FAQ – Birth Of Light

Birth Of Light Doula support: International, Trauma Informed and family centred.

The work of a doula is never one single thing and the role we create is fluid so that we can serve the unique needs of the families we work with. My work is built upon my rich and diverse background and my drive to continuously build my knowledge further. In their own ways all the mothers, dads and babies I’ve worked with are my teachers and I am grateful to each of them.

As I get many questions about what the Birth Of Light pregnancy, birth and postpartum companionship looks like, here come a collections of some of the most common questions I get.

You work as a doula in Italy?

Yes, in Palermo! Since moving here I have mainly supported expat families, as the role of the doula isn’t yet very culturally known or accepted in Italy. But I believe it will come as people wake up to the power inherent in a natural approach to pregnancy and birth, which of course in culture like Italy that holds a lot of traditional values when it comes to family topics, takes a little time and effort. I also work extensively online with families all over the world, as my kind of support works really well over zoom, so even if I’m based here I support families in the whole world.

Where are the families you support online?

All over – some are connected to my community in Berlin, some in Sweden, I’ve had quite a few families in the UK. Then the US, Denmark, the rest of Italy, France….

How does your virtual support look like?

My virtual support works similarly to my in person service. Week by week over the time I work together with a family, we build a profound understanding of what birth is and how the family wants to approach and shape this magnificent event. Preparing for birth involves body, mind and soul so the work we do simultaneously takes place on all these levels through conversation, creative processes, breath work, yoga asana and meditation.

My virtual support greatly emphases the birth partner so much of the work I do with families includes the person who will be there, most commonly the dad. This person has to have all the tools at hand to support the birthing person – these tools include being educated about the different options and paths that exist in the care we receive during labour, touch, massage, breath awareness, positions and nourishment. So some sessions I work with the birthing person mainly, but for part of the path the birth partner is present.

And during the birth?

… this serves the important purpose that during the birth, once the birthing person has floated into labour land and will no longer want to communicate with me on through a screen, I become the supporter of the birth partner, offering insightful advice on how to proceed based on the updates that they give me. In my experience this external supporter of the birth team creates really incredible sacred family centred birth experiences. I also leave long voice messages with mantra, reminders of their intentions, guidance, visualisations and meditation – for the birthing person to listen to as the birth progresses.

Which languages do you speak?

I speak English, Swedish, German and Italian.

Where did you certify as a doula?

I certified as a birth and postpartum doula with DTI, but my work is greatly influenced by my work as a yoga teacher and pre+postnatal yoga specialist and student of TCM based Shiatsu. Additionally I am currently finishing up my certification as a lactation counsellor, which I felt called to do to serve the families I work with postpartum.

What does trauma informed mean?

In broadest terms trauma informed could be translated trauma aware.It is to be aware of how people whose life stories include trauma, may psychologically, neurologically and physically experience situations differently than people who don’t have those kinds of experiences Understanding how trauma is stored in the body and not just the mind is another dimension of this important work and this extends into creating space for wholeness and healing. Being trauma informed is hugely beneficial in a work that includes holding space where people spend time in their bodies.

Will my partner feel left out if I work with you?

No! Quite the opposite. Birth and postpartum preparation involves both parents and helps both feel equipped with the tools needed to navigate these life events. In fact what I witness in my work is a delicate closeness between couples as they work with me based on the understanding that the birth is something they are doing together. This requires that both trust in the birth process and intentions chosen and for this to, everyone needs to have their questions answered and feel listened to. I also love seeing how much dads get into the prenatal yoga and pranayama. Of course a slow and deep, breath aware practice will serve anyone! ❤

What about postpartum?

My postpartum support in person I show up and offer all of myself and put myself at work where needed to best support the family. When I work with postpartum families online, it looks a little differently. I am there to support my client to sort out what their needs are and how to make them possible. I cannot cook you a big nourishing stew over zoom but I can help you figure out the rest. Both when I work in person and virtually as in my pregnancy and birth work, I put great importance on the body. In the sacred tender postpartum time this best happens through deep relaxation, pranayama, gentle intuitive movement and body work and pelvic floor re-integration.

How would you describe your doula work in three words?

Intuitive, embodied and evidence-based.