Meet the Doulas

Lori

Hi there!  I’m Lori, the lady behind Doulas of Gothenburg and founder of Om Baby & Wellness, Gothenburg. I am a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care) and Postpartum Nurse, IBCLC (Amningsexpert), Colic Nurse Specialist, as well as a DONA International trained Postpartum Doula, and ODIS Postpartum Doula Instructor.  I am a member of the ICEA and nurse writer for AWHONN (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses). The part of being a nurse that I love most is the work of a doula. That is why I decided three years ago to leave bedside nursing behind and follow my heart. My passion is supporting parents-to-be on their journey to meet their baby and in the early days after.

I’m from the north east of England and I’ve lived here in Gothenburg since 2008.  The usual story, I’m here for love.  Back in 2010, 5 years after meeting the above mentioned Swede, I fell head over heels in love with something new.  That love was the world of new experiences being pregnant brought me.   

Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t lucky enough to be one of the women who loved being pregnant, who glowed constantly, quite the opposite, but I thrived off the journey to meeting my baby, seeing what my body was capable of and wanting to know every possible bit of information.  Information not only relevant to my pregnancy but pregnancy and birth in general. When friends who were pregnant at the same time, didn’t share my overwhelming curiosity, it made me realize a fire had been lit inside of me.   And so here I am today. A fertility treatment warrior, Mum of 4 including a set of twins (also known as organized chaos) certified ODIS doula, certified VBAC doula (CD,TVL)  Hypnobirthing instructor, Birthblessings facilitator, Three Step Rewind Practitioner, and Childbirth Educator. 

I see birth as an exhilarating, liberating and more obviously, life changing experience, when both the process and the birthing family, are given the respect they deserve. Evidence based information and informed choice are core values in my work.

As your doula, I will honour your birthing experience by recognizing birth as a normal and natural process, however you choose to birth. I will listen to and advocate for your wishes where needed although more importantly, I will help guide you, so you feel confident enough to advocate for yourself.  I offer inclusive, individualized, emotional and physical support in the familiar surroundings of your own home or at your chosen hospital.  I will provide effective communication between yourselves and the midwifery team to create an atmosphere of balance in the birthing room.  It goes without saying, that when it comes to your chosen birth partner, I’ll make sure they have what they need and are involved in every step of the process because their energy and involvement plays a huge role in your joint experience.

YOUR BIRTH. YOUR CHOICE. MY SUPPORT.

Klara!

The Equilibrium Doula

Maëva

My name is Maëva- I was born and raised in France, came to study and found love here in Gothenburg. It’s been 10 years and together with my Swedish husband we have two very talkative daughters who just turned 6 and 7. As both an ODIS certified Birth Doula and ODIS trained Postpartum Doula, my aim is that you – parents and parents to be- feel listened to, supported, and empowered during the wonderful and vulnerable journey that having a baby and becoming parents is. Moreover, as a yoga teacher specialised in pregnancy/postpartum and children, ”Birth with confidence” (Föda utan rädsla) and Baby massage instructor, I want to give you simple tools to be used in everyday life to contribute to your and your baby’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Native French speaker, I am also fluent in Swedish and English. Outside of the children/perinatal and yoga bubble, I love books and stories, going to cultural performances (theatre, dance, music), singing (I am not very good at it, but it definitely saved many nights and travels!), black coffee, cheeses and desserts.

Mini Yogi Gbg

Emmanuelle

My name is Emmanuelle @erzuliedoula. I was born in Haiti and grew up all over the world. I have lived in Sweden for 17 years and speak English, Swedish, French and Spanish fluently. I have two children, 15 and 3 years old, who are by far the most miraculous people in my life and giving birth to them was an incredible experience, both times. I love pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and everything that follows – the craziness, the calm, the tender moments, the incredible love and even the lows, because they too help us grow. I am an ODIS-registered doula, an active member of Amningshjälpen, and I’ve recently become a postpartum doula through @ombabygothenburg. I would like to help you to have the most fulfilling pregnancy and childbirth experience possible and be your staunch advocate when and where you need it. I will also stand by you after the birth to help you and your family settle in to your new life, for as long as you need me. When I’m not swooning over pregnancy, childbirth and tiny babies, I dance Flamenco and work with human rights issues focusing on gender equality, anti racism and LGBTQ rights. I like to read and write, discuss current events with wild gesticulations and chat about everything and nothing over a coffee. I am a big fan of chocolate and doulas, equally. My friends think I’m pretty funny as do my children (well of course they do).I look forward to meeting you!

️ Emmanuelle ❤