I have three grown up daughters and having the wonderful experience of raising my own children, I felt drawn towards wanting to help others in their transition to parenthood and have now been a doula for many years. I feel passionately that the right support can bring great comfort and strength and make all the difference in having a positive, empowering birth experience and adjusting to becoming a family. I have supported many families through the birth of their first, second and the odd third baby! It's so lovely keeping in touch over the years. My philosophy throughout is one of nurture, care and encouragement. As a birthing doula I will help you prepare antenatally so you go into your labour with confidence. We arrange several one to one antenatal sessions (which can include hypnobirthing or you can join one of my group hypnobirthing courses). I also weave in alot of my experience having been at over 400 births, and prepare your partner to be the best support they can be. I support births at all the local hospitals so can give you specific tips on the one you are going to. I am then on call for you from weeks 38-42 weeks, 24hrs a day. During the birth, I work quietly alongside you, protecting your birth space and helping you feel secure and calm, so enabling you to trust your body and let go. Importantly I will help you voice your wishes to medical staff. The first few weeks of a baby's life is an exciting time. However, it can be exhausting, overwhelming and an anxious experience for new mothers and families. My aim as a postnatal doula is to provide continuous emotional and physical support to help you in the early days. In supporting your family, you will be able to rest, relax and enjoy your precious new baby. I offer guidance and encouragement with the routine care of a newborn, I can also prepare meals, shop, run errands and look after older siblings. I will always offer a soothing listening ear when needed. My experience includes VBAC, caesareans, water births and twins and home births. Courses include: Nurturing Birth Katherine Graves Hypnobirthing teacher Paediatric First Aid Water Birth Study Day Breastfeeding Study Course Sarah Buckley Study Day - Undisturbed Birth and Ultrasound Safety Michel Odent Study Day Rezobo Massage practitioner Baby Massage and Baby Yoga Teacher Accupressure I hold Public Liability Insurance and I am CRB checked.