Laura Traynor

Laura is based in central Peterborough.
 
Laura’s own entirely different birth experiences led her to believe that all women have the innate wisdom to birth their babies in a positive way, whatever form that might take. By creating a safe birth environment to encourage labour hormones and using relaxation techniques, Laura believes this sacred moment can be enhanced for all involved.
 
Her role is not to replace the birth partner (unless they can’t be or choose not to be present) rather to work together. Laura will be a constant, steady presence at this powerful time. She will communicate the birth plan to all health professionals, encouraging it to be followed where possible, working alongside midwives. Her caring, empathetic nature means that she will utilise both practical and emotional support. She can walk alongside you, making no judgements or influencing decisions, so she is able to fully realise what you want and need. Practically, she can encourage movement during labour to inspire innate birthing abilities, support a partner with their needs, and support you to initiate breastfeeding after birth.  She will enable you to navigate this transition into parenthood by providing evidence based information about maternity care. This will help to support your decision making and individual needs.
 
Research shows that women who have Doula support at their birth have shorter and less painful labours. Continuity of care is a big part of this, so by being there for you and working together, a positive experience can be created where you feel happy and confident about your decisions and plans.

Qualifications

• NCT Breastfeeding peer supporter
• NCT birth and beyond degree with the University of Worcester:
• NCT Antenatal Practitioner
• NCT Doula
• NCT yoga for pregnancy
• Mindful Rebozo with Sophie Messager
• Biomechanics of birth with Molly O'Brien
• Hypnobirthing 

 
Practicalities

• Laura will meet with you three times before the birth to discuss your worries, hopes, fears and preferences, building a supportive relationship.
• Be available via phone, text or email.
• Be on call 24/7 from ten days before the estimated due date
• Support you throughout the entire labour and birth.
• Help you all to settle as a new family in the first hours after the birth, helping with older children where necessary (e.g home birth.)
• Meet with you one week to ten days after the birth to support you through the early days and give you some time to reflect.