I live in North London with my husband, a doctor, and my 4 children, 3 sons and a daughter, who were born between 1996 and 2003. I was lucky enough to be able to spend time at home raising my family and once they all were at school I was able to indulge my passion for childbirth and babies. My instincts come from a strong maternal line with a deep respect for women’s ability to birth and nurture their young and becoming a doula seemed a most natural path for me to take, although I am still often asked by friends “What is a doula??”
When not working I love the outdoors especially being beside the sea and very much enjoy Iyengar Yoga.
We are a very sporty family and often have a fun day out cycling. As well as being a mother past interests have included gymnastics and horse-riding – I have no idea if there is a link. Now though I stick to watching and knitting!
My Birth Philosophy
My birth experiences have helped me to understand that every woman (or couple) deserves to feel protected, nurtured and proud of herself (themselves) as the most challenging yet fulfilling experience of a lifetime begins. I was privileged to have a doula supporting me in my fourth birth and this was key to showing me the value of the doula role.
As a doula I hope to safeguard positive memories of your pregnancy, birth and early parenting by empowering you to do “it” yourselves. I support women and their partners to have the most positive experience they can. I aim to support you by listening, caring and empowering you to trust your instincts before, during and after the birth. This often enables women to have confidence in themselves to achieve the birth that is right for them. I believe that together we can work towards creating a safe, supportive environment for your birth whatever the circumstances.
My Experience
My personal and professional experience includes fertility treatment, gestational diabetes, babies growth issues, amniocentesis, home birth through to elective c-section and all that comes between including VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) and twins, induction, placental abruption, prematurity, breast and bottle feeding.
I am happy to work in my local hospitals including Royal Free, Whittington, Barnet and Chase Farm, Edgware Birth Centre, UCH, St. Marys and The Portland and have experience in all of them. I also know many of the senior staff at these hospitals as an active member of the North Central London Maternity Services Liaison Committee which is a professional and lay group working to improve maternity services. I will also consider going further afield if necessary.
I am a Doula Mentor for Doula UK, providing supervision and support for new doulas as they begin their doula journey and gain experience and confidence.
I regularly volunteer as a Doula on the Post Natal and Ante Natal wards at the Royal Free Hospital Trust giving emotional, practical and breastfeeding support.
My Training
Developing Doulas – May/June/July 2008 – I completed my Birth and Post Natal doula training in July 2008 having covered birth physiology, emotional support, counselling skills, breastfeeding, newborn behaviour patterns and so much more. I then embarked on the Doula UK Recognition Process achieving Birth Recognition in April 2009 and Post Natal in January 2010.
As part of my continual personal development and because I enjoy it and love learning about all things birth related I regularly attend a wide range of study days. These have been with several world renowned experts such as Dr Michel Odent, Dr Jack Newman, Dr Susan Colson and Gail Tully. Topics have included twins, postnatal care, optimal foetal positioning, many different aspects of breastfeeding, post natal depression, breech birth and more….
Every 3 years I also attend the Safe and Sound Life Saver Course for Babies and Children – last attended February 2011..
My Services
I work both as a Birth and Post-Natal doula and both services offer Ante-Natal support.
I love that I am able to tailor the way I work to your personal needs and birth choices and strive to provide a unique and personal service which best suits you. Of course this means that I can continue to be client led throughout your experience, supporting you regardless of decisions and choices you may make that you may not necessarily have expected to.
The informal consultation gives the opportunity to see if my services are right for you. I work respectfully, honestly and without prejudice with any individual or partnership, regardless of race, nationality, religious belief, sexuality, age or disability and I abide by the Doula UK Philosophy and Code of Practice.
Please note that I am insured through the DUK Insurance Scheme and can provide details as necessary.
I hold both an enhanced CRB check and a Baby and Children Lifesaver Certificate for your peace of mind.
I am a non-smoker and hold a clean driving license.