Sacred Birth Keeper

The Birth Keeper Relationship

I bring an understanding of how Birth works. In doing so, I offer you and your family a complete container for receiving Life and giving Birth in wholeness, presence and grace.

The openness and intimacy of the birth process requires honesty from everyone involved. From our inhalation and exhalation, our silence and sound, we come into the present, in union, in this state is where you will know without a doubt what needs to be done. And you will be free to do it.

Dads, Partners, Grandmothers, Aunties, Friends

I do not replace the father or anyone you are close to. Instead, I take away fear and enable them to help you in simple, practical ways. They can breathe and sound with you. Take turns massaging you and applying counter-pressure to relieve pain. Draw you a bath. Play music you like. Bring food and drink. Fear and anxiety melt and your family can participate in the birth in a deep, nurturing way. A doula is not just a gift to the birthing woman and her child but is a gift to all who love her.

I’m quite sure I would like an epidural at some point in my birth. Will you still work with me?

Yes!  I work with anyone who wants me to be with them, regardless of how they anticipate giving birth.  I do not have an ideal that I am hoping you will realize so I am not sitting in judgement.  Every birth is different; every woman is different; every baby is different.  What is required at a birth is always unique.  Neither you nor I have any idea before hand what will be needed.  Birth is truly a step into the unknown.

I do know the principles involved in how birth works and how an epidural can affect the process. An epidural is often seen initially as the only way to give birth without suffering and this is not so.   An epidural is a powerful medical intervention that can do great good and great harm. I can be of help in your making a decision whether, when and how to use it.

I have been labelled “high risk”. I will have lots of necessary medical intervention at my birth.  Would you still be of help to me?

Yes, no matter what the conditions! Whether a “high risk” hospital birth, an uncomplicated home birth, or something in between!

When there are fears surrounding a birth that is particularly high, whether that fear is coming from you, family or medical staff. Having someone beside you the whole step of the process can help relieve these fears as you know you are not alone. Healing is non-linear and can sometimes take quite unexpected forms.  The heart of birth can be felt no matter the situation.

I am planning a home birth attended by midwives. Would you provide anything that the midwives don’t already?

My experience is that whether I am in the hospital or at the birthing woman’s home, what I provide is unique and greatly appreciated by my clients and the healthcare providers around us.

I bring a depth and comprehensive set of skills and understanding to your pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of mothering that complement the skills and philosophy of your midwives beautifully. I make their job easier by being completely focused on you and your baby and they make my job easier by giving us all the trust, security and space needed to let the intelligence of Birth flow!

While my partner wants to support me, he is feeling squeamish about the intensity of the birthing process, on both the physical and emotional levels.  Are you comfortable with him taking a back seat or perhaps not being there at all?

Of course!  In many traditional societies, men are not present at Birth.  It is not a requirement for being a loving father.  And certainly if he is anxious, his presence will not be helpful!

That being said, it is common to find fear dissolves in the reality of the situation. I’ve seen many a worried father participate with calm wonder in the birth of his child.  I am there to help him receive and respond to you.  This will unfold according to the dynamics of your relationship. Men are socialized to take action in all situations.  Given permission to be still and simply can take affect on your relationship in beautiful ways!