A little insight in to my background and path to becoming a Doula.

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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, listed 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. 

 

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 love being a Nana, and also understand the complexities and joys of blended families, having being gifted two more grandchildren, which is wonderful! It all adds a new dimension to my understanding of parenting and family dynamics.

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​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. 

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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 also offer video calls if out of area.

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