I trained as a doula with Liliana Lammers and Dr. Michel Odent and am a certified Active Birth Teacher by Janet Balaskas.   I believe every woman should consider an active birth but that can happen in a variety of settings (hospital, home, birth centre, etc) and alongside a variety of medical interventions or pain relief options. I am a certified breastfeeding counsellor but can assist you in bottle feeding your baby in a baby friendly way if that's what is appropriate for you.   I follow the guidelines from UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative in all of my work. I am insured, have a valid DBS ('CRB checked') and various First Aid certifications. I regularly update my knowledge through additional professional development with the Breastfeeding Network, Royal Society of Medicine and other relevant organisations. I am motivated to be a doula because I am passionate about maternal health (in all senses of the word!) and access to choice and information surrounding birth.  I am interested in how this plays out in my own backyard and around the world.  A portion of my doula income is given to support women's birth rights in the global south and I volunteer locally with new mums who have overcome unique obstacles in life. I am originally from Canada, and I have two daughters who are 13 and 17.  My husband is originally from Kenya, and we all live in Highgate. I look for ways to laugh when things get tough, I have a secret addiction to property shows and I love Haribo.  I balance my doula work with a freelance career in social finance in the City.