Deborah Hannam - Gloucestershire Doula & Tewkesbury Antenatal

As your doula I aim to ensure you feel heard and empowered to make the choices that are right for you. I will be your reassurance and emotional and physical support throughout your labour, wherever and however you choose to birth your baby and make sure you feel safe, comfortable and cared for. I have experience in supporting births at home, birth centres, hospital birth, caesarean birth, multiple pregnancy, VBAC, surrogacy..... each and every birth I have the privilege to attend is as unique and individual as the women I support. DOULAS SUPPORT BIRTH PARTNERS TOO.......

Sometimes doulas will be your only birthing support, either through choice or circumstance, but doulas are also there to support fathers, mothers, partners, grandparents. Whoever is there for you, doulas are there for them too. If you have a birthing partner, your doula is not there to take their place, but to support, encourage and enhance the birthing experience for you both. THE EVIDENCE......

Having a doula by your side during labour & birth has so many wonderful benefits. Reduced need for medical pain management

Reduced rates of interventions during birth

39% less likely to have an unplanned cesarean birth

Reduced rate of induction of labour

Shortening of length of labour

Parents are more likely to consider they have had a positive birth experience

"Continuous support in labour may improve outcomes for both mother and baby.....continuous support from a person who is present solely to provide support, is not a member of the woman's own network, is experienced in providing labour support...(such as a doula), appears beneficial."