I have been a Birth and Post-Natal Doula in Surrey for the past 7+ years, I now live in Cornwall on the north coast. I am a mother to 2 beautiful children. I know what its like to go through the pregnancy and birth thing alone....I had my two babies over in Sydney, Australia, without the support of family, or close friends. Hence why I became a Doula! I understand that becoming a Mummy is such a gift, and brings many moments of joy. I also know that it can be a big adjustment, and the learning curve can be steep. It's hugely reassuring to have someone there for you, to support you - even if you have a supportive partner. As your Birth Doula I will be your rock while you birth your beautiful baby, I will be a dependable part of your journey, supporting you with knowledge, love, and laughs. I know you can do THIS! I can also support you after giving birth - helping you to catch up on sleep, and can nurture you by making nutritious meals for dinner. I can be a listening ear, no matter what your concerns might be....As your Post-Natal Doula, I do all of these things, and much more....it's my absolute pleasure to be by your side at this precious time I have myself experienced Post Natal Anxiety/PND and so have an empathy for any mother experiencing the challenge of not feeling 100% after having a baby. My story: My interest in pregnancy and birth began after having two positive birth experiences of my own. I lived in Sydney Australia at the time, and began going to regular Pregnancy Yoga classes with other local mums-to-be. I had a wonderful teacher who passed me a book called: INA MAY’S Guide to Childbirth – it was this book and my Yoga classes, that inspired me to have an ‘Active Birth’ for the birth’s of my children (one a water birth, and one on dry land!) These positive birth experiences sparked my interest to teach Active Birth and Yoga to other women. It is my passion to pass on my positive experiences of birth, Active Birth and Yoga, and to support other women during their pregnancy, birth, and the post-natal period, physically and emotionally. I believe that a positive healthy mindset contributes considerably to your pregnancy, birth and mothering experience. I believe that with positive support, you will have a positive experience. Birth Testimonials: If I were grading Nikki out of 10, I would give her 11! She was calming, knowledgeable, supportive, untiring, and more than anything else she seemed genuinely invested in helping me to have the best birth for me possible. Annie During labour Nikki helped me massively with lots of low back massage/pressure, breathing, movement etc…without being interfering or intrusive. Nikki is obviously knowledgeable but doesn’t show any judgement to things you say and knows how to direct you to information in a very gentle way Katrina Post-Natal Testimonials: Nikki is in her calling as a doula. She is so engaged with children…. She is like a baby-whisperer, and can keep the baby calm where others can’t. She’s a complete natural! She’s a big researcher and reader who listens and learns from others experiences too. This is evident in the way her knowledge and her way of communicating. Her advice is delicately given, never preached, or given when unwanted. Nikki is an extremely empathetic person and she really helps by connecting and sharing personal experience. This helps you feel able to trust and talk to her as she is so genuine. I always feel that this isn’t just a job for her, and that she genuinely cares and wants to help. She goes above and beyond by offering advice through messages. Her help is always given with consideration to your parenting style. My baby Albert absolutely adores her too ❤ Juliet We are just so grateful that we have benefited from her kindness, sensitivity, calm, experience and empathy. She has been our Mary Poppins! Leza What next? Give me a call if you would like to talk through any questions you may have about employing a Doula for the birth of your baby, or have questions about Post-Natal support. My skills and training: My Doula training was originally with Dr Michel Odent (who has written countless books and is known for his role in the natural childbirth movement and for advocating the use of water during birth. I have also trained with Nurturing Birth. My personal experiences of my own births and as a Birth Doula make me well equipped to deal with the variety of birth choices and outcomes.. I have also been lucky enough to complete my training with Janet Balaskas at The Active Birth Centre in London (Founder of the Active Birth Movement). This training programme has been described as ‘groundbreaking’ – it is unique in that it encompasses: the physiology of birth and the importance of hormones during labour, active birth techniques, and also the emotional and psychological side of pregnancy and birth. Exploring ways that women and their partners may strengthen their emotional state for birth, and beyond into becoming parents. I am a Pregnancy and Post-Natal Yoga Teacher, and trained with ‘Birthlight’ Certifications: Active Birth Teacher Training – with Janet Balaskas and Jill Benjoya Miller (Empowering women and their partners for natural birthing in a way that is practical, popular and good fun. Understanding birth physiology and the principles of Active Birth) Seven Secrets of Birth & Active Birth – with Dominique Sakoilsky & Janet Balaskas (A unique combination of the 7 Secrets System and Active Birth creating the most comprehensive birth training available. This combination of physiological and psychological preparation, enables women to access the mind and body wisdom within and to release what gets in the way of accessing that wisdom) Wise Woman Workshop – with Jill Benjoya Miller & Janet Balaskas (When nature needs medical support, How to use medical routines and interventions with Active Birth) Paramana Doula Course Feb 2013 – with Dr Michel Odent and Liliana Lammers in London. Birthlight – Pregnancy Yoga Teacher training 2013 – 2014 Nurturing Birth Doula training Nov 2014 – Approved by Doula UK Dynamic Positions for birth – Study Day Nov 2014 Nurturing Baby Massage with Post-Natal Recovery – ‘Birthlight’ Feb 2015 Birthing for Blokes – Study day for birth Professionals April 2015 200hr Yoga teacher training (ongoing)