Doula-ing: support before, during and beyond childbirth

Birth support

Women supporting women through labour is an ageless tradition common to all cultures.  Traditionally, labouring women were surrounded by family members and experienced women from the community.  As childbirth became the domain of the medical profession and women moved into hospitals for birth, women lost their vital connection to one another during this time of intense physical, emotional and spiritual work.

But birth is still sacred, and babies need to be welcome with love and respect.  And as a woman, it can be one of the most amazing, powerful and life-transforming events in your lifetime.  Thus, as a doula, I believe that every woman can have that positive, protected and joyful journey through childbirth and into motherhood.

Unfortunately, there is no single map on how to get there. But thankfully, having the precious continuity of care of a doula can make a big difference. As a doula, I am here to help you identify your options, not to tell you what to do. Through the nurturing doula relationship, I am here to help you discover your own inner strength to increase your confidence in your natural ability to birth your baby your way.

If you would like to learn more about doulas visit:  http://doulafilm.com/

Birthing-in-awareness workshop

We honour the power and beauty of pregnancy and birth.  Our birthing-in-awareness workshop is different because it is holistic: preparing the body, mind and heart.  We work through a variety of multi-sensory activities to tap into our body-mind wisdom.  We know that learning is more than accumulating information; it is about practice and envisioning what you want to  be real.  Parents-to-be explore the power of birthing-in awareness, which will be an invaluable tool in your birthing journey. Topics to be covered: the physiology of birth, the labyrinth of labour, the mind: pain-coping mechanisms, staying in the present moment: the use of the breath, the wisdom of the body: active birth, the natural continuum: caring for your baby, breastfeeding as an act of love, and the post natal period: rest and recover.

Lon Gibbons (www.longibbons.com) and I co-teach these monthly couples workshops at Anoushka's yoga in Earlsfield (www.anoushkasyoga.com).  As doulas that have attended many births, we feel that we offer a more matter-of-fact, honest approach to what an invigorating experience of labour and birth can be. Great as a re-fresher for 2nd time parents.

Breastfeeding support

The transition from the womb to the world is always easier when breastfeeding.  I became an accredited La Leche League (www.laleche.org.uk) leader, because over the years too-many-to-count women had shared with me how they regretted not being able to breastfeed at all or long enough.  Thus, I have supported on a voluntary basis hundreds of women through our national helpline, and I currently co-lead the LLL West London monthly group meetings. 

I also host LLL coffee mornings on the last Friday of every month.  They are informal gatherings which provide an opportunity to speak to a LLL Leader and/or chat with other mothers in your area who are sharing a common experience. They are friendly, confidential, and open to all mothers, soon-to-be mothers and children (breastfeeding or not!). Bring a healthy snack to share and contact me for exact location details.

Full information pack available upon request.