about hb doulas
what is a doula
'Doula' pronounced ('doola') is a Greek word meaning caregiver. It now refers to experienced women who offer emotional and practical support to women and their families before, during and after childbirth. It is all about 'Mothering the Mother'.
hb doulas
hb doulas operates in Hawkes Bay and is made up of three strands that support and complement each other - antenatal classes, birth support and postnatal care. hb doulas has been set up to give informational, emotional and physical support to Hawkes Bay women and their families.
vision
hb doula's vision is to encourage women's innate faith and confidence in their ability to birth in the way that they choose. To help them prepare a safe and non-threatening environment for the birth of their baby. To support them through the labouring and birthing period to obtain optimal postnatal recovery. To offer uncomplicated emotional and practical support once their baby is born because the more a mother is cared for the more easily she can care for her baby.
mission statement
To work alongside women and their families, optimising outcomes of antenatal, childbirth and postnatal periods by providing encouragement, emotional and practical support, education, wisdom and assistance to ensure the positive transition to changed family life with a newborn.
concepts and philosophy
A service of excellence with regard to antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care, information, education, help and support from doulas with specific knowledge and skills in these areas. Offers a non-judgemental and supportive presence. Provides families with the information needed to make informed choices, which are the most appropriate for them, their baby and their circumstances.
Offers support to families as they carry out their choices. Maintains confidential records and liaises, when appropriate, in a confidential manner with local health professionals. Sensitive to different cultural needs and the Treaty of Waitangi. Fully supports the 1981 WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
information about me
I am the mother of two lovely boys. Joshua who was born at our local maternity unit in 2000 with just my midwife and his father present and Alexander who was born at home in 2002 with the same birthing team and an extra midwife. There is 21 months between the boys so life is very busy, most days they love each other to death!
I am a trained Child Birth Educator through Aoraki Polytechnic in Timaru NZ and have completed my Postnatal Doula qualification with CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) USA. Both courses were long distance learning and that was a challenge for me, as a student and full time mother.
I feel very passionate about the importance of parenting and the challenges it creates. I am excited to be offering something different in Hawkes Bay, in particular the postnatal service that helps fill a void for extended postnatal care.
I believe that the services I am offering women and their families is of a high calibre and will benefit many people in the years to come.
Bronwyn Gardner
hb doula director
phone 06 877 8282
cell 027 677 5241
email |
