Hi there - I'm due to give birth in early June and am looking for a stand-by doula. I'm hoping that my DH will be my birth partner (and therefore I will not have a need for a doula) but there is a reasonable chance he won't be there he is due to be abroad for his job see here for the whole story:
DH might not make it back in time
So, I am looking for a stand-by doula who will be on call for me should I go into labour earlier than the date DH is flying home. My first choice (my ante natal yoga teacher) is already booked for someone else, and her recommendation is going on her hols, so I've run out of people "I know", IYSWIM.
Is there anyone living in South London who has used a doula recently that they would recommend? I am in Streatham.
I had a VERY long latent labour last time (first contractions on Wednesday night, didn't deliver until Sunday morning) and although I will be more prepared this time, I will also have a 15 month old DD to look after at least during the early stages (I have a friend on standby to take her when established labour kicks in, but couldn't expect her to take her for 4 days if it's anything like my last labour!) So I'm kind of hoping my doula will be able to help out with DD as well, until my DH can arrive.
Some info which might affect anyone's recommendations: am having a homebirth, with pool, and will only have gas and air. I like people to be quite hands off but also would like to know the support is there when I need it (massage, changing tens pads when getting in out of pool, cooking meals for me and encouraging me to eat etc).
Anyone know anyone in South London who might be available from the last week in May / first week in June and fits the bill above?
Apologies for rambling - thanks for any recommendations.