage techniques – this time is for whatever you and your birth partner need.
‘As a dad-to-be, pregnancy and parenthood were both full of unknowns. Having Megan as a doula meant that everything – from answers to basic questions to expert practical guidance – was available to us whenever we needed it.’ - BS
Pregnancy Shiatsu 1 ¼ hours. pregnancyshiatsu
Evidence shows that having a doula providing continuous labour support can:
Reduce the need for pain medication including epidurals
Shorten labour (especially with first time mothers)
Reduce the use of artificial oxytocin
Increase the likelihood of spontaneous delivery (without forceps, ventouse or Caesarean)
Increase breastfeeding success
All visits are home visits. Pregnancy shiatsu sessions are best child-free is possible, post-natal can absolutely be done with new baby but an extra pair of hands is useful!
All sessions are £48/hour; package including labour attendance is priced on discussion.
I work in Brighton and Hove.
Please contact me to book a session or have a chat.
Testimonials
“Megan helped us in a big way. Not only with her knowledge and experience but with her calming, relaxed nature. I always felt in control and focused after she had visited. I was coming up 12 days overdue and I was ready to get my body back!
Megan gave me a wonderful massage. I felt so relaxed and I could feel my body responding to what Megan was doing. It was beautiful and I went into labour that night. After I had given birth, Megan came to visit me often and was a great support. Unfortunately I never saw the same midwife and was getting very upset. This made me feel a bit of a failure and I was always on edge.
Megan was a constant support with everything and helped me realise I could do this. I remember Megan telling Daisy (my daughter) that ‘Mummy had this’ and she was ‘in good hands’. This meant the world to me! Thank you for being you!”
— LG
“Amazing birth & everything I wanted. The pool was a god send & so glad I delivered in the water. Thank you again for all your help & support.”
— HF
