Maddie's Musings

On birth doulas and breastfeeding

Splashing Out on a Doula

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I’ve been a doula for a long time. Looking back, I think I was born this way. I am absolutely fascinated by people; what makes them tick, their hopes, their dreams, their fears. It makes me yearn to listen hard to both what people say and the unsaid fragments between the lines. When you listen, Continue Reading

Mothering the Mother

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I’m writing yet another ‘what is a doula and what do we do?’ article. Why? Because I was asked to - but it’s hard. There are hundreds of these articles, scattered all over the web, trying to explain the role of the doula and attempting to address the many myths that surround us. It’s hard because I Continue Reading

Doula definitions & myth busting

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According to the Oxford English dictionary a doula is A woman who gives assistance and advice to a new or expectant mother, either informally or professionally; esp. a woman (typically without formal obstetric training) employed to provide guidance and continuous support during labour. It's fab Continue Reading

The Milky Way: Doulas and Breastfeeding Support

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This is a longer version of a chapter in my book Why Doulas Matter, published by Pinter and Martin “Some doulas may know absolutely nothing about breastfeeding. Yet they have a magic way of creating a relaxed circle around the mother. They can project an air of security and supportiveness within Continue Reading

Tips from the milky coalface

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The following article was written for and first appeared in my friend Naomi Kemeny's book 'Nurturing New Families'. A book not only for postnatal doulas but anyone caring for a family with a newborn in those precious first weeks.   As a Breastfeeding Counsellor and Doula, I spend a lot of Continue Reading

Freedom for Birth

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What is Freedom for Birth? "Freedom for Birth" is more than just a film. It marks the beginning of a movement that will focus global attention on the violations of women's rights during childbirth all around the world. All women should have the right, protected by law, to decide where and how they Continue Reading

Doulas DO Make a Difference!

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Survey Shows Doulas Have Significant Impact on Birth and Breastfeeding Chances of an intervention-free birth and successful breastfeeding increased with doula support Parents-to-be are far more likely to attempt and continue breastfeeding, and less likely to require intervention during their Continue Reading