Doula Services Cape Town

Welcome to Sacred Birth Support

Here’s where warmth meets passion, and where the miraculous event of bringing a new life into this world is held with both reverence and in safe hands.

I believe that giving birth is an empowering rite of passage into parenthood. It is a perfectly natural process which a woman is perfectly designed for, and the role of those supporting her during the journey of pregnancy and birth, are merely there to remind her of this. Some extra support, education, and techniques may be helpful in this journey, but in the end it is the Mother’s ability to tune into, and trust, her own instincts which is likely to be her greatest source of strength. As a doula, I see my role as serving an expectant couple in ways which best uphold this ability to tune into their own instincts, and to have the courage to follow these instincts.

Inspired by the teachings of Michel Odent and Ina May Gaskin, and trained by South Africa’s very own Mother of doulas, Irene Borquin, my approach is to bring together and uphold the wisdom of the age-old ability of all mammals to give birth, whilst also recognizing that, in the minority of pregnancies, a bit of extra help may be necessary. I herald the dedication and specialization that midwives offer birthing parents and currently work mainly with independent midwives in Cape Town’s South Peninsula.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson

About Gwen

Gwen Currie (BSc Hons; UCT. Labour, Birth & Post-natal Support Certificate; Institute for Perinatal Education. Mindfulness Student; MBSR). I first began my journey into the realm of natural birthing during my year-long travels in New Zealand in 2004. Up until this point all I knew about birth was from my own parents – my father, a dedicated medical doctor who loved “delivering” babies, and my Mother who birthed us 3 siblings naturally in hospital, under close monitoring and supervision.

Whilst discovering new parts of the world, I also discovered a movement of people who heralded birth as a sacred, spiritual event, and one that they were delighted to experience in the safety and privacy of their own homes. This struck a very deep cord in me as it felt deeply important to accompany a newborn from the warm, safe womb of her Mother into the new, unfamiliar environment where she takes her first breath, in as gentle and loving way as possible.

By the time I became pregnant myself, I had met a number of inspiring Mothers who felt the same way about birth as I did, and who were proud to share their own stories of their home births. I knew that to birth my own children at home was my first wish, and despite being up against strong opposition from a medically-inclined family, I did birth both of my girls at home. It was not only an empowering rite-of-passage into parenthood, but also a highly sacred experience. I will be eternally grateful to my support team for holding the births with such reverence and allowing me to follow my instincts, whilst giving support when it was needed. I was also eternally grateful to be in the familiarity and safety of my own space, with music that I chose and without being asked to communicate with anyone unfamiliar. Ever since the delightful experience of birthing my 2 girls I knew that I would love to inspire others to embrace their own birthing journey in a sacred way – however that may look for them.

I live with my dedicated husband, 2 daughters, and step son in Scarborough. Our family spends a lot of time outdoors, playing in the ocean and in the mountains, and we regularly take camping road trips to explore new places and marvel in nature’s wonders.

Services

Supporting you during your unique birthing journey takes great sensitivity and also a knowledge of your personal needs and wishes. Our initial meet is intended for you to feel whether I can be that person whom you feel comfortable and at ease with; whether I can be a beacon of strength to you during your vulnerable moments.

My doula services include 2 appointments before your big day, during which we will get to know each other a little better and cover any questions and concerns that you may have. I will learn about your personal likes and dislikes and what you and your partner’s vision and wishes are for the birth. I can assist you in writing up your birth plan. I will also be available to chat by phone or answer questions throughout the time leading up to your birth.

On your big day, I am available to you for the duration of your birth, according to your desires and needs.

After your birth, I offer a post-natal visit, to check up on how you and your new family are doing and to provide feedback, support or put you in touch with any other professionals you may be needing.

I work in the Cape Town South Peninsula and surrounds.

As a certified WOMBS (Women Offering Mothers Birth Support) doula, I adhere to the WOMBS code of conduct and scope of practice. These can be found at www.wombs.org.za

Fees

R3400 includes 2 ante-natal visits, support during the birth, and a post-natal visit.

As a mother, I recognize that each birth and family’s situation is unique, and I am happy to discuss my personalised services and fees.

CONTACT GWEN

Photo credit: Marysol R. Blomerus

Services

Supporting you during your unique birthing journey takes great sensitivity and also a knowledge of your personal needs and wishes. Our initial meet is intended for you to feel whether I can be that person whom you feel comfortable and at ease with; whether I can be a beacon of strength to you during your vulnerable moments.

My doula services include 2 appointments before your big day, during which we will get to know each other a little better and cover any questions and concerns that you may have. I will learn about your personal likes and dislikes and what you and your partner’s vision and wishes are for the birth. I can assist you in writing up your birth plan. I will also be available to chat by phone or answer questions throughout the time leading up to your birth.

On your big day, I am available to you for the duration of your birth, according to your desires and needs.

After your birth, I offer a post-natal visit, to check up on how you and your new family are doing and to provide feedback, support or put you in touch with any other professionals you may be needing.

I work in the Cape Town South Peninsula and surrounds.

As a certified WOMBS (Women Offering Mothers Birth Support) doula, I adhere to the WOMBS code of conduct and scope of practice. These can be found at www.wombs.org.za

Fees

R3400 includes 2 ante-natal visits, support during the birth, and a post-natal visit.

As a mother, I recognize that each birth and family’s situation is unique, and I am happy to discuss my personalised services and fees.

CONTACT GWEN

Photo credit: Marysol R. Blomerus

I have the following books available for loan

A Mindful Pregnancy

Sacred Pregnancy

The Yoga of Pregnancy

Birth and beyond

Orgasmic Birth

Basic needs of a woman in labour

Our Bodies Ourselves

Testimonials for Sacred Birth Support

I would highly recommend Gwen as a doula to anyone wanting just that little reassurance and support needed to birth with confidence and without needing to think of any practicalities. Gwen’s quiet presence, her accepting reassurance, her friendly and warm personality and her comforting words helped me gain strength in between surges. And when the pain became close to unbearable, her deep … touch came at just the right time on just the right spot. Gwen is intuitive, sensitive and a solid rock to lean on. Gwen helps you find inner strength that you didn’t think you could source. Plus when the baby’s head bulged nearly out, she encouraged me to lay my hand there and get in touch with the baby giving me renewed strength and connection to let the baby guide the birth Deirdre Vrancken

I am so grateful that I had the help and support of Gwen during my labor, as her calming nature really helped with the whole experience. It was great to have some one that wasn’t family, that wasn’t personally involved in my life to be there. As this was my first pregnancy, I obviously didn’t know what to expect, so the help from Gwen was highly appreciated, her tranquil ways really put me at ease, in instances were my partner or mother would not have sufficed. Just to know that she was there, with her knowledge and understanding made my birthing journey so much more special. As it was a long journey lasting more than 18 hours. Looking back at that night, I am so grateful that Gwen was by my side cheering for me, encouraging me, and helping me, I honestly don’t think I could have done it without her, as her last words of encouragement helped me to make that final push that saved me from having an emergency Cesarean, for that I will be eternally grateful Hannah Rubin

Gwen offered her services as my Doula as part of her training. This felt like a huge gift. From the beginning I felt how calm and unintrusive she was. The thing with Gwen is that she is just herself, and her presence is extremely solid and grounded. She helped me to think and talk about aspects of the birth I hadn’t considered. At this time it was lovely to have someone so interested in what is a very personal process, and one which I imagine can potentially be lonely. Gwen doesn’t put her own agendas and convictions forward. She genuinely receives what it is that you are expressing. Any input she might offer is merely as something to consider, to use or lose as it suits you. She doesn’t seem attached to particular opinions, and this I valued a lot because so many people were expressing very urgent and fixed advice to me. Gwen taught me that as far as motherhood goes, it is what I feel that is right for me. I really appreciated her response when it became apparent that I would need a Caeser at 38 weeks (a big baby in frank breech position). She genuinely went with the flow, with an open heart. I realised that all birth is physical and sacred, and filled with overwhelming emotion and intention – it is an act of love. Thank you Gwen, and many blessings for all the lucky women (and men) you will accompany.” Jana, Tuva and Craig

Sacred Birth Support Stories

The Birth of Ceinwen

Birth Stories

The Emergence of our Baby Girl It was late in October, 2011. My sister and Mother were visiting us both to celebrate my birthday, as well as to be around to support us for the birth of our second child, due beginning of November. My daughter Ayla was a...

The Birth of Ayla

Birth Stories

On 26 May 2009 a radiant new life entered ours. Daughter Ayla emerged from the warm womb that had held her for 9 months into the warm water that now held us both in the delicate moments of her birth. Her Father’s hands were open and ready to catch her; to...

Contact Gwen

If you would like to meet Gwen and chat about her doula services, please call, or email her using using the contact form below. Your first appointment is free of charge.

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074 116 9462

God be with the mother. As she carried her child may she carry her soul. As her child was born, may she give birth and life and form to her own, higher truth. As she nourished and protected her child, may she nourish and protect her inner life and her independence. For her soul shall be her most painful birth, her most difficult child and the dearest sister to her other children. Amen. Michael Leunig