Gabriela is a Birth and Postnatal Doula. She was born in the South of Brazil and has been living in London since 1999. As a mother herself to a twenty years old girl and seventeen year old boy, Gabriela brings with her a lived experience of how to nurture a child from conception onwards. Having had varied birthing experiences with her own two children, her goal, from the very beginning of motherhood, was to give her children the very best in terms of emotional, physical and spiritual development. It is this support that she offers the families that she works with.
The call to serve Gabriela first felt a desire to be a Birth Companion after the birth of her first child. She was fortunate enough to have a Doula at both her children’s births and was grateful for the support and guidance she received during this precious time. Gabriela has supported many couples through pregnancy and birth both at hospital and at home, giving her first-hand knowledge of how specialised support the birthing and environment can enhance a mother’s experience. Every birth and family is unique and Gabriela supports the needs and wants of the family, while helping to empower the mother to have confidence in herself and to reassure her of her instinctive ability to give birth. She will help the family to make fully informed choices while respecting their desires. She ia also qualified as yoga teacher. Gabriela started practicing twenty years ago while pregnant with her daughter. She was advised that yoga would help with the challenges a changing body could bring and would provide comfort for her baby. She can also develop a pregnancy yoga sequence for clients who may be interested in the benefits that yoga can bring to mother, partner and baby. She is a Placenta Specialist qualified by IPEN. Last few years she has been deeply approaching the learning of the closing bones ritual cerimonies. Gabriela says “I will listen to your concerns, provide information, care and understanding in a completely non-judgemental, non-prescriptive way. I will make clear to you your options and choices and I’ll encourage you to trust in your instincts and feelings about the birth you want. I’ll connect you with your own essence through honouring your ancestors. I will hold you and care for you with my whole heart.” Qualifications Michel Odent and Liliana Lammers Paramana Doula Course 2013 Introduction to Breastfeeding with Indira Lopez-Bassols 2014 NCT Access to NCT Training 2014 NCT Doula 2015 Yoga Teaching Training at Shiva Shakti Yoga – Goa/India 2016 Ipen Placenta Specialisation Training London 2017. Red Tent closing ceremony workshop training with Nicola Mahdiyyah 2023.
Practicalities Gabriela will provide support by: * Meeting with you two times before your birth to ensure that she fully understands your birth wishes and to begin to build a friendship with you * Encouraging you to consider your birth preferences and explore your birth options *Staying with you throughout your labour and birth *Offering you (and your birth partner) physical, emotional and spiritual support *Staying with you for 3 hours after your baby has been born to nurture and support you during those precious hours as you make the transition into parenthood *Meeting with you after your birth to listen to your birth story and signpost to any other appropriate support
Testimonials “We had the great pleasure to have Gabriela’s presence during Martha’s birth day and she was exceptional with her assistance to the 3 of us. Before, I met Gabriela I was not sure if a 3rd person in such a personal moment of a couple life will be the best idea, then I met Gabriela, before the big day, and from the beginning Gabriela was very helpful making me aware of all the changes that my body will have. This allowed me to have more control of the situation because I knew what would be happening and how to react and not panic would help the baby and myself. One of the greatest things that I really appreciate was Gabriela’s approach for the natural birth and how she made me understand with scientific and logical arguments why I should go for this option! All the knowledge mixed with a kind and strong personality gave me safety that I did the right choice having Gabriela’s help on Martha’s birth day. Then we had the big day, and each time that I had a contraction Gabriela was there guiding me how to breath how to control my body and make my 26 hours less painful, and she was remarkable! And her support was extended also to my partner because she was making him be there for me and that gave me an extra energy for such a tough moment. I can say that we had an Angel helping us in such an important moment of our lives. Thank you very much Gabriela” –Monica and Miguel, parents of Martha
“Gabriela added such a beautiful dimension to our birth experience.When I first met her I knew instantly that she would be perfect, socalm and reassuring. In the lead up to my due date, we spent time talking about what birth my husband and I hoped for and how to go about creating that. She listened and genuinely cared that our wishes would be met. We were in safe hands and for me to feel safe was key to being able to let go and enjoy the whole birth journey. Initially my husband was sceptical of having a doula but was quick to appreciate Gabriela's support of me and sensitivity and attentiveness to us as a couple. Her encouraging gentle reminders to breathe during the birth and her belief in me while massaging my sacral area on my back with her gorgeous oils, was fantastic! My husband and I therefore had a very special and sacred birth experience due to the incredible nurturing and love given to us by Gabriela. I felt all our options in our birth plan had been honoured and respected which is essential to feeling empowered. Once back at home, she came to doula for a day and added her magic touch so that we were all set up to nestle in together as a family with our newborn baby boy and daughter. I shall never forget such a happy time. Thank you so much Gabriela.” - Alexandra and Hufa, parents of Torben.
UW: HOW HAVE WOMEN INSPIRED YOUR CAREER BEYOND THE LENS?
AB: I was raised in a matriarchal household and was always told that women were equal to men in every way. My mother has always encouraged me to live outside the box that people try to fit you into. Therefore, I tend to go to the beat of my own drum. I have also been blessed with so many amazing female friends and I am constantly inspired by them as people and by the work they do. Most recently, I’m in awe of my friends who are doulas. I just gave birth, and to see what these women do to hold space for you in this process was life-changing. My doula, Gabriela Teixeira, was with me every step of the way, gently guiding my partner Luke and I through the whole process. I am forever indebted to her and the incredible work she does. She gave us so much of herself during the experience and offered us so much wisdom. ( this is a part of an interview with a beautiful strong feminine force that I was her doula you can read the whole interview here : https://www.unearthwomen.com/meet-feminist-artist-anouska-beckwith/ ) .
