Pre-birth support
The support begins in the last trimester of pregnancy or earlier if desired. During this time, the woman/couple and the doula get to know each other and discuss the upcoming events and changes. Any unanswered questions, needs and ideas regarding the birth and the first months as parents and family are addressed.
This joint preparation creates a relationship of trust that makes the couple - and especially the mother-to-be - feel supported and secure. Normally, the doula starts her on-call service two weeks before the due date, which means that she can be contacted by telephone around the clock if the birth should start.
I also attend caesarean sections, still births, premature births, births of "special" children and home births.
Unaccompanied births represent a high risk for mother and child. I have committed myself to the code of honour of the Swiss Doula Association, of which I am a member, and therefore strictly reject unaccompanied births.
Support during birth
If desired, the doula accompanies the woman at home or they meet at the hospital/birth center. She remains present throughout the entire birth, regardless of how long it lasts.
During the birth, the doula provides the mother with emotional and practical support. With her specialist knowledge and experience, she can also offer practical help to the woman giving birth. Her reserved and watchful presence helps the woman giving birth to trust in the birth process and to actively participate in it. Since the doula is also the contact person for the partner, the woman can let go of responsibility for his well-being and concentrate on the birth process.
The doula creates space for the father to experience the birth as his own and to take part in it. He can concentrate fully on the emotional connection to mother and child and is supported and relieved in doing so. The doula can also guide the father-to-be to get involved in the birth process in a meaningful way and not feel superfluous or helpless. The constant presence of the doula also allows him to step back and rest.
Support after birth
The child is shaped by the birth, the loving welcome and the first contact with the parents. With the birth of their child, the parents have become parents - for the first time or again - and are in a completely new role and a completely new phase of life. The mother needs rest and support during the postpartum period so that her body can recover from the birth.
There are usually two follow-up discussions in which the birth experience is discussed together with the doula. These discussions help to process the birth and enable a more conscious transition into the new phase of life. If you have any questions or uncertainties about the new everyday life, the doula will continue to be available as a confidant in the first few months after the birth. She will also be happy to provide addresses of helpful contact points.