What is a doula?

The word doula is an ancient Greek word meaning "to mother the mother" or "woman caregiver". A doula is a professionally trained birth support person who is there to offer emotional and physical support as well as unbiased information to the birthing mother and her partner. A doula does not replace the role of a midwife or doctor and is not there to deliver the baby. She is there to "hold the space" for the woman and to be attuned to her emotional and physical needs.

Evidence for doula support
The World Health Organisation agrees that trained and experienced labour assistants who meet a woman’s emotional and physical needs in labour can improve maternal and infant outcomes. Studies* have shown that the presence of a doula during labour reduces:
• The overall caesarean rate by 45%
• The length of labour by 25%
• Syntocin use by 50%
• Pain medication by 31%
• Need for forcep deliveries by 34%
• Requests for epidurals by 10 - 60%

* Marshall H. Klaus, MD, John H. Kennell, MD and Phyllis H. Klaus, CSW, MFT: "The Doula Book: How a Trained Labour Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth". Data in this book has been collected from sixteen published randomised, controlled studies which examined the labours of over 5000 women in Canada, Finland, France, Botswana, Greece, Guatemala, South Africa and USA.

A doula gives you
• Preparation and support in the lead up to the birth
• Continuity of support through hospital shift changes
• Confidence in yourself and the birth process
• Support for the birthing mother's partner
• Assistance with pain management techniques
• Care and support to a mother when she is home with her new baby

Anna Urbanski - ankhara rose therapeutics Doula

"Birth is one of the peak moments in life, and having a positive birth experience can impact a woman's relationship with herself, her baby, her partner and even her own mother and other women in general. It is a miraculous and awe-inspiring event. Having the right support brings confidence and can make an extraordinary difference to the outcomes and to the way parents feel about themselves and the birth of their child. As a doula I get to make a difference to peoples lives. I feel privileged to support couples at this wonderful time."

What women have said about Anna's support as their doula:

"I am eternally grateful for Anna being there. It made for a very, very positive experience. It is also something about her and who she is. This is her calling."
Lucy, mother of Archie.

"Thank you so much for assisting with the birth of our son Joel. Your help was invaluable and it allowed us to keep focussed on achieving our ideal natural birth, without any intervention. Our whole birth experience second time around was a beautiful one that we will cherish forever. We thank you for helping us achieve it."
Sonia, mother of Joel.

Doula Support Packages

Basic Package $800.00

The Basic Package gives the minimum level of contact to enable the doula to get to know you, your needs, your fears and to create a good level of comfort and trust between doula, mother and partner/family.

The package includes:
• two visits before the birth and two after the birth
• Birth Planning
• Support during labour and birth
• Resources and information for pregnancy labour and birth
• Relaxation and emotional support before during and after birth

Ideal Package $1200.00

This Package gives the ideal  level of contact for me to get to know you. Extra time provides a deeper level of intimacy and trust in the lead up to the birth, and extra nurturing after your baby is born. The first six weeks after your baby is born, are of particular importance in achieving good physical recovery after the birth, in establishing confidence and minimising isolation. Weekly check in calls provide continuity of support and the opportunity to discuss any thoughts or concerns as they arise.

 The package includes:
• Four visits before the birth and two after the birth
• Four post natal visits covering the vital first 6 weeks
• Weekly check in calls arranged from approx 32 weeks to 6 weeks after birth
• Birth Planning
• Support during labour and birth
• Resources and information for pregnancy labour and birth
• Relaxation and emotional support before during and after birth

Additional Services:

• Post Natal ongoing support
• Blessing Way ceremony – a special women's ceremony honouring the life transition of birth including a belly cast 

Anna is located in Steels Creek, Victoria, Contact Anna on (03)5965 2116 or anna_urbanski@yahoo.com.au . For more information about Doula’s check out our recommended Doula websites in our Links section.

In Australia, local call ankhara rose therapeutics on 1300 729 081 for personal service.