Service provides birth companion

A new professional birthing service has opened up on the Peninsula called Before Birth and Beyond.

The service is run by Bronwyn Hamilton who said that the service would provide professional birthing companions, or doulas, to give valuable information as well as practical, physical and emotional support in preparation for childbirth.

"As midwives are becoming increasingly overworked and understaffed and unable to spend one-on-one time with expectant mothers, doulas are now assisting by filling this important gap, stepping into the delivery to provide new mothers with emotional and physical support in their hour of need," Ms Hamilton said.

"In the years gone by, it may have been a mother's extended family, such as her mother, grandmother, sister or even aunt who would be called on to help with the birth of a baby.

"But with families living further and further apart, birthing is being shared by the woman, her partner, a midwife and now doula.

"Doula is derived from the Greek word thoula, meaning 'a woman who mothers the mother.

"Developing a relationship with the mother throughout her pregnancy a doula helps her to conceptualise her ideal birth and develop a birth plan, enhancing the birthing process and aiming to provide the best birth experience possible for both mother and baby.

"Although still quite new to Australia with the first Sydney Doula service starting operation in 2001, doulas are now seen an important part of the birth support team and are flourishing in other western countries such as the USA and UK.

Ms Hamilton said research had shown that women who employed a doula experienced reductions in epidural use, Caesarian birth, syntocinon, narcotics use, forceps use and length of labour.

Having a doula present at birth also took pressure off the expectant mother's partner, Ms Hamilton said.

"Some partners preferring only to witness the birth of their child while others are wanting to play a more active role," Ms Hamilton said.

"The doula can fill in and allow the partner to participate as he or she wishes, without leaving the woman's needs unmet.

"This combination of partner and doula, along with a competent, considerate and caring staff gives the women the best chance of an optimal outcome."

Having recently begun offering this valuable service to expectant mothers in the local area, Ms Hamilton said "Birth is one of the most profound experiences a woman will ever encounter and it is imperative that she be supported , nurtured and cared for at this important time".

Ms Hamilton said her skills included massage, relaxation-meditation techniques , aromatherapy and Energetic Healing with the knowledge acquired from studying about the natural birthing process and becoming a doula with 'Optimum Birth' Queensland.

Press release, November 7 Bronwyn Hamilton, Before Birth and Beyond