Doula
Supporting you, as you cross the threshold to motherhood.
Since my very first doula job in 1999, I can hand on heart tell you that no two births have been the same. My longest was 52 hours and my shortest 2! Naturally the skills required were different but at the centre of each birth story is my profound belief that all mamas know how to birth their babies safely and my role is to trust in that.
Labour can be wild and is often unpredictable. It can at times feel overwhelming and so to have someone with you as well as a partner who knows your wishes, your birth beliefs and can advocate for you, can make all the difference.
The facts around having a birth doula are well known: significantly reducing the chances of interventions like pain relieving drugs, assisted birth including caesarean, as well as shortening labour and reducing negative feelings around birth. The key to this is continuous, knowledgable and compassionate support. It does seem to matter that this support person is not a health professional and not part of your social network.
Some women want lots of reassurance, massage, homeopathy/aromatherapy and hypnosis techniques as well as suggestions around positioning and breathing, whilst others just need to know that I’m sitting quietly in the corner.
Often partners are reluctant to hire a doula, concerned that I will ‘get in the way’ or ‘take their place’ when in fact the opposite is often true; having a doula present can allow you more intimacy as fear and anxiety is reduced. I may also be called upon to give another perspective when, for example, decisions are to be made about intervention. I have a deep respect for midwifery skills and have experienced working with wonderful midwives and doctors over the years.
My role as your doula is to listen, watch and trust in the birth process and to honour your role in the centre of your own story. Whether you chose to birth your baby at home or in hospital, I will be delighted to be part of your dream birth team.
“Cáitlin has been the best and fiercest ally I can imagine. We were lucky to have her attend our son’s birth. I actually laughed my way throughout pregnancy & birth thanks to her confidence & encouragement to imagine & create THE best experience possible.”
Lori & Duncan- parents to Kin
“My partner was adamant that we didn’t need a doula, he felt that was his job….he has since changed his mind. We will always be grateful that in the little moments of panic and confusion, Cáitlin’s voice was there to calm us.”
Lyn and Gareth - parents to Sonny
2026 Doula Diary
I have limited availability for early October due dates and mid Nov to Mid December due dates- this is my only availability for the rest of this year.
Now accepting enquiries for 2027
I am however available for:
Planning your VBAC - everything you need to know about preparing for a VBAC at home or hospital. Most importantly, we look at the reasons for your previous c-section and the impact that story might have on this labour.
Birth Mapping for home and hospital births to get the best from your experience. Understanding common interventions & when to accept/decline is key to having an autonomous birth.
This can be booked on-line, at home & in person