Hi! I’m Charlie Schofield, a Birth and Postnatal Doula based in Brighton, supporting families across Sussex and South London.
I provide emotional and practical support for women and birthing people, placing individual birth preferences at the forefront.
I work with families from before labour to however long they feel they need me when their baby arrives.
Antenatal support sessions inspire confidence in birthing choices and educate about the postpartum period. During labour, I form a team with birthing partners to provide the birthing person with what they need: practically, emotionally and spiritually.
I also offer postnatal support, which allows for rest, recovery and bonding with your new baby.
What does a birth doula do?
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Doulas work with women and birthing people to ascertain birth preferences that feel right for them.
They talk through comfort measures.
They help prepare for birth through discussion of techniques such as visualisation, self-hypnosis and cathartic movements.
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Doulas are a grounding presence during labour, safeguarding birth preferences to the best of their ability.
They give a birthing person a sense of control over their experience by ensuring that they are at the centre of conversations about their care at every stage.
They help keep the birthing person and birthing partner hydrated and nourished.
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Doulas help to ensure that the ’Golden Hour’ after birth is as calm a time as possible.
They organise a birth debrief, which is a chance for the woman/ birthing person to recount their birth story and be heard non-judgementally - a time of release and healing.
They connect the family with local resources and community.
“A ‘three-legged stool’ underpins our work: practical, emotional and informational support. Practically, we cook, we clean, we accompany on hospital visits, we entertain children, we hold her up through contractions, massage her, remind her partner to eat and sleep and show him how we can support her. We change nappies, teach parents how to wear their babies, walk miles pushing prams while mothers sleep, sit with her while she and her baby perfect the dance that is breastfeeding. We mop brows and make the tea. As we drink the tea, we listen.”
— Maddie McMahon (2015). Why Doulas Matter. Pinter & Martin.
Book in an initial call
I offer a free call, which is an opportunity for you to ask me questions about the way I work, tell me more about the kind of support you are looking for and get a feeling for whether we might be a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!
Me and my resplendent rescue dog Laika