Doula Support
Pregnancy and birth is a time for great change and transformation. During this time many people are discovering the benefits from having the support of a Doula.
Doula is an ancient Greek word for a woman who serves. More recently it has been used to refer to a trained woman who provides emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner before, during and after childbirth. A Doula promotes positive birth experiences and can provide advocacy, birth education and preparation, relaxation methods, natural pain relief techniques, empathy and continuity of care. A Doula will also provide information and sign posting, supporting women and their families in making informed choices about pre-conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond.
I was drawn to the role of Doula out of my great respect for pregnancy and birth, viewing this time as a sacred rite-of-passage where women have the opportunity to really connect with their power, let go of that which no longer serves them and embrace their beautifully designed bodies. I believe that childbirth is life-changing for all concerned and that the way a child enters this world can have a significant effect upon the unfolding of their lives. Whether at home or in hospital, I care deeply and feel passionately about supporting families during this time.
I have supported home, birth centre and hospital births within the UK. I have also worked on labour wards at a number of public hospitals across Honduras, Central America, where I assisted a beautiful grass roots charity called Dar a Luz. Dar a Luz is Spanish for "to give birth", which literally translates as give the light; an apt desription for such life baring. Dar a Luz is on a mission to improve maternity services throughout the country by improving eductaion and modelling compassionate care, positively touching hundreds of people each year.
No matter what your story is, I am dedicated to supporting you in receiving the care you wish for.
"Birth isn't something we suffer, it is something we actively do and exalt in!"
- Sheila Kitzinger.
What I Offer:
My aim as a Doula is to empower parents to have a positive birth experience, access innate body wisdom and be held in a deeply supportive environment. As your Doula I am concerned with what pregnancy and birth mean to YOU. This is totally person-centered support. Here is what I will offer you:
“Birth Matters… It matters because it is the way we all begin our lives outside of our source, our mother’s bodies. It’s the means from which we enter and feel our first impression of the wider world. For each mother, it is an event that shakes and shapes her to her innermost core. Women’s perceptions about their bodies and their babies’ capabilities will be deeply influenced by the care they receive around the time of birth.” ~ Ina May Gaskin
Pregnancy and birth is a time for great change and transformation. During this time many people are discovering the benefits from having the support of a Doula.
Doula is an ancient Greek word for a woman who serves. More recently it has been used to refer to a trained woman who provides emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner before, during and after childbirth. A Doula promotes positive birth experiences and can provide advocacy, birth education and preparation, relaxation methods, natural pain relief techniques, empathy and continuity of care. A Doula will also provide information and sign posting, supporting women and their families in making informed choices about pre-conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond.
I was drawn to the role of Doula out of my great respect for pregnancy and birth, viewing this time as a sacred rite-of-passage where women have the opportunity to really connect with their power, let go of that which no longer serves them and embrace their beautifully designed bodies. I believe that childbirth is life-changing for all concerned and that the way a child enters this world can have a significant effect upon the unfolding of their lives. Whether at home or in hospital, I care deeply and feel passionately about supporting families during this time.
I have supported home, birth centre and hospital births within the UK. I have also worked on labour wards at a number of public hospitals across Honduras, Central America, where I assisted a beautiful grass roots charity called Dar a Luz. Dar a Luz is Spanish for "to give birth", which literally translates as give the light; an apt desription for such life baring. Dar a Luz is on a mission to improve maternity services throughout the country by improving eductaion and modelling compassionate care, positively touching hundreds of people each year.
No matter what your story is, I am dedicated to supporting you in receiving the care you wish for.
"Birth isn't something we suffer, it is something we actively do and exalt in!"
- Sheila Kitzinger.
What I Offer:
My aim as a Doula is to empower parents to have a positive birth experience, access innate body wisdom and be held in a deeply supportive environment. As your Doula I am concerned with what pregnancy and birth mean to YOU. This is totally person-centered support. Here is what I will offer you:
- Initial co-interview. Here we get the chance to meet one another, ask questions and explore what working together might look like, if we choose to go ahead. There is no pressure. This is free.
- Two or more prenatal visits to get to know you and understand your birth wishes and your needs as they unfold.
- Phone and email support throughout your pregnancy.
- Loaning you birth books, DVD's and resources to help inform and relax.
- The opportunity to do pregnancy yoga, birth art, belly dancing, have rebozo support, make natural body balms, raw chocolate and nutritious food creations, belly painting and casting, have a mother blessing ceremony, co create herbal preparations to nourish, learn about and experience acupressure and Ayurvedic treatments.
- I will be on call 24/7 for two weeks before and after your estimated due date. If you have your baby outside of this time frame I will do my best to be there. I can arrange a back up doula/ shared care if needed.
- Birth attendance, wherever you choose to be and for as long as it takes. During this time I may offer suggestions on positioning and breathing, provide massage and acupressure, aromatherapy, herbal teas and compresses, music and respectful advocacy. I will help to create a comfortable environment as is appropriate to you. I may sit quietly at the side and knit as you and your partner work beautifully together, getting involved only if needed. I will have absolute faith in your birth and will help to protect and nourish your birth space.
- If you like I can take photographs, peacefully.
- After the birth I will visit at least one time, or more depending on your needs and wishes. Here I may offer cooking, cleaning, shopping, breast feeding support, nutritional advice, foot bath and massage, herbal healing preparations and birth debriefing. I encourage you to have a baby moon, if possible.
- I can provide information, resources and practical support around what to do with your placenta. For example you may wish to encapsulate, prepare a tincture, make smoothies, homeopathic remedies or bury it in a special place.
- As add on services I offer nourishing Cerrada (closing) ceremonies (a Mexican tradition which includes bathing in herbal waters, then performing a cerrada using Rebozos to wrap the body, releasing and closing/grounding. I also offer Mayan Abdominal Massage (see package details below and sub title Mayan Abdominal Healing). These are delicious ways to enter into the postnatal period and help you to "fill your cup" so that you can give from your overflow...
“Birth Matters… It matters because it is the way we all begin our lives outside of our source, our mother’s bodies. It’s the means from which we enter and feel our first impression of the wider world. For each mother, it is an event that shakes and shapes her to her innermost core. Women’s perceptions about their bodies and their babies’ capabilities will be deeply influenced by the care they receive around the time of birth.” ~ Ina May Gaskin
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Doula Package Offered
*Four antenatal visits addressing your needs and wishes, access to my pregnancy and birth library, herbs and body butters, Rebozo (Mexican Scarf) support, one Holistic Massage Therapy session included, being on call two weeks either side due date, full birth attendance, one postnatal visit £1500 *Above, plus a healing postpartum Cerrada Ceremony (given by myself and a fellow doula) £1600 If not local, I will include fuel costs. Can pay in installments. Don't let money be a barrier to your well being. Get in touch to discuss your needs. |
Testimonials
Cassi is totally magical. I am so grateful for her support in realising my vision for the birthing of my little girl. It was empowered and glorious - unassisted, in a pool at home, surrounded by my lovely crew. She is incredibly loving, wise, compassionate, giving and dedicated to her work. She has wonderful knowledge of herbs and techniques to assist with birthing. She is an inspirational doula, a gorgeous friend, and it's a blessing to have her in my life.
-Charlotte Drage
I don't know how I would have gotten through pregnancy and the birthing process without Cassandra's presence. We met quite early on, by the end of my first trimester, and immediately liked each other. She has a very calm nature that brings peace within, even during the times of chaos. She was very helpful, sharing the knowledge she had gained during her ongoing studies and life experiences. She recommended books to read and made me special teas to soothe my tired and aching body and soul. She always brought some homemade goodies such as essential oils, chocolates or bath mixes. It feels like she always goes much further than she actually needs to. Although the birth was still in the future, she was staying in regular touch and checking in with me about what was happening, which I truly appreciated. I was a single woman, without any family support. I felt truly guided through this mama-to-be journey, accompanied by a beautiful soul that is living her purpose. During the last trimester until the very birth itself I received plenty of massages and treatments from her. During the birthing process, which was not easy, she was always there when I needed her and also knew when I needed space. I was given food and drinks when I thought about them and had my back and hips massaged. It felt almost as if she were a mind reader, so intuitively connected to another person's needs. I absolutely adored her companionship and I am very happy that we are still in touch two years after giving birth.
-Maya & baby Liam.
The decision to have a doula at the birth of my second child was the best and most significant decision we made. After My first son's birth I suffered from PTSD and PND and felt hugely disempowered by medical professionals. I struggled with high anxiety through my second pregnancy in anticipation of the birth. Cassi was so calming and reassuring a real pillar of strength throughout the pregnancy and birth. She anticipated my needs before I was aware of them and her gentle protective presence enabled me to have the empowering birth experience I was denied with my first. The support Cassi provided was priceless and both my husband and I would highly recommend her.
-Sidonie, mum to Torin & Frey.
Cassi is totally magical. I am so grateful for her support in realising my vision for the birthing of my little girl. It was empowered and glorious - unassisted, in a pool at home, surrounded by my lovely crew. She is incredibly loving, wise, compassionate, giving and dedicated to her work. She has wonderful knowledge of herbs and techniques to assist with birthing. She is an inspirational doula, a gorgeous friend, and it's a blessing to have her in my life.
-Charlotte Drage
I don't know how I would have gotten through pregnancy and the birthing process without Cassandra's presence. We met quite early on, by the end of my first trimester, and immediately liked each other. She has a very calm nature that brings peace within, even during the times of chaos. She was very helpful, sharing the knowledge she had gained during her ongoing studies and life experiences. She recommended books to read and made me special teas to soothe my tired and aching body and soul. She always brought some homemade goodies such as essential oils, chocolates or bath mixes. It feels like she always goes much further than she actually needs to. Although the birth was still in the future, she was staying in regular touch and checking in with me about what was happening, which I truly appreciated. I was a single woman, without any family support. I felt truly guided through this mama-to-be journey, accompanied by a beautiful soul that is living her purpose. During the last trimester until the very birth itself I received plenty of massages and treatments from her. During the birthing process, which was not easy, she was always there when I needed her and also knew when I needed space. I was given food and drinks when I thought about them and had my back and hips massaged. It felt almost as if she were a mind reader, so intuitively connected to another person's needs. I absolutely adored her companionship and I am very happy that we are still in touch two years after giving birth.
-Maya & baby Liam.
The decision to have a doula at the birth of my second child was the best and most significant decision we made. After My first son's birth I suffered from PTSD and PND and felt hugely disempowered by medical professionals. I struggled with high anxiety through my second pregnancy in anticipation of the birth. Cassi was so calming and reassuring a real pillar of strength throughout the pregnancy and birth. She anticipated my needs before I was aware of them and her gentle protective presence enabled me to have the empowering birth experience I was denied with my first. The support Cassi provided was priceless and both my husband and I would highly recommend her.
-Sidonie, mum to Torin & Frey.