I'm not taking any more bookings for doula work in 2023 at this stage. Thank you for your understanding.
Please see www.nzdoula.co.nz for other options.
What is a doula?
A Doula is a trained companion who supports expectant parents in pregnancy, birth, and postnatally. Unlike midwives, doulas are not medically trained so do not perform medical tasks. They provide support in a number of emotional and practical ways, and support the parent's choices in a nurturing and judgment free way.
The role of doula is ancient - traditionally being performed by female companions, family members, or elders. Doulas provide you with a judgement-free listening space for you to work out your desires and fears before birth. They support you in your information gathering around what you want for your birth and your baby. Doulas typically arrive early to support you through your whole labour and birth, holding and protect the birth space for both parents. They also provide continuity after birth to support the adjustment to your family in the first days, weeks, or months - whatever you feel is helpful to your journey.
The role of doula is ancient - traditionally being performed by female companions, family members, or elders. Doulas provide you with a judgement-free listening space for you to work out your desires and fears before birth. They support you in your information gathering around what you want for your birth and your baby. Doulas typically arrive early to support you through your whole labour and birth, holding and protect the birth space for both parents. They also provide continuity after birth to support the adjustment to your family in the first days, weeks, or months - whatever you feel is helpful to your journey.
The specific services offered by each doula may differ, as each brings their own personality and background to the role. This is advantageous to prospective clients, as it allows the doula you choose to match more closely with the supportive role you desire. It does, however, mean that no two doulas are alike - it is generally suggested to meet with your prospective doula for a bit of an interview before committing to any services.
My services
We meet 2-4 times during pregnancy. I will help you to identify and document your birth preferences, including assisting you to know and understand your options. During these visits, we will discuss what role you'd like to me fill at your labour and birth together with your partner or other birthing support people. We may also do things like stretches, exercises, some massage, basic aromatherapy, and relaxation/visualisation exercises to help you to prepare for birth and postpartum.
I go on call for your birth for 2 weeks either side of your estimated due date. I offer emotional and physical support during labour and birth, and can help with non-medical pain management options - we will work out together what is most helpful for you. I hold space for you, helping to minimise interruptions and protecting your birth space - we will discuss what this looks like for you in our pregnancy meetings.
Postpartum visits can be more flexible based on what kind of support you need. I am still there to support you emotionally and physically, so in this time you may want to debrief your birth experience, or have support around your own recovery. I can also assist with the basics of breastfeeding and newborn care, and help with some light household tasks.
I go on call for your birth for 2 weeks either side of your estimated due date. I offer emotional and physical support during labour and birth, and can help with non-medical pain management options - we will work out together what is most helpful for you. I hold space for you, helping to minimise interruptions and protecting your birth space - we will discuss what this looks like for you in our pregnancy meetings.
Postpartum visits can be more flexible based on what kind of support you need. I am still there to support you emotionally and physically, so in this time you may want to debrief your birth experience, or have support around your own recovery. I can also assist with the basics of breastfeeding and newborn care, and help with some light household tasks.
Pricing & Packages
- Meet & greet - free! This is a 20-30min meeting with me, you, and your partner to see what your ideas are and if we are compatible.
- Birth Package: includes 3 visits during pregnancy, support during labour and birth, and 2 visits postpartum, $1200.
- Perinatal Package: includes 3 visits during pregnancy, and 2 visits postpartum, $600. Birth support can be added to this for an additional fee.
Testimonials
I will be forever grateful for both Nina’s support and her guidance on my journey to being a first time mum. We had Nina’s support as a doula through pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. Chats with her pre-labour eased many worries I had about labour, it was so helpful to “talk it out” with her.
During labour itself she was a pillar of strength, and we had such a positive home birth experience I, of course, will never forget. She was perfect when it came to pain management. At times I forgot I had prepared/planned physical tools and techniques to use (likes the TENS machine!), and I completely appreciated her managing and suggesting all that she did (whether it was time to go up a level in pain management, or changing positions that would be more helpful for me and/or baby). I also loved that I didn’t have to think about staying hydrated (or fed), she had that covered for me too! I couldn’t recommend Nina enough!
Though there wasn’t much dialogue spoken that night, I felt her energy and a whole lot of love saying, “I’m here, I’m here”.
You are a gentle soul and a blessing.. Thank you Nina for being part of the amazing & intimate journey of bringing our beautiful boy earth side xx
- Hannah
During labour itself she was a pillar of strength, and we had such a positive home birth experience I, of course, will never forget. She was perfect when it came to pain management. At times I forgot I had prepared/planned physical tools and techniques to use (likes the TENS machine!), and I completely appreciated her managing and suggesting all that she did (whether it was time to go up a level in pain management, or changing positions that would be more helpful for me and/or baby). I also loved that I didn’t have to think about staying hydrated (or fed), she had that covered for me too! I couldn’t recommend Nina enough!
Though there wasn’t much dialogue spoken that night, I felt her energy and a whole lot of love saying, “I’m here, I’m here”.
You are a gentle soul and a blessing.. Thank you Nina for being part of the amazing & intimate journey of bringing our beautiful boy earth side xx
- Hannah
I have known Nina for a long time, and have a world of love, friendship and respect for her and her work. She was a tremendous support to me before, during and after the birth of my third child, as a doula but also as an osteo, helping me keep limber (ish) and helping me with aches and pains that arise with pregnancy . I recommend her to anyone looking for a doula. We had an easy, fast and above all problem free labour.
- Vera |
Having Nina as our Doula was an amazing experience. She came to visit us a few times before the birth. We were a team, she made our night so simple, made us feel confident, and she helped my partner with her pain management. I highly recommend her as a Doula and osteopath. As our midwife’s job was to focus on the baby, Nina, as our Doula, was focused on us! The little things made a huge difference such as keeping us fed and hydrated during labour, setting up a calm/relaxing environment as we’d previously discussed with her. She made it all happen while we were physically and emotionally busy with labour and birth.
Thanks Nina, you were an amazing support before, during and after labour. I look forward to the next one, hehe. - Claudio |