Welcome
Welcome to my website. My name is Winnie Rushby and I am a birth and postnatal Doula based in Gloucestershire; but also cover some areas in The Cotswolds, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, North Avon, North Wiltshire, South Midlands and West Warwickshire.
A growing number of women are finding that a professional doula (which is the Greek word for “woman caregiver”) can be a valuable source of support; in pregnancy, during labour, birth and postnataly. Not that they take the place of a partner, doctor or midwife – they just fill in the gaps, providing continuous support especially during early labour until after the birth.
Besides making a woman feel more relaxed and confident, doulas can actually help make the labour progress easier and faster. Studies have indicated that the use of doulas can result in labours that are 25 percent shorter. Also, requests for epidurals drop by 60 percent, and women are half as likely to undergo a Caesarean section. (Findings from “Mothering the Mother” Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993)
What each couple needs or wants from a doula will vary. The primary role of the doula, however, is to empower the couple through education and support, in relation to their situation, to enable them to develop their own personal birth plan.
Women might also need extra emotional support. Sometimes the partner, or in some cases another relative; for example Mum, will have a hard time seeing her in pain during labour, or just isn’t going to come through for her emotionally, and women tend to know if this is the case in their relationship, then the doula helps her.
Ideally, couples should look to hiring a doula at around the 6th month of pregnancy, so that they can meet at least once or twice to get to know each other and the type of birth they’re envisioning. When the woman goes into labour, the doula goes to the house as and when the couple want her to and helps support the couple until the baby is born, whether at home; at a birthing centre or in hospital.
The arrival of a new member to the family is a most wonderous moment, and their journey to join you should be exactly how you envisaged; emotionally and physically! Therefore if you or a member of your family are expecting and you believe I can help prepare for the new arrival then please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Regards and best wishes
Winnie