"The reliance on external resources and input from experts could actually be undermining women’s belief that childbirth is normal and physiological. It’s forcing the woman to look outside her body and its abilities, and placing greater emphasis on the importance of external paraphernalia to give birth,
when the focus should be on herself."
A birth doula is a compassionate, loving woman who believes that childbirth is a normal part of life. As a doula, I trust that the overwhelming majority of women in my care will be able to have a physiological birth. However, I will support every client in her choice of birth environment and way of birthing. I provide continuity of care, strive to be a beacon of hope and will never cease to look for the good in any situation I meet. I believe that having all the information available and making choices with built in flexibility is the best way to approach your baby's birth-day. There is not a 'right' or 'wrong' way of giving birth and I will support you so that you can make informed choices that are right for you.
I am one hundred percent committed to the expectant, labouring and new mother's wellbeing and her physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual safety. I am independent of outside control and have no agenda other than to provide emotional care, information and skilled practical support. I have a full understanding of the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman and her partner in labour. I will kindle the space for the birth to unfold, being present to everyone's needs.
I recognise that giving birth to your child is a key experience that you will remember all your life and I believe that women are shaped by their birth experiences. A positive birth experience has a great impact on the lives of both mother and child, as well as the whole family. It is invaluable!
I offer a free consultation to talk about my services further and answer any questions. This can take place in the comfort of your home or via Skype. As a member of Doula UK I also have access to the Doula Access Fund, which has been setup to assist towards the cost of hiring a doula.
I am one hundred percent committed to the expectant, labouring and new mother's wellbeing and her physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual safety. I am independent of outside control and have no agenda other than to provide emotional care, information and skilled practical support. I have a full understanding of the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman and her partner in labour. I will kindle the space for the birth to unfold, being present to everyone's needs.
I recognise that giving birth to your child is a key experience that you will remember all your life and I believe that women are shaped by their birth experiences. A positive birth experience has a great impact on the lives of both mother and child, as well as the whole family. It is invaluable!
I offer a free consultation to talk about my services further and answer any questions. This can take place in the comfort of your home or via Skype. As a member of Doula UK I also have access to the Doula Access Fund, which has been setup to assist towards the cost of hiring a doula.
BirthBliss Superior Birth package
- Private one-to-one Prepare for birth one-day workshop
- Access to the on-line antenatal programme, Your Birth, Your Way
- Two antenatal sessions
- Assistance in formulating a birth preference document
- On-call 24-hours from pregnancy week 38 until your baby is born
- Unlimited e-mail and telephone support
- Continuous emotional, physical and informative support during labour and birth
- Two postnatal sessions (more can be arranged)
- Four CD Natal Hypnotherapy Programme
- A copy of my book The Secrets of Birth: what every woman should know about birth and motherhood
- The BirthBliss Birth Pack
- Consultation via phone or e-mail during the first 6 weeks after the birth
BirthBliss Popular Birth package
- Access to the on-line antenatal programme, Your Birth, Your Way
- Two antenatal sessions
- Assistance in formulating a birth preference document
- On-call 24-hours from 10 days before your due date until your baby is born
- Unlimited e-mail and telephone support
- Continuous emotional, physical and informative support during labour and birth
- One postnatal session (more can be arranged)
- A copy of my book The Secrets of Birth: what every woman should know about birth and motherhood
- The BirthBliss Birth Pack
- Consultation via phone or e-mail during the first 6 weeks after the birth
Please note: Due to the running of doula courses, my availability for birth support is very limited! I will also most likely need to work with a back-up doula.
Testimonials:
"I cannot recommend Kicki highly enough! From our first conversation, when I knew next to nothing about doulas and was fearful about the birth, she put me at ease. I spoke to several doulas after that but I already knew Kicki was the right one for us. Our initial meetings were a joy, we got on brilliantly. My husband, who'd been sceptical about someone else being at the birth, a stranger in essence, was instantly won over. Kicki was careful to assure Paul of the importance of his role and how she could help him to fulfil it. She was obviously knowledgeable and experienced, with many births behind her, which was very comforting for both of us. She was fantastic throughout the labour - both at home and at the hospital - giving just the right amount of support, reassurance, motivation and comfort. Kicki's knowledge and experience also proved invaluable to the hospital staff, quickly establishing a great rapport with each member of the team, and helping them where she could. When it came to making decisions about what to do next, Kicki gently guided and reassured us but never pre-supposed and we always felt in control. By the time our gorgeous son was born, Kicki felt like family and I couldn't imagine her not being there. I have no doubt Kicki will be one of the first people I call if I'm lucky enough to get pregnant again."
Jo, Hertfordshire
"We can't thank Kicki enough for all the support she gave us before, during and after labour. I had a very positive and natural birth experience and I'm sure that Kicki being there played a large part in allowing this to happen. I didn't have to worry about things or practicalities at the hospital, but could instead focus just on relaxing and the arrival of our beautiful baby daugther. Kicki's help postnatally has also helped build my confidence. We would definitely recommend Kicki to anyone."
Jane Henderson
"Kicki was my doula in May 2011 for the birth of my second child. I'd had a doula for my first delivery overseas and finding the right doula was a big part of my birth plan second time around. Meeting Kicki for the first time I knew she would be great. She exudes calm, was supportive of my birth choices and confident that they were achievable. On the day things moved very fast, but she understood the situation immediately and even drove me to hospital. Once there she always seemed to be one step ahead of the midwives in realising what was going on, and she anticipated my needs without me having to say a word. Her calm presence at my side was, I think, a major factor in my quick, uncomplicated delivery and as my husband didn't make it in time it was lovely having a familiar face in the room. She even remembered to bring shower gel, which was just as well as I'd forgotten!"
Melissa Kane
"Having Kicki as my doula gave me confidence and a sense of calm that I didn't know I had; and allowed me to focus on the business of giving birth - not worrying about what was going on around me. I can't thank her enough for the enormous difference she made to my birth experience. I would recommend her to anyone and I hope she will be there again if I have another baby."
Helen
"Kicki certainly enhanced my birth experience. When she arrived at my home, and later when we were reunited at the hospital, I immediately felt profound relief and experienced a drop in the level of pain, and felt reassured, comforted and more able to cope. I had not realised how preoccupied my husband would be with the other children and with organising stuff and how very little help he was in supporting my labour process. I reached full dilation with only TENS as pain relief, coping with the pain naturally. It would have been much harder without Kicki "
Jacqui
"Having Kicki gave us confidence. Knowing that we were walking into a hospital environment with someone who'd protect our interests plus be there soley for us was fantastic. I will always remember Kicki telling me "You're doing so well" at a time in labour when things were spiraling out of control and intervention was threatened. Her voice was always calm and assuring. She was priceless."
Alison
"We were lucky enough to enjoy a wonderful water birth without drugs and Kicki played a crucial role in helping us achieve this. From the first meeting, her calm, easy approach and expert advice gave us confidence that we could have the birth we wanted. She was constantly on hand to offer practical help when needed, without ever feeling intrusive. We'd definitely use her again and hope we have the chance to do so!"
Chris & Monica
"My partner and I were keen to have support of a doula in the birth of our 2nd child following a very medicalised 1st birth and were recommended to use Kicki by a number of friends. From the moment she was involved I felt I could stop worrying about the birth and rightly so, we had a straightforward home delivery. As a lesbian couple we did worry that a doula might not be comfortable with us but Kicki was totally unphased. As well as support in the birth I really valued her support and information when I went overdue and felt under pressure to be induced."
Clare & Zoe
"Kicki was instrumental in assuring I had a fantastic birth experience. I am absolutely sure that had she not been there it would have been very different."
Debbie
"Kicki was very reassuring, kind and a good listener. She makes you feel very relaxed and comforted. I ended up having an elective c-section since labour did not happen, but the 2 hours plus that I was waiting, Kicki was calming me down and massaging me. It helped immensely."
Toni
"We have no doubt that without Kicki, the birth of our daughter, would have been a much more traumatic experience for us both. Kicki gave me endless support and gave my husband space to leave the room when he wished, knowing I would not be alone."
Carolyn
"Kicki was amazing! We couldn't think of anything she could've done better. She was with us 100% the whole way. I still feel so grateful."
Karen
"I cannot recommend Kicki highly enough. I went into the final stages of pregnancy far more relaxed than I would have been without her. She made us feel more confident & stronger to deal with such a life changing event."
Sarah
Jo, Hertfordshire
"We can't thank Kicki enough for all the support she gave us before, during and after labour. I had a very positive and natural birth experience and I'm sure that Kicki being there played a large part in allowing this to happen. I didn't have to worry about things or practicalities at the hospital, but could instead focus just on relaxing and the arrival of our beautiful baby daugther. Kicki's help postnatally has also helped build my confidence. We would definitely recommend Kicki to anyone."
Jane Henderson
"Kicki was my doula in May 2011 for the birth of my second child. I'd had a doula for my first delivery overseas and finding the right doula was a big part of my birth plan second time around. Meeting Kicki for the first time I knew she would be great. She exudes calm, was supportive of my birth choices and confident that they were achievable. On the day things moved very fast, but she understood the situation immediately and even drove me to hospital. Once there she always seemed to be one step ahead of the midwives in realising what was going on, and she anticipated my needs without me having to say a word. Her calm presence at my side was, I think, a major factor in my quick, uncomplicated delivery and as my husband didn't make it in time it was lovely having a familiar face in the room. She even remembered to bring shower gel, which was just as well as I'd forgotten!"
Melissa Kane
"Having Kicki as my doula gave me confidence and a sense of calm that I didn't know I had; and allowed me to focus on the business of giving birth - not worrying about what was going on around me. I can't thank her enough for the enormous difference she made to my birth experience. I would recommend her to anyone and I hope she will be there again if I have another baby."
Helen
"Kicki certainly enhanced my birth experience. When she arrived at my home, and later when we were reunited at the hospital, I immediately felt profound relief and experienced a drop in the level of pain, and felt reassured, comforted and more able to cope. I had not realised how preoccupied my husband would be with the other children and with organising stuff and how very little help he was in supporting my labour process. I reached full dilation with only TENS as pain relief, coping with the pain naturally. It would have been much harder without Kicki "
Jacqui
"Having Kicki gave us confidence. Knowing that we were walking into a hospital environment with someone who'd protect our interests plus be there soley for us was fantastic. I will always remember Kicki telling me "You're doing so well" at a time in labour when things were spiraling out of control and intervention was threatened. Her voice was always calm and assuring. She was priceless."
Alison
"We were lucky enough to enjoy a wonderful water birth without drugs and Kicki played a crucial role in helping us achieve this. From the first meeting, her calm, easy approach and expert advice gave us confidence that we could have the birth we wanted. She was constantly on hand to offer practical help when needed, without ever feeling intrusive. We'd definitely use her again and hope we have the chance to do so!"
Chris & Monica
"My partner and I were keen to have support of a doula in the birth of our 2nd child following a very medicalised 1st birth and were recommended to use Kicki by a number of friends. From the moment she was involved I felt I could stop worrying about the birth and rightly so, we had a straightforward home delivery. As a lesbian couple we did worry that a doula might not be comfortable with us but Kicki was totally unphased. As well as support in the birth I really valued her support and information when I went overdue and felt under pressure to be induced."
Clare & Zoe
"Kicki was instrumental in assuring I had a fantastic birth experience. I am absolutely sure that had she not been there it would have been very different."
Debbie
"Kicki was very reassuring, kind and a good listener. She makes you feel very relaxed and comforted. I ended up having an elective c-section since labour did not happen, but the 2 hours plus that I was waiting, Kicki was calming me down and massaging me. It helped immensely."
Toni
"We have no doubt that without Kicki, the birth of our daughter, would have been a much more traumatic experience for us both. Kicki gave me endless support and gave my husband space to leave the room when he wished, knowing I would not be alone."
Carolyn
"Kicki was amazing! We couldn't think of anything she could've done better. She was with us 100% the whole way. I still feel so grateful."
Karen
"I cannot recommend Kicki highly enough. I went into the final stages of pregnancy far more relaxed than I would have been without her. She made us feel more confident & stronger to deal with such a life changing event."
Sarah
BirthBliss Doula Services
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kicki@birthbliss.co.uk
07905-895466 |
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