I was born in 1974 and married Jim in 1999. We have 3 children, Emily, Thomas and Dominic (Born in 2000, 2002, and 2005), 2 dogs and 2 cats. spent the first 14 years of my working life, in the recruitment industry. I believe this has developed my natural ability to listen to what people want and then to support them to try and achieve it, very much like a Doula! I have been a full time Doula since 2008. In feedback from my clients, they agree,  I believe that the most important thing for a pregnant and labouring woman, and her partner, is to be treated with empathy, kindness and respect. This means really listening to them and taking on board their wishes, reassuring them all the way so that their confidence will grow, so that whatever type of birth will unfold, it will be a positive experience. I do believe unmedicated birth is what a woman's body is capable of, but also recognise you may be fearful of the birth and questioning of your ability to cope. I also do not judge if you choose pain relief or elective caesarian. I aim to provide the continuous physical, emotional and practical support before, during and after childbirth to ensure you will have the best possible birth experience for you. From my own experience, I know how different types of treatment can make a huge difference to your perception of labour and how it will stay with you for years. As a birth doula I will provide 2 antenatal visits for you to talk about your birth plan , the physiology of birth, what you want for you and your baby and discussion on issues such as pain relief, Vitamin K, positions for labour and much more. I tailor the support I give precisely to my client's needs and wishes, in a non-judgemental approach working towards your special day. I will also be there on the phone 24/7 to help with any worries that you might come across, beginning 2 weeks before your due date and up until your new arrival makes their entrance. Once your labour begins and I come to you (usually at your home, before you're ready to go in to the hospital). I remain with you during the birth (however long or short) and afterwards until you are settled and comfortable for me to leave. You may find it helpful for me to stay while you have a shower or bath and have fed the baby for the first time. I will also be there to reassure your partner they are doing everything right. My local hospitals are Stoke Mandeville, The John Radcliffe - Oxford, Milton Keynes and Watford but have attended births at The Royal Berks and QE2 in Welwyn. I cover home births and Birthing centres anywhere in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and into Herts but will consider other locations too. As a post natal doula I offer post natal support, from 4hrs a day, 2-3 times a week, for between 4 to 8 weeks after the birth. (flexible to suit) I will be there to help the transition into parenthood to help with jobs around the house, helping parents get that much needed rest. Anything from looking after siblings so mum can get a sleep, helping establish feeding routines (breast or bottle) do light housework, cooking, shopping, ironing, even walk the dog! I am a great listener for 'baby blues' days - having been through more than baby blues myself recognise having someone to talk to can make everything seem more manageable. I live between Aylesbury and Oxford and will provide support to a wide area including Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. I am available for overnight stays to help with sleeping especially with twins and other multiples I have supported 200+ births and worked postnatally with dozens of families including over 25 sets of twins. I have completed various Doula courses and make sure I attend at least 2 study days a year, you never stop learning. I have a Paediatric First Aid Certificate and have the practical experience of raising 3 children. I am a member of Doula UK and Nurturing Birth, I am fully insured and have an up to date DBS check. I have volunteered at Stoke Mandeville hospital showing expectant couples around the Maternity unit, and was on the Maternity Voices Partnership there. Experience in Home Birth, Hospital and Birthing Centre Births, Water births, VBAC, C - section, Strep B, gestational diabetes, breech and twin birth. I use homeopathy regularly, and have 'in labour' reflexology knowledge (although not formally qualified in either) I teach hypnobirthing and will support you in this if desired (with or without attending my course). Experienced in working post-natally, with single children, twins and babies with older siblings.I have also worked with very premature babies including administering medication, I have worked with disabled children and adults.I have practical skills to offer such as cooking, baking, ironing, and am a Car Owner and Driver. I have clients both Birth and Post Natal from many nationalities and religions and always try to fit in with any specific culture or tradition to make the parents and children feel more comfortable. I have attended courses in Diversity and LGBTQ+ awareness.