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Giving birth to your child is one of the most memorable experiences and it will remain with you for the rest of your life. That’s why a positive birth is so important. I will help you preparing for birth, to find your birth choices, listen and discuss your doubts, fears, previous experiences and wishes. I truly believe when woman give unconditional, continuous care to mothers and partners during pregnancy, labour and in the period after birth it can make all the difference towards a positive and fulfilling birth experience. I believe in natural birth to be the safest form of birth, but I understand it isn’t an option or choice for every woman.

 

As a doula I support all woman regardless of their choices of how they birth their babies. I will support you for birth at hospital, home birth, birthing center or any place of your choosing.

 

My name is Laura. I am a mother of four lively and independent children. I studied agricultural household management. I am also a playgroup teacher and used to work in elderly care amongst many other things. 

 

A couple of years ago I finally followed my calling and became a Doula at malea lin, Doula-Fachschule Schweiz. I’m a birth and Postnatal Doula based around Zurich. I’m here to nurture, support and care for you and your baby through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

 

I believe in the fundamental human rights of the birthing woman. A woman has the right to decide everything that happens to her body and her baby around childbirth. She has the right to be respected as the person most invested in the well-being of her unborn child.

What is a Doula?

In times gone by birthing women were usually surrounded by other women. This circle of caring women provided love and support in a variety of ways to the woman giving birth. They would see to it that food for the new mother and her family was abundant and nourishing. They fed, nurtured, massaged and otherwise supported the birthing woman in any way that she needed them to. 

 

This vital support network largely disappeared when we took women out of the home and into the hospital to birth their babies the “modern” way. Thus, for many years a birthing woman was generally alone in an unfamiliar setting, often surrounded by strangers in sterile garb while the person she loved most and with whom she had made this baby, waited elsewhere.

 

Sadly, this model still holds true in some parts of the world, but luckily is no longer the case here in Switzerland and many other countries. The loving circle of support for birthing women has returned. The Doula brings the village back to our modern and urban lifestyle.

What are the benefits of having a Doula?

Research shows that a doula assisted birth result in:

  • 25 % decrease in the length of labour
  • 50 % fewer Caesarean births
  • 40 % decrease in use of forceps
  • 40 % decrease in use of synthetic oxytocin
  • 60 % decrease in use of epidurals
  • 30 % decrease in use of pain medication
  • 35% decrease of risk of a negative birth experience
  • positive effects on the couples relationship

 And on the long- run benefits of support during labor include:

  • Improved breastfeeding
  • Decreased postpartum depression
  • Greater maternal satisfaction
  • Better mother-infant interaction
  • Secure, well-bonded children

Doula Service

Doula-Package Light

Fr. 1'490


 

 includes:

  • Noncomittal  initial consultation to get to know each other via phone/facetime (if a contract for a Doula-package is not agreed upon, I will charge Fr. 60.-/hour)
  • One preliminary session ca 2h
  • „On call“ 24/7 for two weeks before and two weeks after the due date
  • Continuous emotional and physical support through labour and birth at the place of your choosing, also during (scheduled) cesarian.
  • One follow-up meeting ca 2h in the comfort of your home
  • incl. Contact via email/phone/SMS
  • *excl. travel fees > 20 km per way

Doula-Package Classic

Fr. 1'690


 

includes:

  • Noncomittal  initial consultation to get to know each other (if a contract for a Doula-package is not agreed upon, I will charge Fr. 80.-  / hour)
  • Two preliminary session ca 2h
  • „On call“ 24/7 for two weeks before and two weeks after the due date
  • Continuous emotional and physical support through labour and birth at the place of your choosing, also during (scheduled) cesarian.
  • One postpartum visit in the hospital, birth center or comfort of your home à ca 2h
  • One follow-up meeting ca 2h in the comfort of your home
  • incl. Contact via email/phone/SMS
  • *excl. travel fees > 20 km per way

Doula-Package Plus

Fr. 1'890


includes:

  • Noncomittal  initial consultation to get to know each other (if a contract for a Doula-package is not agreed upon, I will charge Fr. 80.- / hour)
  • Two preliminary session ca 2h
  • „On call“ 24/7 for two weeks before and two weeks after the due date
  • One pregnancy or postpartum massage
  • Blessingway or closing the bones ritual or a plaster cast of the belly
  • Continuous emotional and physical support through labour and birth at the place of your choosing, also during (scheduled) cesarian.
  • Two postpartum visits in the hospital, birth center or comfort of your home à ca 2h
  • Follow-up meeting 6-8 weeks after birth
  • incl. Contact via email/phone/SMS
  • *excl. travel fees > 20 km per way

Bereavement Doula

Fr. 1'490


 

A bereavement doula or a “loss doula” is a doula who walks with, supports, and helps families who are experiencing the loss of their baby, whether that loss is through miscarriage, stillbirth, or a diagnosis that means the baby will not live long after being delivered. 

 

I will help you prepare for the birth, navigate through all the information, support you during labor, and help you welcome your baby with dignity and care. I can give you resources and ideas for how you can make the most of your time with your baby and how you can make memories and keepsakes that you can hold onto when your baby has returned to being a starlet.

  • Two prenatal visits, either in person or virtual
  • Available via text/email/phone throughout your pregnancy
  • On-call 24/7 from two weeks before your due date until your baby arrives, to be at your side during labor and delivery
  • 3 postpartum visits
  • Resources and practical support as needed
  • *excl. travel fees > 20 km per way

 

Postpartum Doula-Package

Fr. 1'050


 

The period of postpartum weeks is a holy, sweet and vulnerable time. Taking care of yourself in the postpartum period is an essential part of your recovery. 

As your postpartum doula, I meet your family with whatever your needs are: baby care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, organizing the household, looking after older siblings or running errands of any sort. I spend time helping you and your family adjust and feel confident with your newborn. I can also assist  with breastfeeding. I gently remind you to rest and get the sleep you need so that your body can heal. 

I am here to listen and support you as you process your birth and support you in your new role into motherhood.

  • Postpartum visit of 3 hours: 240.00 SFr.
  • Postpartum Doula-Package (5x3 hours) 1050.00 SFr
  • *excl. travel fees > 20 km per way 

 

*Travel fees

 

The meetings generally take place at your home. If driving distances are over 20km I charge 0.80 SFr / km

 

Financing

 

It is very important to me that everybody has the possibility to have a Doula, independent of financial background. If money is a barrier, please get in touch to discuss alternative arrangements. A wide range of options is available, depending on your needs.