Rebecca Verlander

Choosing me as your birth doula means you are not only getting dedicated support during your labour and birth but also expert feeding guidance; as I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I offer an enhanced package as standard which includes 3 antenatal sessions to prepare you for both birth and feeding your baby. I also offer postnatal visits to get feeding off to the best start.

With my guidance, you can feel confident and empowered, knowing that you have a knowledgeable advocate by your side who is committed to both your well-being and the health of your baby. I have supported over 120 births and supported over 2000 families with lactation. 

Perhaps, you are looking for a Doula to advocate for you whilst also working in collaboration with any midwives or doctors. I have a vast amount of experience and have supported many births including; homebirths, waterbirths, freebirths, Ceasarean births, Vaginal Birth after Ceasarean, induction of labour, epidural/ medical pain relief births and preterm birth.

Perhaps, breastfeeding is really important to you and you feel reassured having a Doula who is also an IBCLC Lactation Consultant- to prepare you in pregnancy and offer practical support after your baby is born.

Perhaps, you are considering a Doula as you are unfamiliar with pregnancy, birth and postpartum and want access to evidence- based information from someone experienced that you can trust.

Perhaps, you want someone by your side who understands how birth works and can normalise things for you and instill confidence in your ability to birth your baby.

Perhaps, you are searching for someone who has a deep understanding of neurodiversity, alternative family units, anxiety and mental health and will never judge you or your birth team.

Perhaps, you are looking for a Doula who is also a trained Hypnobirthing teacher- so can help keep you calm and help you work through your affirmations, visualisations and breathing techniques..

Perhaps, you want a Doula to bring over all of the essential labour tools needed and work with you during your labour on positions, massage and comfort measures.

Perhaps, you want the reassurance of having an experienced person who is able to give reassurance to your birth partner(s) and tag team with them, when they need to eat or rest.

If these sound like the types of things you are looking for in a Doula, then please do reach out and book a free chat with me.

I am often booked up months in advance, so it is usually best to talk to me as early in your pregnancy as possible.

During pregnancy:

𑁍  You will receive a welcome gift pack; including TENS machine, birth comb, eye mask, candle, colostrum harvesting kit and other goodies.

𑁍  Unlimited Message Support: Available from the moment of booking until 6 weeks postpartum.

𑁍 Access to my Hypnobirthing workbook, relaxation tracks and printable affirmation cards.

𑁍 3 Antenatal sessions at your home (approx 2 hours each)

𑁍  ‘Preparing for Birth’ Session 1:  We will be exploring the key hormones involved in labour and strategies to encourage their natural release. You’ll also learn about stages of labour, birth rights, relaxation techniques and so much more!  

𑁍 'Birth Preferences’ Session 2: We will use my comprehensive guide to discuss your birth preferences and how your birth team can support you through any unexpected scenarios. We will get crystal clear about what you might come across in the birth space and how to navigate situations. We can talk through pain relief options, induction, casearean birth and what these might mean for you. You will be given the guide and access to my birth plan templates to help you finalise your birth preferences. 

𑁍  ‘Feeding and Postpartum’ Session 3: Using my experience as an IBCLC (Lactation Consultant), I will walk you through how to get feeding off to a good start. From what to expect, to your feeding options and how to know things are going well. I can also support you to harvest colostrum and measure you for the correct pump sizing.

We will discuss what postpartum may look like for you- including sleep, your recovery, what to expect from NHS postpartum care and how to prepare for those precious first few weeks with your baby. 

I can also support you to pack a labour/ hospital bag, finalise anything you might need for you or your baby.

For your birth:

𑁍  On call 24 hours per day from 10 days before your due date until your baby arrives.𑁍  Reassurance of emergency back up doula- at no extra cost

𑁍  Free hire of my mini or standard birth pool (including all the kit needed for a home birth)

𑁍Use of my TENS machine, Birth Sling, birth comb, Yulla Aura Orbs and an array of other comfort aids to use, as needed.

𑁍  During early labour, we will stay in touch via messages or calls so that you feel well supported.

𑁍  During active labour, I will offer emotional, physical and informational support in person.

𑁍  I can help you implement any Hypnobirthing techniques you wish to explore.

𑁍  I can take photos of your labour and birth (with your consent) so that you can have beautiful memories to look back on. 

𑁍  I stay 1-2 hours after your baby is born and will offer you specialist assistance with establishing feeding after the birth.

Postpartum:

𑁍  Postpartum Visit: I will visit you at home (usually within the first week after birth) to assist with early postpartum needs and debrief your birth.

If feeding isn’t going as expected, I am able to offer you support with positioning, improving latch, checking milk intake, helping with your supply and checking baby for tongue tie. 

𑁍  6 weeks message support: To help you settle into parenthood and be part of your village.