- Postnatal (Recognised since October 2018)
- Birth (Recognised since June 2017)
Lives in: Bristol BS16
Local info and availability:
I cover Bristol and the surrounding areas (to around an hours drive)
Other services:
Birth Pool Hire
TENS hire and other comfort measures
Antenatal preparation for couples or 1:1
"3 Step Rewind" gentle release of traumatic feelings post birth - please contact me if you feel this is something you need & we can discuss xx
How to contact Jay:
Use the Contact form below or:
http://www.sovereignbirth.co.uk
Jay.BristolBirth@gmail.com
07876100919
About Me
Hello, my name is Jay and I am a doula serving in the Bristol and Somerset area, to support women and families to make informed choices about their birth and prepare to welcome their new baby.
Childbirth is a true rite of passage! A complex event that can be at once joyful and daunting, exciting and confusing and benefits from lots of time, space, strength, courage and love. I believe that every woman should be heard, respected and supported throughout this amazing, transformative time. I feel that every woman should experience giving birth in a way that they are fully comfortable with and in control of, whether completely free of interventions, or with the support of the many medical options on offer, and to follow their intuition to tap into any other elements of birth that they wish; physical, emotional or spiritual.
As your doula I whole-heartedly support you in whichever direction your journey takes you and provide you with non-judgmental, comprehensive information in order for you to make informed decisions and choices towards your best possible birth and the all-important postpartum period.
Birth Doula
During pregnancy, we will arrange two preparation sessions, where I will encourage your explorations and planning for your optimum and best birth experience. My role is to listen to you and signpost information and resources, to create space for you to navigate the options available to you so that you can follow your chosen path with confidence and with independent and objective doula support all the way through your labour, birth and beyond.
During labour, I will stay with you throughout and provide continuous support. Be there for you. Follow your cues and hold the space for you to follow your instincts. Create the best atmosphere possible for you to do your thing. Be that extra pair of hands that can allow you to stay with your birth partner in the way that you want, and someone to check in with if you need to. I can also take photos if you want me to. After the birth, I will stay with you until mother and baby are settled and then arrange to visit you to debrief the birth and make sure everything is going well, giving you details of any further support available if necessary.
Postnatal Doula
As a Postnatal Doula, my aim is to be there so that Mother and Baby can concentrate on bonding and establishing feeding, listening and signposting so that as a mother you can rest and restore more and worry less.
Postnatal work, like every birth, is very individual. I will always endeavour to tailor how we work together to meet your specific needs. I will listen to you and can help you to debrief your birth experience, assist with feeding or anything you are unsure about – signposting resources and aiming to increase your enjoyment and confidence, without taking over. I am an experienced cook, can do light housework, shopping, washing or tidying and massage. I can walk the dog, play with older siblings, or watch the baby so you can sleep. Often much of this at the same time!
About me
I have lived and worked around Bristol and Somerset since 2002, and had my 2 children, Louis (11) and Betty (9) who were both born at home in Bristol. The invaluable support I had from friends and family and the wonderful midwives who were with me throughout and fulfilled the doula role for me, ignited my passion for this vocation.
The evidence showing the difference having a doula can make to a family blows me away, and I’m so very honoured to be able to offer this support.
I love the outdoors and camping, have travelled widely and now love being a mum and all that it brings!
I have experience of supporting water births, home births, birth centre & hospital births, and elective cesaerean birth. Labour, birth and early parenthood are unique experiences and I consider it a privilege to support you in your journey whichever choices you make for yourself and your family.
My continuing personal development
Cultural competency & Safety with the SMC Community of Cultures – November 2021
Birthrights training – November 2020
Biomechanics for Birth with Molly O’Brien – November 2019
Beyond Rebozo with Nicola Nelson – June 2019
Sands training for Doulas – May 2019
Postnatal Recovery Massage with Sophie Messager & Teddy Brookes (Chiropractor) – February 2019
Diversity and Inclusion Awareness Training – November 2018
Safeguarding Training – September 2018
3 Step Rewind Trauma Release Technique with Mark Harris – April 2018
Loving the Multiple Mamas – Twins Training with Mars Lord – July 2017
Closing the Bones massage with Sophie Messager – January 2017
Gentle Birth Creative Healing Massage with Gowri Motha – Oct 2016
When Survivors give Birth workshop with Penny Simpkin – April 2016
Breatheology Acadamy Training – March 2016
Birthbliss Doula course with Kicki Hansard – Feb 2016
DBS certified
Food Safety for catering certified
