I am a recognised Doula with Doula UK and The Doula Association. In 2013 I completed a Doula UK Approved Training Course with Kicki Hansard of Birthbliss in Hertfordshire...a very informative and comprehensive course of initial learning. I was mentored for my first 4 births and became 'recognised' later that same year, learning so much in those 12 months, and the learning continues......
In 1992 I started a childcare business (I needed some help with 4 children!) running a group of Day Nurseries for Children and have been heavily involved with families and caring for young children since then. Alongside my work in the nurseries I also became a volunteer counsellor/befriender for NSPCC in 2005 which I loved and am still involved with but through Barnardos now. I have always had a keen interest in babies and birthing and did consider training to be a midwife at one point but a friend mentioned doula training to me and I felt that this was exactly what I had been looking for. When I was pregnant myself my mother lived nearby and I only realised later in life just how valuable that experience was. She listened to me, without judgement and was calm and softly spoken throughout, giving me constant encouragement. She helped me trust my body which is very important and something we seem to have lost confidence in these days. What I Do:
As your doula I would visit you several times antenatally to build a relationship with you and your partner and wider family. I would be listening to your concerns and sharing in your excitement whilst also offering any relevant evidence based information to help you make decisions. I would be available by phone/email in between visits too. Depending on your birth preferences, I would work with you and your partner to see how we can best support you to have the birth you would like. I have had the opportunity of attending many home births now but I also support hospital/birth centre births too. Whether it be a physiological, natural birth or a caesarean, I try to make the hospital environment and experience as homely and comfortable for you as possible. I would remain by your side throughout or for as long as you and your partner needed me. I spend some parts of my antenatal visits working closely with partners, listening to their concerns, to ensure that they are supported throughout as this can be an overwhelming experience for them. Having a doula present is helpful for your partner and I would encourage the partner to be involved during the birth in different ways, which we would go over during the antenatal sessions. After the birth, I would stay with you, ensuring breastfeeding is established (if that's your preference) helping baby to have that first feed which is not always straightforward! Maybe taking a few photos of the new baby and parents if you wish. At this stage onwards my role would be to support you and your partner to become confident parents and carers of your baby. This is the most empowering experience you will have, you will want to remember it positively and with pride.....so, let me help you take control! I can also provide a postnatal doula service to you, offering emotional support, information on how to look after your new baby, help with receiving visitors, cooking, help with other siblings and even dog walking if that helps! I have had IBCLC breast-feeding training along with lots of breast-feeding experience of my own so I am happy to help with this too. I can offer information on Hypnobirthing, Massage, Spinning Babies, Yoga, Water-births, other sources of pain relief, post-natal diet and exercise. I am happy to cook some meals for you.... and some delicious cakes! I can also dispel some of those old wives tales about pregnancy and birth, of which there are hundreds! For an informal chat/visit or for more information on a personally designed packaged, call me on 07971027866
