Elle the Doula

22/03/2022

Today's the start of World Doula Week 2022!

We know that doulas make a difference. Elle is a doula because her doula made such a difference to her. And her doula became a doula because of her doula...

We know that being listened to, being shown up for, and having space held, all create ripples that start with the pregnant woman and spread even further.

If you have a story or a quote or a photo you'd like to share about the difference a doula has made for you please post below. We would love to know the impact your doula has had on you.

27/11/2020

I don't work alone anymore, I work as part of Greater Manchester Doulas CIC. Amy is one of our amazing doulas and she just wrote this.

There is an abundance of misinformation given to women about the infamous ‘stretch and sweep’. This misinformation leads women to believe that a sweep is completely harmless, and in some cases necessary! The feeling that comes from these kinds of ideas is that labour needs help to start and that...

11/11/2020

Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, we are able to offer fully funded birth doula support for any women who is not able to afford our fees. This includes one-off support sessions all the way to full face to face birth doula support.

If you are pregnant and looking for more support, please get in touch to book in an initial chat. We know that the world feels upside down right now, but that's why we are fully committed to still doing what we do!

18/04/2020

💛 Supporting women in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to support them once life returns to a form of normal.

15/04/2020

We are still here.

We are still supporting women - through this, and whatever comes after - in many of the same ways, and in some new ways.

We know that the face of maternity has changed. We know your rights are being eroded. We are with you
We hear your stories, and we are holding space for all of your experiences and all of your emotions.

If you or someone you know feels in need of some non-judgemental support, let's talk. We are still here, and we are not going anywhere.

We are a Community Interest Company and work hard to secure funding for our services, because we believe doula support should be available to any woman who needs it.

We are still here, and we are still here for you.

23/03/2020

Meet the doulas supporting women through the pandemic.

It’s never been more important to stay up-to-date with news affecting women and girls. The FiLiA blog covers the latest FiLiA updates and feminist-related news and events from the UK and across the globe.

07/02/2020

If you are feeling pressured into a decision by your doctor or midwife, if you have not been told the benefits, risks and alternatives, if you have capacity but your decision to consent / refuse treatment is not being respected, regardless of what the consequences may be... IT'S NOT CONSENT! And it's not ok! I'm feeling called to write more on this but for now here is some info from the NHS website:

"For consent to be valid, it must be voluntary and informed, and the person consenting must have the capacity to make the decision.

The meaning of these terms are:

voluntary – the decision to either consent or not to consent to treatment must be made by the person, and must not be influenced by pressure from medical staff, friends or family.

informed – the person must be given all of the information about what the treatment involves, including the benefits and risks, whether there are reasonable alternative treatments, and what will happen if treatment does not go ahead.

capacity – the person must be capable of giving consent, which means they understand the information given to them and can use it to make an informed decision.

If an adult has the capacity to make a voluntary and informed decision to consent to or refuse a particular treatment, their decision must be respected.

This is still the case even if refusing treatment would result in their death, or the death of their unborn child."

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/consent-to-treatment/

03/02/2020

Twas ever thus.

Programme your subconscious to tune into your natural ability to give birth, your strength and resilience. You are more resilient than you have been led to believe!