One of the questions I get asked most often is, how do I choose the right doula for me?
Unfortunately, this is one of the trickiest questions that I come across because there is no hard and fast rule to this.
Your birth and postpartum is going to be a truly unique experience for you, your partner and your baby. So equally the doula who is right for you, is going to be very different to someone who would be right for your best friend.
With all that said, there are a few key things that I look for when shortlisting doulas for our families. For example, if you have a history of mental health challenges, miscarriages, need assistance with setting boundaries, there a particular doulas who specialize in these areas, and therefore I would suggest pairing you with.
We also look at your family dynamic, location and temperament of person (extrovert vs introvert) who would fit nicely into your household.
But ultimately it comes down to a feeling and trusting your gut, which is why we always conduct our interviews via video chat. This way you can get to know your doula before you commit to the service. Once you have landed on your choice of doula, your care starts straight away at Fill Your Cup. We don’t wait around until you’ve had your baby… No, no no!
Similar to a midwife or OB, you have access to your doula and Lead doula and Director, Dr. Renee White throughout your pregnancy and postpartum package. You can ask questions, get referral or just have a good ol’ rant if you need to. We’ve got your back (and your bump) each step of the way.
Original blog post as seen in Fill Your Cup Village
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Papaya Health
Papaya Health is an innovative women’s allied health clinic dedicated to providing holistic women’s health services for women in all stages of life.
We’re a team of health professionals, made up of a pelvic health physiotherapist, naturopath, acupuncturist, psychologist and massage therapist all under one roof, ready to support you online and in person in Newtown, Sydney.
Dr Ali Hodgkinson
I’m a general practitioner with a special interest in fertility, lactation medicine, perinatal and infant health. My approach focuses on providing personalised, sensitive care to women and families from preconception, through pregnancy to the postpartum period and beyond. I am have a Diploma in Child Health and I am a Neuroprotective Developmental Care Accredited Practitioner, supporting families with feeding, baby sleep and cry-fuss problems. I work at Nurtured Medical in Avalon, Sydney and Genea Fertility in the CBD. Appointments are available in -clinic, via Telehealth and in-home.
Danielle Brooker, Joy Activation Coach
Danielle Brooker is a Mama, Joy Activation Coach, writer, avid self-help reader, lover of travel, adventure and exceptional coffee. Through her private coaching programs, digital courses, Mama Joy Summit, writing and podcast, Danielle teaches ambitious, busy and always-on Mamas ‘in the thick of it’ to move from the mess to the magic of this season of life.
Her signature program BEYOND focuses on the ‘forgotten season’ of motherhood, teaching Mamas to put core foundations in place to support their thriving well beyond the traditional ‘postpartum’ period. Danielle works intuitively, blending a foundation in human behaviour, neuroplasticity-based coaching and strategy, with somatic principles, emotional context work and soul practices. She shares, “I moved across the world to a new city, 6 months pregnant, in the middle of a global pandemic. All to take action towards my dreams. It was tough. And it was rewarding. I birthed my baby at home, with my partner holding me, literally.
Entering motherhood was everything and nothing like I imagined. It’s pushed me beyond any emotional capacity I’ve ever been asked to experience. I’ve been on my knees sobbing on the bathroom floor not believing I could get up again. And I’ve been bursting with so much joy I thought my cheeks would explode.
Motherhood is one of the most courageous acts. I’m here to take your hand and show you back to your place of safety and strength, so you can fully expand into this season of life. So you can live your most joyful life and feel your most vibrant self.”
She’s the author of Freedom from Busy and has written for and been featured in publications such as Forbes.com and Breathe and is on a mission for Mamas to reclaim this powerful season of life and live in their fullness. Danielle currently lives in Sydney with her daughter and partner, dreaming up the next adventure for their family.
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