Hello, I’m Fiona an experienced Birth and postnatal Doula, independent Hypnobirthing practitioner and childbirth educator. I live in a small village in Northamptonshire with my husband and Whippet, Amira. We have three boys who have all now left school. The experience of being a mother has always been something that I have cherished and continue to!
I’m dedicated and passionate about supporting and empowering women and couples throughout their pregnancy journey both emotionally and physically, giving them the confidence and knowledge for a positive birth experience whatever they plan and however their birth unfolds.
Like many Doulas, my career path has been varied. I initially trained as a Norland Nursery Nurse before pursuing my passion for design and working as a fashion designer. I worked for Amanda Wakeley and then went on to have my own women’s wear label as well as a maternity wear collection.
When I had my boys, I truly wish I’d had the support of a doula — someone to guide me, particularly during labour and birth and the early wonderful but often challenging weeks after the birth.
My husband’s career in the army meant we moved frequently and lived abroad with our three boys. Living abroad meant we often found ourselves surrounded by other families in similar situations without their own families nearby to support them. We all supported each other, and that’s when I found myself stepping into the role of an ‘unofficial doula’ to those around me.
It was a friend who introduced me to the work of a doula, and when I explored it further, it felt such a natural fit for me. Once my husband left the army and we were in one place I decided it was time to become a certified Doula and in 2016 I went on to train with Kicki Hansard at Birth Bliss Doulas and went to pass the Doula UK mentorship process to become a recognised Doula.
Doulas provide both emotional and practical support throughout your whole pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting journey, complementing and working alongside your midwife but in a very different role.
Having the support of someone who is gentle, kind, non-judgmental, and understanding is incredibly valuable, protecting your environment and helping you feel safe and calm.
It's about finding someone you connect with, who can advocate for you, ensure your voice is heard and ensuring you have the time and space to make informed decisions if your plans change. This way, your birth, whatever path it takes, can be a positive and truly empowering experience.
If you have a birth partner, they play a vital role in your birth experience and as a Doula I can never take their place, but I support both of you, creating a strong birthing team that works together.
Pregnancy, birth and the early days with a new baby are such a special time but can also at times feel confusing with conflicting information and advice. Not only is a Doula there to care for you and your partner but also to gather information when you need it so that you can make your own informed decisions about your care, your choices and how you want to bring up your baby.
Early on into my Doula training I decided to train as an Independent Hypnobirthing Practitioner. I witnessed first-hand the incredible ability this technique gives. Hypnobirthing equips couples with the knowledge and tools you need both physically and emotionally to help feel calm and in control as well as work as a team with your partner throughout the labour. The skills of Hypnobirthing last a lifetime.
I support all births whether they are a Home Birth, in Midwife Led Unit or a Labour ward, a physiological birth (you may have heard this described as a ‘natural birth’) breech, a more medicalised birth or a c section. I have experience with vaginal breech birth, VBAC (vaginal birth after a c section), induction, water births as well as multiples and premature babies.
I work one to one and with couples both in person and virtually and can adapt my packages to your specific needs where necessary.
For postnatal work I normally travel up to half an hour and as a Birth Doula up to an hour away but often further so please do ask if you are unsure if I cover your area.
Please do have a look at my website for more details on how I can help and the services I offer. You can also read my Google reviews from the link on my website.
https://thewholebirthcompany.com/
I am here to support you on this incredible journey in many ways. Please feel free to schedule a complimentary video consultation from my website or contact me using the details given on The Doula UK site to arrange a time for us to chat about your plans.
Remember every birth is unique and stays with you forever.
"Having Fiona as my doula was a vital support for me and helped to enable me having the natural birth that I dreamed for. I am grateful for my son having a gentle start into his life and me having an empowering and strong experience. I am forever thankful to Fiona, no words can even describe that." - Julia
