Hi, I’m MElinda Balint
born in Transylvania, living and working in and around Sevenoaks, Kent. I am a doula, a hypnobirthing teacher and a baby-wearing peer supporter.
I finished my doula course with Developing Doulas with the guidance of Katie Olliffe and I am teaching the Wise Hippo Birthing Programme.
I advocate for positive birth experiences, helping families in making informed decisions, tailoring the service to their needs.
I first wore my doula hat before I even knew what a doula is, when my dear sister asked me to assist at the birth of her first and a few years later her second baby and it was one of the strongest, most empowering experiences to this day!
Coming from a culture that is still nurturing the knowledge of old generations of people giving birth, I believe that we should reclaim our stories.
I strongly believe that birthing people should own their births and make the decisions that are best for them with the help of evidence based information. I consider myself a gentle caring person who would be your advocate when you are the most vulnerable.
What is a doula?
A doula (/ˈduːlə/) is a trained companion who is not a healthcare professional and who supports another person (the doula's client) through a significant health-related experience, in our case childbirth.
Doulas support in pregnancy, birth and in the postnatal period by providing information, advocacy, and offering practical and emotional support to the whole family.
There is good evidence that doula support improves the experience and birthing outcomes for both the woman or birthing person and the baby.
Doulas do not advise, but provide informational support to enable you to make informed decisions about your maternity care. Doulas support different kinds of births and different parenting choices. They do not take a clinical role but work alongside midwives and doctors.
‘‘A doula is a ‘woman who serves’: ask a doula what you need and she will give. A doula is a woman who offers: she will bring forgotten ritual, ceremony and community back into your life, fulfilling a yearning you never knew you had.’’
Maddie McMahon