Side By Side Doula

11/07/2025

Say it louder for the people at the back….

Hear me out before you eye-roll… this is from the Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2023 paper comparing homebirth to hospital birth.

In the article they explain that homebirth is not the ‘intervention’ that needs researching, in fact the move into hospital birth for all women is the experimental intervention that requires review.

Archie Cochrane awarded ‘the wooden spoon’ to obstetrics in 1989 because ‘the speciality missed its first opportunity in the sixties, when it failed to randomise the confinement of low-risk women at home or hospital… then having filled the emptying beds by getting nearly all pregnant women into hospital, the obstetrician started to introduce a whole series of expensive innovations without any rigorous evaluation’

Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger, it’s not my fault that hospital birth became the norm without rigorous evaluation…

I’ll discuss this more on ep.160 of podcast ‘Is homebirth a good option for you’

25/06/2025

Have you ever thought of becoming a volunteer peer supporter for the Breastfeeding Network?

Want to give back to the community who supported you? Gain experience? Or are you just passionate about breastfeeding?

We are currently recruiting for individuals with any personal breastfeeding experience, whom would be interested in volunteering on the Isle of Wight as Breastfeeding Helpers.

Visit here https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/get-involved/train-to-be-a-registered-volunteer/ for information on becoming a volunteer with The Breastfeeding Network (UK)
and apply to join the course here https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/training/helper2026-02/

BfN volunteer training courses are free and accredited by Open College Network, including DBS and complimentary BfN membership for two years.

Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation 💜

Application deadline: 29th July 2025

10/05/2025

We’re committed to supporting our participants every step of the way, and that includes making assignments as accessible as possible. We issue assignments at the earliest opportunity to give you plenty of time to plan and prepare. Plus, we host a monthly drop-in session where you can ask questions, clarify expectations, and get the guidance you need. Your feedback helps us shape these processes, ensuring they work for you—so keep sharing your thoughts!

08/05/2025

04/05/2025

We appreciate all the feedback from our participants - it helps us refine and enhance our courses to better suit your needs. One area we’ve reviewed is course timings. We understand how important scheduling is for balancing learning with other commitments, so we actively consider your input to adjust and optimize our timetables. Our goal is to make course accessibility even smoother while maintaining quality. Your feedback drives meaningful change, and we’re listening! Keep sharing your thoughts - we’re growing and improving together.

03/05/2025

✨ Rest is revolutionary for Black birthing people. ✨
Black mothers, birthing people and parents often navigate systemic inequities, heightened medical disparities, and the weight of cultural expectations. Too often, rest is framed as something to earn rather than something essential. But prioritising rest is not just self-care—it’s resistance. It’s reclaiming time for healing, joy, and restoration.
At Side by Side Doula, we honour the importance of rest in the perinatal journey. Whether it’s leaning on your support system, setting boundaries, or simply embracing moments of stillness—rest is a necessity, not a privilege.
Your well-being matters. Your rest matters. You deserve it. 🖤✨

03/03/2025

https://thegriotspaintbrush.com/
A lovely book written for children by the husband of one of my colleagues 🥰👏🏾

The Griots Paintbrush

07/01/2025

Baby massage and baby yoga courses start again 9th Jan at Victoria recreation ground Pavilion in Carisbrooke.

11am for baby massage. 9.45 baby yoga.
The cost is £50 for a 5 week block and this includes a bottle of oil and a booklet with all the moves for the massage.

Also I provide refreshments each week.
The classes are around an hour each including time to chat with a drink with the other Parents/Guardians.
Please get in touch with and questions or to book.
WhatsApp Hannah. 07790308979

29/11/2024

New blog just published🙌🏾

As a doula and someone who works closely with expectant and new parents, I spend a lot of time celebrating the Big Firsts. You know, those magical milestones that everyone talks about – the first smile, first foods, first words, and those wobbly first steps that make your heart burst with pride.Bu...

19/11/2024

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/birthcollectivegaza

19/11/2024

https://sites.google.com/view/birthworkers-for-palestine

As The Birthworkers Collective Support for Palestine, we are united as a group of birth professionals, including doulas, midwives, antenatal educators, lactation consultants, trauma therapists, yoga teachers and peer supporters, who have come together in solidarity with, and in response to, the

18/11/2024