"My aim is to offer practical, nurturing support and reliable, honest information to all parents-to-be. Encouraging a foundation, for them to empower themselves to feel confident to make their own choices, whatever circumstances they are in. I have always believed that birth is a natural process, (some births are primal, or calm, or wild, and most are unpredictable), if we are able to access our own innate resources and instincts, without unnecessary disturbance. This is of course not always possible, especially when there are medical or other factors to consider, and some pregnancies are more complex. There can also be circumstances which change the direction of labour, but knowledge of physiology and birthing wisdom can support you to navigate these with confidence. 

​

Regardless of where and how you birth, I believe you should feel cared for and in control of the decisions you make when you are in the 'birth labyrinth'.

​

I am comfortable working in all birth settings, home, hospital and theatre. I can provide the continuity of care, that sometimes is unfortunately not able to be given within the NHS, due to work load or other pressures on the current Maternity services.

​

I work alongside (not replacing or against) your Midwives and Maternity team, with you at the centre. I do not have to follow protocol, I follow what you choose for yourself.

​

I went to college and qualified as a NNEB Nursery Nurse. I began my career as a full time private Nanny in sole charge of babies and children, from birth to five years old. I then married and birthed three children of my own. I later worked as 'Nursery Nurse in Charge' of a baby unit at a Day Nursery, then went on to University, whilst my children were still in school. I gained a First Class Honours Degree in Midwifery. I worked as a Midwife in two NHS hospitals, on labour and postnatal wards and in a fantastic Birth Centre. I chose to leave midwifery to become a Doula, for many reasons, including wanting more continuity with families, and less focus on clinical intervention.

I trained with 'Nurturing Birth' and in 2015 I launched GOODBIRTH. I trained as a Hypnobirthing teacher in 2017 with KGH. I am a Birth and Postnatal Doula, on the Doula UK register and Hypnobirthing Teacher in the KGH Hypnobirthing directory.

 

I am privileged to have been present at hundreds of births in many different circumstances. Each one unique. I have shared the complex emotions of people becoming new parents, or with their growing families. There is no one way to do any of it, everyone will find their own way. My role is to encourage and support, as people trust their own instincts.

 

I was thrilled to be birth partner for my eldest daughter, at the beautiful homebirth of my granddaughter. I was then delighted to be there for her home waterbirth of my grandson. I am enjoying being a Nana, and it adds a new dimension to my understanding of parents and families.

​

​During my study for my Midwifery Degree, I chose to visit  the Midwifery Centre at 'The Farm' in Tennessee, USA.

Ina May Gaskin (author 'Guide to Childbirth' and 'Spiritual Midwifery') and inspirational colleagues Pamela Hunt, Deborah Flowers and more midwives in the team, gave us insight in to their successful practice. I was lucky enough to stay in a cabin by the clinic, and attend daily workshops. I left there with many incredibly useful, practical skills, which I still use in my Doula practice. 

​

Please do contact me to have an informal chat/email about what level of support you feel I could offer. Flexible, individualised support to suit you. I am able to offer courses/support in my office 'THE SNUG' at GOODBIRTH or in the comfort of your home.  I can offer video calls if out of area.

​

I am a Doula UK Access Fund Doula, I also volunteer for Doulas Without Borders which helps birthing people from vulnerable groups or with financial restrictions to access support.  

​

​

​

​