Joy London Colombe

About Me

Hi, I’m Joy and I love babies and children of all ages. I have four grown-up children of my own, two step-children and four grandchildren at the last count!

I can hardly remember a time when babies and children were not a part of my life. When I was only seven my mother arranged with the matron of the local Barnardo Home for my sister and I to visit and spend time with the children. On most weekends we had Barnardo children in our home. At that age I was given the responsibility of walking these children to our home and in the park.
My first job after leaving school was as a Nursery Nurse at Dr Barnardo’s . After a short spell in an office in London I returned to a Barnardo’s day nursery.

Influences
Had I been aware of the idea, I would have become a Doula long ago. My love of babies, the miracle of birth, and an overwhelming belief in the benefits of breast feeding, would have inevitably led me in this direction.
However it wasn’t until I stumbled on a newspaper article that I became aware of the idea although I had read books by Michel Odent, Frederick Leboyer, and Janet Balaskas.

Experiences
Three of my children were born at home. The first by forceps delivery and the next two with no complications and one midwife present. My fourth child was born in a birthing unit with my husband, my other children and a close friend present.
The birth was slightly more complicated and it was at this point that I appreciated the support of a female companion who was totally in tune with my experience at the time – my Doula!
Although not present at the birth of my daughter’s first child, I was with her in less than 24 hours. She had been through a traumatic time and I helped her in the initial stages of recovery and breast feeding. I was happy that my own positive experience of breastfeeding in particular could be used to encourage my daughter.
Recently I was in constant contact with my step-daughter, during her pregnancy and the birth of her first child. She was planning a home delivery but in the event, after a long labour, the baby had to be delivered by emergency caesarean.
Shortly after that, I was able to stay with her, in the capacity of post-natal Doula. I was able to encourage, discuss and assist her in coming to terms with what had happened.
A year on she is still successfully breast feeding a healthy and happy baby boy.
In November last year, I returned to my daughter’s house to care for her and her family before, during and after the birth of her second child. Everything went well and it was wonderful to be involved in this joyful occasion. By taking care of the day to day practical aspects in the home my daughter and her family were free to enjoy and bond with their new daughter and sister.

How I can help you.
I am passionate about supporting and empowering women on their journey to motherhood and have a strong belief in the body’s innate ability to give birth without medical intervention (whenever possible). I will support and encourage you however and wherever you decide to give birth, including the time before and after the experience, as required.
If you choose to breastfeed your baby I will be delighted to encourage and support you. Having breastfed my own four children for between 22months and a number of years, I am convinced of the emotional and physical benefits to both mother and baby.

Do contact me by e-mail or telephone for a chat.
I would love to hear from you.
E-mail:  joylondon@btinternet.com
Tel: 01492 623784