My Qualifications
- Birth & Postpartum Doula – Dynamo Doula
- Optimal Maternal Positioning
- Graduate of the Milk and Seed Medicinal Kitchen Apprenticeship
- Graduate Medicinal Kitchen Apprenticeship
- Graduate Botanical Medicine for Motherhood Apprenticeship
- Certified Sacred Postpartum Belly Binding and Sealing Practitioner
- NSW Food Safety Certification
- Professional Breast-Feeding Course by Amberley
- Happy Sleeper Course – Babies 0-4 Months
- Spinning Babies
- Pelvic Care Workshop – Birthwork, Making Amazing Space
- Why Understanding Induction Matters
- Infant Massage Instructor
Alison Hansen
Doula
Since my childhood in rural Australia – taking joy in helping my father on the farm, and absorbing a love for nourishing, home-cooked food from my mother – I've been passionate about caring for others.
I found my calling as a Doula through reflecting on my own experiences as a parent of four. From the trepidation of anticipating childbirth, to the exhaustion of the early days of mothering, from the amazing highs of hearing my babies babble and laugh to the devastating low of losing a much-wanted child at 22 weeks of pregnancy, those months were some of the best, and worst, of my life.
I often think that having a calm, caring person to be my lighthouse through those stormy times would have been a blessing, and that's what I now strive to be for every family I work with, whatever their circumstances.
As both an experienced mother and an experienced birthing partner, I view the last weeks of pregnancy and the first weeks of a child's life as an amazing opportunity to lay foundations for positive parent/child relationships for many years to come. Encouraging and empowering mums and dads during this special time is my heart's work.
Alison Hansen Doula – support for hospital, birth centre or home births.
Why Use a Doula?
A doula doesn’t take the place of medical staff, your partner or your family, but studies have shown that the addition of a doula to your pregnancy, birth and postnatal team can result in huge benefits for you and your baby.
Pregnancy and Birth Doula
- Increased confidence in preparation for birth
- Increased understanding of what to expect during birth
- Fewer requests for epidurals and pain medication
- Reduced use of forceps or vacuum in delivery
- Reduced need for inductions & augmentation
- Shorter labour lengths
Postpartum Doula
- Increased rates of breast feeding at 6 weeks postpartum
- Increased confidence in soothing and settling baby for both parents
- Reduced anxiety at 6 weeks postpartum
- Reduced depression at 6 weeks postpartum
Alison Hansen Doula – providing birth and postpartum support for mothers in the north and northwest areas of Sydney.
My Services
Birth Doula
Women have supported one another through pregnancy and childbirth for thousands of years. As a Doula I carry on this priceless tradition by passing on maternal experience and providing emotional, physical and educational support during late pregnancy and the birthing process, for both mum and her partner.
Birth Preparation
Like everything, a successful outcome relies on preparation. I will meet with you at around 15-20 weeks into your pregnancy to build a trusting relationship in which you and your partner are free to ask questions and express any arising fears and concerns. We will work together to develop a holistic birth plan that suits your lifestyle and needs. My goal is for you and your partner to be fully prepared when that incredible time comes. I will provide you with support, advice and a suite of tools that will help during birth, including:
- Two antenatal visits
- A Motherhood Bible that contains a wealth of information on pregnancy, birth and postpartum
- Exercises
- Breathing techniques
- Relaxation practices
- Positioning suggestions
- Therapeutic massage techniques
Delivery Support
If you would like support during delivery I will be with you the whole time supporting both you and your partner physically and emotionally. Regardless of the type of birth you want – whether it is a home birth or hospital birth, whether you want pain relief or a water birth, I will ensure you are set up for a positive birthing experience.
Postpartum Doula
The switch from pregnancy to postpartum can be overwhelming. You’ve been waiting for the baby for so long and now it’s here and you are filled with confusion and self-doubt. This is where a postpartum doula comes in.
As a postpartum doula, I offer practical, emotional and social support to new mothers and their partners, assisting with the breastfeeding process and encouraging bonding between your newest arrival and the rest of your family. I can help families create rosters and care plans to help you adjust to your new responsibilities while ensuring you are finding time to care for yourselves. If you have older children I can also help you with caring for them and their adjustment to the new arrival. And if your extended family needs a little ‘wrangling’ I can do that too.
During this time some mothers to experience postpartum depression or the baby blues. As a postnatal doula, I have experience in recognising the difference between what may be normal exhaustion and anxiety and something more serious. I can work with parents to find the expert help they need early.
Nourishment
A vital ingredient in recovery from pregnancy and birth is nourishment. As part of the Postpartum Doula package, I will provide you with nourishing meals specially designed to heal and support the return of energy, replenishment of blood and production of milk for your baby.
My meals, teas and snacks can also be purchased separately from my shop.
Belly Binding
During pregnancy, your internal organs and abdominal muscles are under a great deal of pressure. Abdominal muscles separate to create room for baby, and it takes time for them to return to normal. Belly Binding gently helps support the abdomen and pelvic floor, encouraging faster healing. This is particularly useful for mums who have had caesareans. Belly Binding instruction can be provided separately or as part of a package. You can also visit our shop to purchase beautiful, easy to use cloth belly binds.
To find out more about my food packages, teas, broths and lactation cookies and comfort measures click here.
Delivery Support
If you would like support during delivery I will be with you the whole time supporting both you and your partner physically and emotionally. Regardless of the type of birth you want – whether it is a home birth or hospital birth, whether you want pain relief or a water birth, I will ensure you are set up for a positive birthing experience.