What is included in my support
If you’re thinking about having a doula at your birth, you’ll naturally want to know what it costs. Preparing for a baby already brings plenty of expenses. It makes sense to understand what you’re paying for and what you can expect in return.
My full doula package at Mothers & Moon costs €1,350. It includes our preparation during pregnancy, my availability from 37 weeks, support throughout your birth and a conversation afterwards. Here’s what that looks like with me.
Why I became a doula
When I became Rose’s mum, my pregnancy, birth and the time afterwards unfolded differently from what I had hoped. I experienced how lonely it can feel when you don’t feel truly seen or heard. Only later could I name what I had missed: more preparation and someone who brought calm and stayed beside me without judgement.
That experience led me towards becoming a doula. I wanted to offer other women the support I had needed myself. My own story brought me here. When we talk, I want to hear about your experiences and what you need.
My mission with Mothers & Moon
Through Mothers & Moon, I want to make sure that the woman becoming a mother receives care and attention throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. How do you feel about everything that is changing? What do you need? I want to make time for those questions, because you deserve care too.
To me, that means being able to ask questions, understand your options and have your wishes and boundaries taken seriously. I want you to feel supported in making your own choices. A birth can unfold differently from what you had hoped. If that happens, I want to stay beside you and make room for how you feel about it.
We start by getting to know each other
Before you decide to work with me, we meet for an introductory conversation with no obligation to book. You can tell me what you’re looking for and ask me questions. I also want us to feel comfortable with each other. You’re inviting me to be there at a very intimate moment in your life.
We then meet for three in-depth antenatal consultations. We talk about your wishes, any worries you have and what your birth partner needs to support you. We practise things such as positions and comfort techniques, and bring your preferences together in a personal birth plan.
Between appointments, you can send me questions by WhatsApp or email. Sometimes it’s only on your way home that you remember something you meant to ask. You don’t have to wait until we next meet. I reply as soon as I can.
What a holistic approach means to me
I see you as a whole person. How you feel in your body, what’s on your mind and what you bring from previous experiences all have a place in our conversations. Even when you’re not quite sure how to put something into words.
A breathing exercise might help you settle. You might prefer to practise practical techniques with your partner or spend time talking about something you’re worried about. If a ritual feels right for you, we can make room for that too. Together, we work out what you need. You don’t have to fit yourself around my way of working.
I am on call from 37 weeks
From 37 weeks, you can reach me by phone day or night when you think labour is starting. That includes the moments when you’re still wondering whether this is really it.
There’s preparation behind that availability which you may never see. My doula bag is ready, arrangements are in place at home and I leave room in my diary so I can come to you. That’s why I take on a limited number of births. Being available is part of the package, even if you end up calling me on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon.
A backup doula is also provided when needed. I’ve written a separate blog about how I organise my time on call.
Read more about my time on call
During the birth I am there with you
When you need me, we agree where I’ll join you. That might be at home or directly at the hospital. I stay with you throughout the birth and offer whatever support helps at that moment. It might be massage, counterpressure, finding another position or simply sitting quietly beside you.
Your birth partner is part of this too. We’ve prepared together, and during labour we keep finding what works for you both. Your midwife and doctor remain responsible for your medical care. I offer practical and emotional support and can help you put your questions and wishes into words.
After the birth, I stay for around another hour. There’s time for you to settle in with your baby before I leave.
There is time to talk afterwards
A few weeks later, we meet again. How did you experience the birth? What has stayed with you? Is there anything you still want to talk about? Our postnatal conversation gives us time for that. A personal written account of the birth is also included in my support.
The price and practical arrangements
You can spread the €1,350 over three instalments of €450: when signing the agreement, during the package and at the start of the on-call period.
Travel within a 20-kilometre radius of Wetteren is included. Additional kilometres beyond that radius are charged at €0.40 per kilometre. Any parking costs are added. If you would like an extra consultation on top of the three antenatal appointments, it costs €95.
I’m based in Wetteren and work within roughly 25 kilometres of the town. If you’d like to see whether my support feels right for you, you’re welcome to arrange an introductory conversation with no obligation to book. We can take time to talk about what you need and decide whether we’d like to work together.