Doula Services for East and North-East London

What is a Doula?

Doulas provide emotional and practical support to women and their families during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. In the past women would have a whole community of women around them – mothers, sisters, aunts and neighbours – to help them during their birth preparation, labour and afterwards.

In today´s world this is often not the case and a doula is an experienced woman who fulfils this role. Doulas  "mother the mother". A doula can help you make informed choices about the type of birth you want and the care you receive. This type of support makes the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible for you and the rest of your family.

Tara is an acupuncturist and massage therapist with a special interest in fertility, pregnancy and children´s treatments. This interest led on to her training as a doula and she qualified with Nurturing Birth and Doula UK in 2013. As part of her birth doula package she offers two antenatal visits, attendance during the birth, being on call 24/7 from weeks 38-42 of your pregnancy, unlimited phone and email support and one postnatal visit. 

How Can A Birth Doula Help?

During Pregnancy: Tara will get to know you and find out how best to support you. She will help you put together your birth plan, and spend time talking to you about your birth preferences. Tara will be on call 24 hours a day from week 38-42 of your pregnancy.

During Labour: While you are in labour Tara will be with you the whole time, supporting you and your partner, helping you to make informed decisions and liaising with medical staff. Tara will stay until after the birth when both mother and baby are settled.


Postnatal Doula: Helping You Navigate the First Stages After Birth

As a postnatal doula Tara can support you at home, providing an extra pair of hands and a listening ear at this crucial time. Tara can also help you talk about the birth, and any concerns you have about breastfeeding. She can also advise on how to help with colic, reflux, wind, constipation etc., and Tara also treats babies using acupuncture which can be very helpful. 

1. Using her skills as a Chinese Medicine practitioner, Tara can also give dietary advice on how to eat well to boost your recovery, energy levels, produce nutritious breast milk and can even cook and freeze these foods for you if you like. Overall Tara's aims as a postnatal doula are to make this time as relaxing and stress free as possible. She also offers postnatal massage and acupuncture at your home or her clinic in Hackney. Tara also offers placenta encapsulation. 
   

Tara is currently charging £350 for her birth doula package. This includes two antenatal visits, attendance at the birth and one postnatal visit. Tara is on call 24 hours from weeks 38-42 of your pregnancy. She limits her postnatal doula work to women she has worked with during their pregnancy, and this is charged at an hourly rate. 

Please feel free to call Tara for a chat anytime about how she can support you