Welcome to LovelyNess.... I am here to help with your Doula needs and introduce you to Baby classes in your area.
LovelyNess was created to tackle social isolation for new mums and babies and improve their mental and physical wellbeing by bringing them together via Baby Club, Baby Massage and GroovaRoo dance.
Join me at any class and get to know more, Vanessa x
About Me
I am a mum of two grown up children and have one beautiful granddaughter, I live in Kirkliston near Edinburgh and I currently work in Education. I am qualified as a birth and postnatal doula and cover Edinburgh, Lothians, Falkirk, Fife, parts of Glasgow and Stirling. My previous career was as a midwife for 8 years and I have renewed my passion for pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. I see each pregnancy and birth as a unique miracle. I help women embark on their birthing journey gently through breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and mindfulness. I am a registered Doula having completed my Doula Preparation course and have studied a Mindfulness Diploma course. I have also recently completed a Reflexology diploma, meaning that I give a great foot massage.
As an experienced Doula, my goal is to give you and your family the attention and knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy, labour, birth and those first precious few weeks. I love working with expectant mothers and their families to help them navigate the birth and labour process. I look at each new birth as a unique experience and in return I provide mothers with the encouragement and motivation they need. My recent learning opportunity is training to provide Baby Massage. I have found a love of crafting which brings me feelings of calm and peace and I look forward to meeting you. If you would like to know more please contact me below xx
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Initial Consultation
Let the journey begin.
I offer a no obligation meeting to find out if we are 'right' for each other, this usually lasts about 30 minutes. There are lots of great doulas out there so you may want to meet with a few before making your decision. If we are a good fit we can take some time before we make an agreement, there is no rush. Contact me to find out more, I look forward to meeting you very soon. With current restrictions in place we can chat using any online platform x
My Services
What I Offer
Labour and Birth
Offering Support
With my Birthing Guidance, I offer unwavering support to you and your family before, during and after birth. I will prepare you with pre-natal sessions explaining all about labour and birth. I will stay in close contact in order to routinely check how you’re doing and step in with anything you might need. I will join you in labour when you feel the time is right. I will encourage relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and tips for positioning. I will provide emotional support and I will stay with you throughout labour until your baby is born. During labour a doula can help to provide a calm and re-assuring environment and a soothing touch. I can encourage you to ask questions and speak up for what you want and I can enhance communication between parents and their midwife or doctor.
Postnatal Support
Here for You
Pregnancy, birth and the early days and weeks of life with a new baby can be very scary and stressful. My role with the Postnatal Support service is to ensure you get the best information and care possible up to 12 weeks postnatal. No matter when you need me, I will be there offering support. I can offer help with breast/bottle feeding issues. I can help you to get the rest you need to support your new family. Support can be half or full days or just a few hours when you most need some help. Please get in touch to discuss your needs.
Antenatal Visits
Informative and Compassionate
I take on a limited number of clients at any one time to make sure I can give you the full care and attention you deserve. By offering Antenatal Visits, my goal is to reduce any stress, allowing you to pay attention to your body and your baby. I offer a minimum of 2 visits antenatally where we can discuss your hopes, fears and together make a plan that you and your partner are happy with. I can find evidence-based information about your options and can help explain medical procedures.
As your Doula
I can be a supportive presence.
I can attend to your birth space.
I can offer physical and emotional comfort.
I can advocate for you and support you in your decision making.
I cannot perform any clinical tasks or offer any advice or diagnosis.
I cannot make any decisions for you.
Having a doula may reduce the likelihood of having an induction, caesarean section or an instrumental birth and can reduce the need for pain medication or epidurals during birth. Further research has also revealed that births supported by a doula tend to be shorter. Continuous support for women during childbirth - PubMed (nih.gov)
There is available evidence to show doulas have a positive impact on birth experience, breastfeeding rates, and on maternal mental health with lower incidence of postnatal depression.
£1500.00
Full Doula Service
Breakdown of Fees
Antenatal visits at home or via video call for birth education, birth plan preparation, care of the newborn and support with feeding your baby and practical help in becoming a new family or simple relaxation sessions – minimum 2/3 (approx. 2-3hrs per visit)
Regular contact via email or WhatsApp for any queries up to 6 weeks postnatal.
Exclusive on-call period between 38-42 weeks - approximately 10 days before and 10 days after your due date or whatever feels right for you.
Labour and birth support either at home or hospital.
Full advocacy and support for your ideal birth scenario.
Loan of TENS machine including pads.
Postnatal visits/debrief – (1-2 visits)
Discount for Baby Massage classes once your baby is over 4 weeks.
Fees
£20.00 per hour
Postnatal support
I am available for 2 hour sessions, in person or virtually. This support is tailored to your needs at the time.
£20 per hour including travel time for each visit. Travel expenses may be added at 45p per mile depending on location.
Payment to be made at the end of each session.
Further Information
Training
Trained with Katy
Everybirthmatters
Feb 2021
Local to Edinburgh
Your local Tree Babies Guide
Member of Scottish Doula Network
since April 2021
Payment by Paypal, Bank transfer or cash
Simple and fuss-free
CPD
Postpartum perineal pain 20/7/21
Perinatal Mental Health 20/7/21
Breastfeeding the 4th Trimester 20/7/21