Welcome...

The Doula Advantage provides women with support before during and after birth. This involves providing women with information, help in birth planning, and physical and emotional support during birth to help women cope with the amazing, life-changing event that is childbirth.

The Doula Advantage also offers miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion support - these are extremely emotional experiences when support is crucial.

"I am passionate about helping women and their families through the challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience of birth. It is an honour for me to be involved in such a special time in a woman's life - the sacred transformation into motherhood, be it for the first or the tenth time. I will attend births anywhere in the Tauranga area, either at hospital or home. I feel very comfortable in each of these settings." ~ Cherie Raymond, doula and owner of The Doula Advantage

The Doula Package


The Doula Advantage offers a Birth Doula service tailored to each family's needs. The service allows the mother-to-be and her loved ones to completely focus on the birth, knowing every need will be taken care of.

The service includes:
  • A complimentary initial consultation. This is a free session for you to ask questions, have a friendly chat, and to see if I'm the right fit for you. 
  • Two prenatal sessions to discuss your vision for your birth and to help you prepare. If you're unsure about what decisions to make I'll provide a vast range of ideas to choose from and offer evidence-based recommendations. We'll define the role you'd like me to play at your birth, and discuss your concerns and plans for birth and parenthood. We can also use this time to practice relaxation, pain relief measures, and position changes. 
  • A beautifully designed custom birth plan. All elements are customizable including the colour scheme, fonts, graphics, format etc (see below for a sample design). 
  • Unlimited phone and email support to answer any questions and offer suggestions and support during your pregnancy, early labour, and early postpartum. I am on-call 24/7 until the birth of your baby.
  • Continuous emotional, physical, and informational support for you and your partner throughout your labour and birth. This post goes into greater detail about what that involves.
  • Immediate postpartum support for about 2 hours after the birth, until you, your partner, and your baby are settled.
  • A postpartum session to celebrate the birth of your baby and help you with any early postpartum or breastfeeding concerns that you might have.
Birth Doula's typically begin working with mothers in the seventh to eighth month of pregnancy, and a month to two month's time to plan and prepare for the birth is ideal.

Price

Birth Doula Package prices start at $400 
Additional costs are added depending on the services needed. Extra sessions can be included as required at a rate of $30 per hour. Mother Blessing Ceremony Planning & Hosting, Hypnobabies Rental, Belly Casting, and Placenta Encapsulation are available upon request, with discounts for Birth Doula clients. For inquires about the Birth Doula Package please contact me.

Also see What is a Doula? and Doula FAQ's

Hypnobabies Rental


Hypnobabies Home Study Course for Expectant Mothers is designed for women who would like to enjoy an easier more comfortable childbirth experience using guided self-hypnosis. This is for mothers who may not be able to attend a Hypnobabies Group Class, or who simply want to study on their own.

Hypnobabies Home Study Course is a 5-week, advanced childbirth hypnosis program, that teaches expectant mothers how to enter the deeply relaxing state of Hypnobabies "eyes-open childbirth hypnosis", which allows our Hypnobabies moms to move around and communicate with their support teams and remain completely comfortable while still deeply in hypnosis! This is unique to the Hypnobabies program. You will also learn the same medical hypnosis techniques that doctors and dentists use to create "hypno-anesthesia" for their patients who cannot tolerate medical anesthetics for surgical procedures (a powerful feature that is also unique to Hypnobabies).

You will listen to hypnosis tracks on 6 audio CDs, to prepare for an easier and more comfortable birthing without the risk of harmful side-effects. Our Hypnobabies Home Study students also learn important information to help them prepare for birth. They learn about the process of labor and birth, as well as the options they have as consumers. They receive invaluable information about how to stay healthy and low risk and how to make sure their baby is in the ideal position for birth. This information and much more is contained in the comprehensive Hypnobabies Workbook.

For more information about hypnosis during childbirth and the Hypnobabies Home Study Course for Expectant Mothers visit the official website here.

Price

Hypnobabies eight week rental price: $40 + $20 bond (refundable upon return)
*$30 for Doula Package clients
To inquire about Hypnobabies rental please contact me.

Elle TENS Rental

The Doula Advantage offers an Elle TENS rental service. The Elle TENS is designed for mother’s seeking a drug free childbirth. It is a non-invasive, non-addictive, and portable pain management solution.

What is TENS?

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is an option available for women in labour to assist with pain relief. TENS units usually come in the form of a small hand held device with leads connected to sticky pads called electrodes which you attach directly to your skin. When the unit is switched on, small electrical impulses are delivered through the skin, via the electrode pads, into the nerve fibres below which you feel as a tingling sensation. The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which helps to relieve pain and relax muscles. They also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. The level of pain relief varies from person to person.

What are the Benefits of Using a TENS Unit?

  • It’s an effective method of drug-free pain relief
  • It's a non-invasive method of pain relief 
  • No harmful effects on you or your baby 
  • It can be used for a home or hospital birth
  • May prevent the need for medical pain relief 
  • You control it so you can use it exactly when needed and at what strength you prefer 
  • You can put it on or take it off as needed
  • It's portable and doesn’t restrict movement in labour 
  • Recommended by midwives
  • Many women swear by them

The Elle TENS

This award winning obstetric TENS machine is manufactured by Babycare TENS. Using the latest Opti-Max technology, the Elle TENS is an excellent digital TENS machine that will assist you in naturally managing your pain during labour and recovery. It is effective and easy to use, and can also be used in conjunction with other pain relief methods such as pethidine and gas.

What is Opti-Max Technology?

The Opti-Max technology provides you with an extra level of power for the times you most need it. It is mainly used during the last stages of your labour, since this is when you really want extra pulse power. However, you can take advantage of the Opti-Max power when  you feel you need it at any time during your labour.

Elle TENS Features:

  • Opti-Max technology provides extra pulse power
  • ‘Boost’ button (receive a surge of power during a contraction)
  • Dual channel
  • Large easy to read LCD display
  • Pre-set modes for ease of use
  • Dual left/right intensity controls (customise the pulse level on your left and right sides)
  • Lanyard (neck cord) to allow for easy portability
  • Designed with a sturdy rotating belt clip
  • One of the world’s most popular choices for mums to be

Using the Elle TENS 

From the beginning of labour

Once your labour begins, simply apply the four electrode pads to your back (according to the instruction manual). You should feel a pleasant pulsing/buzzing sensation. Use the dual intensity controls to customise the pulse you feel over your mid and lower back. As a contraction starts, press the ‘boost’ button for an extra surge of power. Once the contraction is over, press the ‘boost’ button a second time to return to the previous level.

Having a caesarean or water birth?

You can still benefit from using the Elle TENS to manage your early labour contractions. Please note: The TENS machine CANNOT be used in water.

Included in Your Elle TENS Pack:

  • Elle TENS unit
  • 4 x large electrode pads (40 x 100mm)
  • 2 leads plus 1 spare
  • 2 AA batteries plus 2 spare
  • Lanyard (neck cord)
  • Elle TENS instruction manual
  • Soft carrying pouch
  • Container with conductive gel

Rental Includes:

  • Fully refundable bond
  • FREE door-to-door delivery
  • FREE return postage
  • TENS unit delivery approximately three weeks prior to due date
  • We know some babies like to hang out inside their mums a bit longer so just let us know and we'll extend your hire period free of charge.

Price

Five Week Elle TENS Rental: $40 + $20 bond
*$30 + $20 bond for Doula Package clients
For inquires about Elle TENS Rental please contact me.

Elle TENS FAQs

Placenta Encapsulation


Placenta encapsulation is a wonderful way for postpartum mothers to regain nutritional resources after birth. Placenta capsules have been reported by mothers to:
  • significantly reduce post-birth bleeding
  • hasten return of uterus to pre-pregnancy state 
  • encourage a quick and healthy milk supply
  • replenish essential hormones such as oxytocin and CRH (stress reducer)
  • replenish essential nutrients such as vit B6 and iron
  • reduce stress levels
  • prevent the baby blues and post-partum depression
  • leave new mothers feeling calmer
  • give new mums the energy to cope with a busy day
  • be helpful during menopause
 For articles and studies about placental consumption click here and here.

The Encapsulation Process

As soon as the placenta is birthed it is placed in cool storage, either in a fridge or in a chiller box. As soon as possible, the placenta is blended and poured into a dehydrater, where it stays over night. The next day it is ground in a grinder, encapsulated, bottled, and couriered or hand delivered. A placenta will usually make between 100-300 capsules (each placenta varies in size), and can be taken 1-3 times per day. Store in a dark, cool place, or the fridge.

Price

Placenta Encapsulation price: $175.00 + delivery costs
*$150.00 + delivery costs for Doula Package clients
For inquires about placenta encapsulation please contact me.

Belly Casting


Pregnancy is an amazing process, when a woman’s body takes on beautiful new shapes and curves, transformed by the precious life growing within her. Belly casting is a perfect way to celebrate and remember this special and intimate time between mother and baby.

Making a belly cast involves the application of plaster bandages thinly applied to the torso, which are left to dry for a short time, capturing the unique form of the pregnant body. The process takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Strengthening, neatening, and finishing are then done back at the workshop, the process taking a further two to three days. The finished cast has a smooth, shiny, paint finish, with ribbon attached to the back, ready to be displayed.

The Doula Advantage offers in-home belly casting sessions. Once set the cast is taken away to be finished, then returned to you pretty and polished to do with as you please.

Price

Belly Casting Price: $150
*$100 for Doula Package clients
For inquires about belly casting please contact me.

What is a Doula?


A doula is a person who provides informational, physical, and emotional support to a woman and her loved ones during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Doulas are usually formally trained, and are well-informed on the physiological and emotional aspects of childbirth, as well as childbirth options available in the local area. A doula complements the care a woman is already receiving, and adds a caring, nurturing presence to all.

A Doula is a labor coach.
A Doula is a support person.
A Doula understands the physiological process of birth.
A Doula believes in your ability to give birth however you feel is right.
A Doula is non-judgmental, and supports you in whatever way you need.
A Doula also supports your partner, family, and friends who are attending your birth.
A Doula provides informational, physical, and emotional support to you, your partner, family, and friends.

What I Do, In Detail

I provide information about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. 
If there is a subject you need to know more about and you would like help, I can provide you with the latest, non-biased information on the subject through books, articles, studies, websites, and referrals to local professionals as required. Give me a bell and I’m on the case.

I provide assistance creating your birth plan.
With so many options to consider, I’m able to make the creation of a birthplan a little less daunting. Depending on your preferences we can cover topics including birth environment, relaxation and pain relieving techniques, preferred positions, interventions, birth management, emergencies, cord and placenta preferences, and newborn care. Discussing and creating your birthplan also helps me understand in detail how I can best help you throughout the birthing process.

I provide unlimited phone and email support.
Any time you have a question or concern, need to vent, or just want to chat, I’m here for you.This service is available throughout pregnancy until 4 weeks after the birth.

I provide help practicing relaxation, pain relieving techniques, and position changes.
Before the birth we can go through a wide range of techniques you might like to use. Until birth you really may not know just what will work for you, each birth is uniquely different. But knowing what options you have, and having practiced them before, gives you a little more confidence when implementing them on the big day.

I provide continuous support for you throughout the birthing process.
As soon as labor starts at home I can be there providing support, you don’t have to wait until active labor to call me. Whether the birth progresses as per the birth plan or continues on a new path I am there by your side, providing support in whatever way you need it.

For example, in early labor I may fix you some healthy food and drink, put on a funny DVD for you, or run you a bath. In active labor we would head to your birthing location (home or hospital), where I would create a relaxing environment as per your preferences, provide massage and acupressure, or help you experiment with different positions, movement, and pain relieving techniques.

During the second stage of labor I may hold your hand as baby descends, offer encouragement, wipe your forehead with a cool cloth, and ensure your birth preferences are respected.

After the birth I would stay with you for an hour or more, I may offer breastfeeding advice, help you shower and dress if needed, fix you food and drink, and stay until you and your baby feel secure and settled.

Ultimately I am there to provide support in whatever way you feel I am most needed, though I also intuitively provide help when I can see you need it.

I provide a follow up postpartum visit.
Sometime in the following week after birth, at a time of your choosing, I make a final visit to discuss the birth with you, provide breastfeeding and baby care advice if necessary, offer massage, or care for the new baby and/or siblings while you rest.

Also see The Doula Package, and Doula FAQ's

For further info about doula care:
Doula Article from Oh Baby
Quiet and calm, behind the scenes offering invaluable support, doulas are gaining popularity in New Zealand as professional birthing partners. Samantha Thurlby-Brooks explains the role.
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