I have been a Doula since December 2007 and offer antenatal, birth, postnatal and breastfeeding support.
My becoming a Doula was influenced by my own experiences. The birth of my first child was not what I had hoped for, I felt dis-empowered and let down by the whole process. My second labour was better and by the third time I had gained the confidence to ensure my birth plan was adhered to and my experience was a positive one.
When I heard about Doulas it was like a dream come true. After being fortunate enough to stay at home and look after my own 3 children for 12 years, I felt delighted that my experiences could help me embark on a new journey to becoming a Doula, helping and supporting women achieve the birth experience they deserve and are entitled to. Working alongside midwives I wholeheartedly believe in a woman's ability to birth her baby. I want to help women understand their options and ensure they are listened to by professionals.
I have experienced different birth situations where either the use of water, TENS, entinox, pethidine or an epidural had been required. I have also supported women where the use of ventouse, forceps or c-section have been necessary and I have experience of premature birth and multiple births.
I have shared the joy of birth with families at Kingston, St Georges, Kings College, Chelsea and Westminster and Queen Charlotte's Hospitals. I am there as much for the father as I am for the mother and always ensure the father is included as much or as little as he wants to be.
I currently lead a 4 week antenatal course in my local community. We offer continual support throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatally. I am a Breastfeeding Counsellor with The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and completed their full Breastfeeding Counsellor Training in October 2013. I have been very active over the last 5 years supporting many women in establishing breastfeeding.
I keep my knowledge up to date by attending study days, examples below:-
ABM Breastfeeding Counsellor - October 2013
Birth Physiology study day with Michel Odent - 2009
Rebozo workshop for optimal foetal positioning – 2009
Waterbirth Study Day - Taught by waterbirth expert Midwife Dianne Garland - 2008
First International Nurturing Conference "Womb to World - Innate Behaviours" - 2008
Paramana Doula 3 day intensive course for Doulas by Michel Odent - 2007
ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) – Mother Supporter – 2007
Breastfeeding Workshop by Pam Lacey, IBCLC. Approved by Assc of Breastfeeding Mothers designed for teaching 'helpers' - 2007
In-Expectancy Training Course for Expectancy Ministry – 2007
I am a member of
• Doula UK
• Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
