Reba Guest

About Me

I believe the journey to parenthood is where some of the fastest and greatest changes occur to us as adults.  As women our bodies grow rapidly and our brains must adapt to this. As hormones alter our functions, and perceptions of ourselves and the world around us change, we face a rate of growth much like that of the newly born or the rate of change we see in our teenagers. Transition to parenthood is a steep curve.  A truly momentous life journey that deserves its rightful place and where it lays is a place of deep respect and trust, in believing in the power of the feminine and a non judgemental space to be and birth however we decide.

I have supported births at home to those at Midwife Led Units and Delivery Suites.  From Houses to Yurts. A variety of couples to women choosing to go it alone.  We all have our story but when I get to witness someone fall in love right in front of your eyes…. I thank my lucky stars to have chosen this path or that this path has chosen me!

A bit of background

Hey, I am Reba… a 50 year old mother of three (daughter 29, son 21 & daughter 19).  Irish born and London reared; I moved to Cornwall 20 years ago where I finally found myself by the sea. Now living and loving life, at a time that between having grown children and becoming a grandmother. I have the honour of caring for my beautiful Lurcher Pearl (who is more creature than dog) and two very chatty cats.

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 transferrable to birth and in the healing of the body postnatally This was never more apparent to me than after the birth of my third (and largest baby).

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 eat. 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 hehe).

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) my mother was there. By my third birth (again at home) I was confident enough to have my eldest daughter present also. Such a magical experience!

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 recognising 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 in, living in an environment that offers 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.