I trained in 2008 as a birth and postnatal doula, and have undergone a process of recognition with both Nurturing Birth and Doula UK. Since 2011 I am also a Doula UK Mentor; supporting others new on their Doula journey. I am a qualified pregnancy and postnatal yoga teacher (2010) , Lamaze childbirth educator (2011) and NCT antenatal teacher (2012) and teach NCT antenatal classes in Rugby and Daventry.
What I can offer is tailored to the individual parents and family I am supporting and can uniquely include a Hypnobirthing course, a Blessingway ceremony, Lotus birth support or placental encapsulation amongst other things. When we meet I can share with you ideas of what I can offer and a bespoke package can be created just for you and your needs
Birth Doula support focuses on helping prepare expectant mums, Partners and families by listening to what you want firstly and then to share with you the techniques, skills and knowledge I have to help you prepare for the birth you ideally want to achieve. we will also explore different scenarios and the tools to adapt and manage if things change and your birth takes a different path than initially hoped for. I offer 2 - 3 visits so we can get to know each other well and to help you prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for your birth. If we need more visits than this then that's absolutely fine. I support planned caesarean births, hospital birth, homebirth and waterbirth and I have experience of supporting families expecting twins, breech birth, VBAC, HWBAC, first time mums and mums preparing to welcome a new baby into a home of lots of siblings.. Every family is always unique and special. I am also a qualified massage therapist and this training has given me the skills to be able to offer hands-on support during labour where needed, as I am aware of how to use touch as an effective way to sooth and calm. I also have experience of acupressure massage, Spinning Babies, and Rebozo techniques which I can encourage partners to apply confidently as well.
Hypnobirthing is a wonderful tool that I can provide, either as a whole preparation course or a shortened version (if you've done one before), I can also provide a course designed for caesarean birth too. I offer this independently of Doula support or it can be included as part of your bespoke package. These preparation courses are 'Little Birth Company' and come with all course materials.
Postnatal doula support can be included in a planned package for women I have birth doula'd for, or as an ad hoc service to local women to get them through a difficult time. My main focus at all times is to support you to become confident mothers and carers of your own babies. Challenges around social isolation, mental health and feeding issues are something that can be significantly reduced with good support in the early days.
I can also offer postnatal massage and abdominal binding using traditional 'Manta' techniques and a 'closing the bones' Rebozo ritual to assist in the new mothers physical and emotional transition to motherhood. This is not offered outside of my Doula support however but can be included in a bespoke birth and/or postnatal package.
Breastfeeding support is something I can offer with the materials and tools of the Mindful Breastfeeding School who I trained with in 2020, and I am happy to support women who are breast or bottle feeding, whether they're expressing their own milk or using formula. The infant feeding experience can be a challenging one for lots of new mums and babies, so some extra support here can make a huge difference.
Please do get in touch if you would like a chat. Fay. x
