My Services

My work begins with families during the pregnancy. During prenatal meetings I try to get a better picture of your desired birth. What are your concerns? Who will be supporting you in hospital? How do you feel about medications?

When labor begins, I'm available to answer non-medical questions and hopefully give you reassurance that what you are feeling is normal or perhaps directing you to seek medical attention. I can remind you of the signs you are looking for that say it is time to head into the hospital.

Unfortunately Malta is in the Dark Ages and the benefits of having a doula assist a birthing mother are not recognized by public hospitals, and doulas are not allowed to accompany birthing mothers! This is of course very primitive (and embarrassing as a nation, when we talk with birth professionals from other countries) so my work is limited to the few homebirths, and to supporting the couple at home before they head to hospital.  However, I can be present to support the birth during private hospital births.  

What do I do during labour? Basically I will do whatever the mother needs me to do, whether it is reminding the mom to relax in certain areas (her shoulders, back, face, etc) or that the contraction is coming down or taking her for a walk around the block or making tea and sandwiches or entertaining the older kids! I use massage, acupressure, touch relaxation, and water.  I am also a big believer and follower of Penny Simkin's three Rs of Childbirth... Relaxation, Rhythm, and Ritual, and as such use these techniques a lot.  When necessary, I just shut up and allow the mother to labour alone, staying close by until needed. I also support the dad by reminding him of comfort techniques that he could apply on the mum, and calming his fears. If requested, I take photos and videos for your birth memories.

For homebirths, I will help you find a medical team that will support your choices. My care is continuous from the moment you call me until the baby is born, placenta delivered, and baby has breastfed successfully.  I will also help the mum get cleaned up and settled after the birth.

If you are planning a hospital birth, I will stay with you at home where we will use various comfort techniques that will allow you to labour at home for as long as possible.  When I see the signs that say it is time to head to hospital, I will let you know and help you get on your way, including driving you to hospital if necessary.  Remember that labouring at home for as long as possible will give you a better chance of having an intervention-free birth.  After a hospital birth, I will visit you at home for breastfeeding support.

References are readily available if you would like to talk to families that can describe the benefits they received from my assistance during birth.

Dads & Doulas

My feelings have always been that it is your birth — between the couple. Doulas never replace the dads, but are extra hands. I am there without being there... sort of invisible, working by guiding the dad on the right spot to touch, ideas he can try himself.  A doula can help remind the dad when it is a good time for them to walk, take a shower, sit on a rocking chair, etc., so he doesn't have to stress over remembering all of the information from the childbirth class. 

See DONA article on Dads and Doulas.

To request more information about doula support, please fill out the form below: