Hello. Thank you for taking the time to read my biography. Congratulations on your pregnancy. How are you feeling? Overwhelmed? Doula support could be invaluable! Here is a little bit about me. I am married to Ian and I have one grown-up daughter, Mollie, who was conceived after an unsuccessful round of IVF and born via an emergency caesarean. It was wonderful to be a mum at last. I have two stepsons and seven wonderful grandchildren who all live nearby. I am an aunt to eight nieces and nephews and a Godparent too. I am retired from nursing. Most of my nursing career was spent looking after babies, children and their families. I have always loved supporting mums and dads, guiding them through the challenges  being parents brings. With my experiences as a mum, nanny, aunt and nurse, I believe I can make a positive difference to your pregnancy and birth journey, giving you practical and emotional support and providing you with educational materials you may need. I have a TENS machine, birthing ball and peanut ball for you to borrow. I have a library of books and films I can lend to you. I have a birth pool to hire. I can research and resource information on any topics you may need further information on, ensuring you get the best possible, safe advice. Having a doula can help you to achieve the best possible birth experience, unique to you. The continuity of care that I will provide will help you to have a rewarding and satisfying experience. I can guide your partner to support you within their own comfort level, striving to make this life changing event positively memorable for you both. When you go into labour, or think you may be in labour, I will join you when you want me to, at home or at your birth place of choice. I will stay with you throughout labour and after baby is born. I can help you to establish feeding and bonding during the first precious hour after baby's birth. I will stay with you until you are ready for me to leave. As your doula I will respect your wishes and confidentiality  at all times. I won't give you medical advice but I will help you to learn all you need to know to make informed choices and to achieve your unique birth. I believe that if you are well- informed and prepared for labour, your instincts and self-belief will get you through this most amazing, challenging and rewarding time. I can be contacted via e-mail or telephone (calls or messages) at all times. I am DBS checked and monitored by Doula UK. Postnatally, being new parents or having an addition to your family can seem overwhelming. Chores can mount up, tiredness kicks in and you can feel overcome by it all. This time is so precious and you  want to be able to focus on nurturing your new-born. As your postnatal doula, I can support you practically and emotionally. We can arrange visits at times to suit you and your family and I will endeavour to help you with what you need most to make your life run smoother. As an example, I can help with household chores or play with other siblings whilst you tend baby. I can care for baby whilst you get a much needed rest or have a shower, or some well-deserved me time. I will be led by you. I also over over-night support. Catching up on your sleep can help you to heal physically and emotionally and help you to re-set your parenting journey. Please feel free to contact me for further information. We can have an informal, no-obligation chat about your individual requirements. I will answer all enquiries as soon as I can. I look forward to hearing from you.