About Me

Why have I become a doula?

Since having my own children and having the privilege of experiencing four very different one to one births, I have a desire to see other parents nurtured and cared for in the same way through their births.  I want new parents to be informed about the options available to them and to experience their birth, their way. No two births are the same and not all are straightforward, indeed some will need extra pain relief or intervention, but a successful birth is about being able to look back and say you felt supported in your birth preparation and cared for, encouraged and empowered during labour and birth.

I have completed an online Hypnobirthing course as I want to help parents-to-be to develop a positive approach to birth, ensuring that you are confident, prepared and able to trust and work with your body, making labour more efficient and comfortable for you and your baby.  A positive birth experience is really important because it's the feelings about the birth that last in the long term.  And it isn't all about "natural birth" either, I want to support women in whatever type of birth they decide is right for them and their baby.

For postnatal support I aim to offer encouragement and practical help by providing a supportive and stress-free environment so that you can quickly recover from the birth, bond with your baby and discover and develop confidence in your own parenting skills.  I am happy to support first time parents with breastfeeding (or formula if breastfeeding isn't possible or desired) and instruct on looking after your baby as well as helping around the house and looking after siblings (for those doing it all again!).

My Story…

I was born and raised in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. However, West London has been my home for over 30 years; I moved here to study languages at University and never left!

My children are growing up and some have left home on new adventures now but I still love nurturing and caring for my family and friends who have babies and young children and I also love to help and support young people who have moved away from home – I’m regularly known as their “London Mum”. I also understand the importance of helping them to become independent and gain life skills for their own future.

I'd been a full-time Mum for 20 years and during that time I had numerous, diverse experiences and gained a wide range of skills, from setting up and running a Toddler-Dancing Group for twelve years and baking in small groups at infant school to being a Governor at our local high school.

I’m a passionate cook and baker. In recent years I’ve run a cook school for students and I regularly make celebration cakes including wedding cakes. Using these skills, I can help new parents by preparing meals and baked goods to help stock the freezer or providing quick and nutritious recipes. I can also help entertain older siblings with simple baking projects.

While I’m organised and practical, as a Doula, devoted to my charge, I love, nurture and care. “Love is patient and kind, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails”.

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Foundation Cert. in Aspiring Doula - Birth Bliss Academy (Jan19)

Cert. in Antenatal and Birth Preparation - Birth Bliss Academy (Apr19)

Cert. in Understanding and Preventing Reflux - Younique Postnatal (Jan20)

Cert. in Sleep Study Day with Sleep Consultant - Babies with Claire (Jul20)

Cert. Paediatric and Adult First Aid training - Daisy First Aid. (Apr24)

Cert. Human Rights in Maternity - Birthrights (Jun21)

Cert. Birthing Biomechanics - The Serenity Doula - Shellie Poulter (Jan22)

Regognised Birth Doula - since September 2021

Recognised Postnatal Doula - since May 2020

Listed on the Doula Directory, Doula Near Me and Registered with Doula UK

DBS checked.