Doulas...

Despite some recent poor reporting, Doulas do not provide primary care for birthing women. They are certified to provide information as well as emotional and practical support to women and their families during pregnancy, birth and the post-partum period. If you are seeking primary care for a planned home birth, please see our 'Midwives' page.

Doulas are women experienced in childbirth who provide continuity of care to a mother before, during and after child birth. They have an understanding of the normal physiology of birth and non-pharmacological support for the birthing woman. A Doula may assist in the preparation of a birth plan and will be present troughout the duration of a woman's labour, providing physical and emotional support as well as facilitating communication between the woman, her family and clinical care providers. Additional services may vary from doula to doula.

Your doula will be active in helping you to achieve the best possible outcome to your birth journey. Studies have shown that having a doula present during labour shortens the labour process (Campbell et al, 2006; Langer et al 1998), reduces caesarian section rates (Thomassen et al, 2003; Kennell et al, 1991) and has a positive effect on breastfeeding (Langer et al, 1998). Further information on these references is avaliable online via The Cochrane Library.

The following women would be pleased to provide you with their services in your birthing journey...

BAINBRIDGE, Jo "Blooming Good Birth"

Nairne SA, Ph 08 8388 6918

BRUCKARD, Paula

Ph 0411 983 723, Email paulabruckard@hotmail.com

I support women and their partners to birth their baby wherever and however they wish. I emphasise that each person and each couple have the skills they need to feel confident and excited about the birth of their child. What I do is help them realise they have the skills and then guide them on how to use them to achieve a calm, confident and magical birth.

My qualifications are as a doula, a certified yoga teacher (including pre and post natal yoga), aromatherapist, reiki master and a trainee calmbirth practitioner. I also offer lotus birth and post natal visits.

BUBNER, Luci

Adelaide SA, Ph 0417 877 708, Email doulaluci@hotmail.com

I have experience with birth in birth centres, private & public hospitals and with waterbirth. I am also currently training in prenatal yoga and studying to gain certification in christian childbirth education.

CHANT, Natasha

Semaphore Park SA, Ph 0433 100 242, Email natasha@yourbirth.com.au

CLEMENTS-PORTEOUS, Emily "Helping Hands Doula Service"

Victor Harbor SA, Ph 08 8552 8271, Mob 0419 867 997

Email helpinghands@internode.on.net

I am a mother of three who has become very passionate about pregnancy, birth and babies. My business is called Helping Hands Doula Serivce, as I feel that this is a doulas main task; to help the mother. I believe that the presence of a doula will positively enhance the birth experience, providing a strong support person and creating an environment which is secure and nurturing. I aim to provide you with a variety of information including relaxation, positioning, physical and emotional support. Allowing you to have the most empowered, confident birth that you can. I would be honoured to support you through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

INNS, Larissa & HANNAY, Miriam "Full Circle Birthing Services"

Ph 08 8296 5957 / 08 8352 5990 Mobiles 0422 327 543 / 0400984382

Birth pool avaliable to hire.

LEWIS, Lisa "Birth and Beyond"

Mt Barker SA, Ph 08 8391 5293, Email birthandbeyond@internode.on.net

I completed training with Childbirth International in 2006 and also with Doula Birthing Services (London, UK) in 2004. I am an active member of the Homebirth Network SA, and will support clients at home, birth centre or in hospital however they chose to birth. I also offer post natal visits. I am based in Mt. Barker and limit travel to 40 minutes from my home, asI believe I can offer a better service to the client if I am not so far away.

STILLWELL, Marcia "Peace of Mind Doula Services"

Ph 08 8339 6760, Mob 0415 746 920, Email marciastillwell@hotmail.com

I am 54 and have four grown up children. I have called my Doula business "Peace of Mind Doula Services" because at the end of the day that is what I believe to be important, whatever the outcome. I hope to incorporate my training as a Yoga teacher to encourage good physical, emotional and spiritual health. I aim to provide information and unbiased support, and a good listening ear.

WATKINS, Jennifer "10 Moons Rising"

Aldgate SA, Ph 08 8339 7543

Birth preparation and belly casts.

ZANOS, Jane

Aldinga Beach SA, Ph 08 8557 8000

Pregnancy & birth counsellor.