It can be really confusing and overwhelming for parents to understand the choices they have around birth.  Many feel that their birth experience is in the hands of medical professionals and may be beyond their control.

I can support you regardless of the type of birth you are hoping to achieve, helping you to pick your way through the forest of advice, statistics and clinical guidelines, so that you understand what your options are, what they mean in your individual case, and empowering you to work with your caregivers to find the right path for you and your family.

Whether you are planning a caesarean birth, a hospital vaginal birth or a home birth, or any other variation, I can offer you the time and space to prepare to meet your baby.  We can work together to build the resilience you need to make it an empowering experience for all concerned.

I offer personalised, private sessions for pregnant people and their chosen birth partners, in your own home.  Maybe you just need a couple of hours to think about the process of birth and which self-care and coping measures might work for you, or maybe you need a much longer course with several sessions covering birth preparation, caring for your newborn baby, preparation for feeding and exploration of your transition to parenthood.  We can organise as many sessions as you need and we will have the flexibility to adapt the course as we go.  More sessions can be added by arrangement as the need arises.  Maybe you need to have a chat to unpick a complex meeting with your consultant, or maybe your partner is worried and needs to have a session on the role of the birth partner.  As your doula, I will offer you whatever emotional and practical support you need on your parenting journey.

For some, becoming a parent can be a time of confusion and overwhelm.  Many parents feel isolated and struggle to cope with the relentlessness of caring for a new baby, often alone, for large parts of the day.  Doulas offer a service that is as old as humanity, and just as vital in these modern times as it has ever been.

We will work together in a fluid and adaptable way, drawing from my various services and skills sets to match your changing needs.  I may work with just the mother, the mother and baby dyad, the co-parent or other caregivers, or the whole family.

Whether it’s breastfeeding support, baby carrying guidance and help with the practicalities of looking after a newborn, relaxation and mindfulness techniques, or an attentive, non-judgemental ear as you process your birth story, I can help ease your transition to your new normal and support your postnatal recovery.

Babywearing is about so much more than hands-free parenting and protecting your back.  The benefits for babies and carers are numerous and based in sound evidence.  We are a species of carrying mammal and our babies are born expecting not to be put down for extended periods of time.  For thousands of years humans have used textiles to support their babies on their bodies and now the market for baby slings, wraps and carriers is huge.  It can seem overwhelming to have to choose what might work for you.  Understanding a bit about the pros and cons of different systems, and how to optimise each one for you and your baby can help cut through the noise and give you the confidence to wear your baby with pride!