Lives in: London SE24
Local info and availability:
South East, South West and Central London : Brixton, Herne Hill, Dulwich, Streatham, Clapham, Vauxhall, Westminster, Wandsworth, Wimbledon
Languages spoken other than English:
French
Other services:
Antenatal sessions for individualised support and preparation, including follow up email/phone support for continued queries and support in building up your birth team.
I have attended specialist certified workshops in newborn care, twins & multiples and Reflux.
I have additional training in breastfeeding support which I can bring into our sessions as you require.
How to contact Claire:
Use the Contact form below or:
https://www.mamasdoula.co.uk
ClaireMamasDoula@gmail.com
07973536817
About Me
I am a recognised postnatal doula and accredited Nurturing Birth birth doula. I am also a keen advocate for the benefits of antenatal preparation and continuity of care for women throughout the perinatal period.
The experience of having a doula to listen and support, uphold and encourage you in early parenting is an experience of real continuity of care that every woman deserves to grow strong and confident as a mother.
No new mother should feel alone and unsupported…. Whatever the unique set up that characterises your situation, with support and nurture for you as a new mother, you can feel safe, free and confident to build up your family, your way. Expecting a baby can often be surrounded by feelings of worry or uncertainty. The first key element of support is the provision of evidence-based information with which you can make informed decisions and feel confident.
Early motherhood can be a rich blur of precious memories and the safe space to rest, recover and grow special new bonds that bring a lifetime’s meaning and joy. Being there for you as a new mother also means supporting your partner and guiding any surrounding friends and family, as you see fit, to be a strong and positive network for you to lean on as you care for your new baby.
I am British born with a French Mother and live with my French husband and three children between Herne Hill and Brixton. I am a doula across the south west, south east and central London. I am a keen advocate for the benefits of antenatal preparation for informed decision making and positive mother-centred continuity of care through the golden month of early parenting. In my own time, I thrive on daily walks through the green spaces of London and beyond, outdoor swimming, peaceful moments with a good book, pilates, community, friends and family. Being there for you as a new mother also brings me joy!
I offer a free interview for us to get to know each other, in a local space or at home.
From there I will be available for antenatal sessions covering the physiological, emotional and practical preparation you will need for birth and for the care of your baby (but if you need particular support to navigate your way through the maternity care system I can also accompany you for appointments or debrief with you afterwards). I will actively listen to your story, your hopes, expectations, concerns and questions and be able to discuss with you evidence-based information to support you in your choices. I will work with you to prepare yourself, mind and body, for your birth and new baby.
I have available a treasure trove of books, podcasts, dvds, websites and contacts that I can share and lend you if there is anything that triggers your curiosity or needs more reflection.
The birth support package I offer includes being on call for you from 37 weeks, attendance in your early labour at home, should you wish; full support for any transition to a birth centre or hospital and support through your birth and early postnatal hours. I can then visit you at home over the first week, usually two postnatal check-ins to support with breastfeeding, nutrition, rest and recovery.
After your birth I am available for you from as early as you would like for an average of 6 weeks (3 hour visits during the day time) but flexible to your situation. I understand that your needs and expectations for the early weeks will be unique to you and your family and so I will be there for you: to listen to these and help you plan the start of your parenting journey so that you are safe in the knowledge that you are supported in your choices and will grow in confidence to be the mother you want to be and to build the local network that will enable you and your baby to thrive. My presence in the early parenting weeks can be an opportunity for you to access the self-care that every new mother needs, a shower in peace, a good rest, a home-cooked meal, an errand run for you so that you can stay in your pajamas in the peace of your home, clean laundry which otherwise seemed a task to many. I am happy to help you manage the balance with older siblings. One session you might need company and support on an outing to an appointment or group activity. Perhaps you are puzzled or in need of support for the care of your baby: Quality doula time can even be as simple and powerful as a cup of tea and a listening ear. I understand that opportunities to talk things through, to laugh and to cry are fortifying, empowering and all precious parts of the building up of new parents.
I am trained with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers as a Mother Supporter and can help you to source and engage good support for feeding your baby.
I can help you navigate the world of baby equipment, baby wearing, local resources that can build you a strong and supportive network and access any supplementary help and expertise you may need.
I have general and infant 1st aid training.
I have a car and a clean driver’s licence.