A bit of background Hey, I am Reba... a 52 year old mother of three (daughter 32, son 24 & daughter 22) and grandmother to my beautiful month old granddaughter Raye. Irish born and London reared; I moved to Cornwall 20+ years ago where I finally found myself by the sea. Other members of the family are a beautiful 1 year old New Zealand Huntaway and a rather large ginger Tom called Asterix aka Skatcat.
I am a fully recognised Birth Doula and trained with the mighty Kate Woods @ Conscious Birthing in 2019.
I have a background in Zoology with a keen interest in mammalian birth physiology. Day to day I teach Pilates and never tire of observing folk working deep within their bodies. I believe that connecting mind and body with movement and breath is a useful tool in maintaining balance in the throes of modern life. These same skills are transferable to birth and in the healing of the body postnatally. I have trained in Post-natal Recovery Massage with Closing of the bones and get so much delight in nurturing the post natal body.
Although we may come in all shapes and sizes, colours, creeds and preferences, pregnancy and birth are what connects us all and I believe in embracing the multifaceted society that we live in. When I have time on my hands, you will find me outdoors enjoying all that nature offers. I enjoy spending time in my garden. I love to travel and I love to cook and to see the pleasure that food brings. Of course messing about in/on the water is a given and I am a qualified Rescue Diver and First Aider (but fret not, I won’t be trying to join you in the birthing pool with my mask and tank).
I discovered the benefits of a doula when I was having my first child (in the guise of my own mum). Although at the time, I didn’t know it had a name! I found that having an experienced woman by my side who knew me, was extremely beneficial to both me and my partner. When the day came that I birthed my second child (at home) without a midwife present (not intentionally), again my mother was there by my side. By my third birth (again at home and yes my mum was with me), I was confident enough to have my eldest daughter present also. Such a magical and empowering experience for all involved! And only recently, I had the honour of supporting my daughter whilst she birthed too!
As your birth doula: My aim is to offer support in guiding you through the journey of pregnancy towards birth and early parenting. Encouraging you to discover the right path for you and the reminder that your mind and body are able to face what birth can bring. With continuity, a friendly face and a bag of tricks that I term as my “Hermiones bag”! I am here not to replace your partner but to empower both – as my support extends to them also. As a woman, I believe in the ability to give birth unassisted and yet being familiar with the patterns of what is normal and recognizing what then appears abnormal comes from experience learnt and passed down. Bringing back the knowledge of our ancestors, with awareness of the privileged position we find ourselves living in where we have expert medical assistance when needed.
I am here to listen without judgement and to help navigate through choices and preferences. Birth package consists of initial meeting to connect (with no charge). Two to three visits (depending on requirements), which can include accompanying you to appointments and other support. Being on call for you and present at the birth, staying with you to make sure you are comfortable and that the baby has fed. Two further visits (preferably within the first couple of days post delivery and again after a week or so (depending on requirements). Time together to debrief.
"I knew I would be physically and emotionally supported throughout my birth, and that enabled me to relax and enjoy it"
As your Postnatal Doula: I can offer both practical and emotional support in the weeks following birth. Time to debrief if you feel it would be helpful and to support you as you navigate your way through these early days. There are no time restraints on booking, whether it be for an hour or over night, I am here to help. I can offer time out for you. From baby holding to looking after siblings, bathing to assisting with feeding, cooking or even taking the pooch for a stroll. Just get in touch for a chat which will allow us to find out if we are right for each other... No obligation no pressure.
