Interview with Vanessa Brooks
Why was Da-a-Luz set up?
I set up Da-a-luz to inform and inspire women and their families to achieve the birth experience that was the ideal for them.
What services does it offer?
We are a group of three midwives offering ante natal classes, home birth assistance and post natal care. We also offer a doula service if women wish us to accompany them to the hospital. As well as my midwifery care I am also a maternity and birth photographer.
What philosophy is Da-a-Luz based on?
We believe that every woman should have the opportunity to birth how and where she and her family wishes, given good care during pregnancy women hold all the keys to a beautiful birth. We know from experience women can birth naturally in their homes safely with out medical interference 98 % of the time. This is an incredibly empowering experience, leading to an easier transition into parenthood.
Da-a-Luz specialises in Holistic pregnancy and natural birthing experiences, what exactly does that entail?
We are all different, our culture and upbringing mould the decision we make in life. In the West, birth has generally bad press, everyone has a horror story to tell. We need to be reminded that to be pregnant is an ultimately healthy state. Your body has welcomed the enormous job of growing another being. This is not an illness but a ‘blooming’.
With this in mind we have to look carefully at who we choose to guide us through this life changing process. What are the choices?
GP or hospital (both places full of ill people!)? As hard as the maternity services try, continuous care is essential during pregnancy, birth and motherhood. Don’t get me wrong, in an emergency situation hospitals can be life saving, but they are an entirely unsuitable place for this intimate experience. I had every intention to give balanced information on all birth choices but I have got this far to realise there is only one choice that I can truly present.
What help can you offer to woman during pregnancy?
During pregnancy we offer classes for women from conception through to birth encompassing chat, yoga, relaxation and basic medical checks such as blood pressure and fetal palputation. We also
Do you offer any ante-natal support?
We offer full care during your birth with the midwife (or midwives of your choice) then daily visits and support.We also offer breastfeeding advice.
Do you offer services outside of the centre?
We offer home visits and also have a centre in Coin in the Malaga province (as well as the center in Orgiva in Las Alpujarras).
How can people get in touch with you?
For more details on our services do contact Vanessa tel 680566113 ( English and Spanish spoken) or visit www.da-a-luz.co.uk
(sep 09)
