MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A DOULA

I have a background in care, specialising in Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), working for a variety of charities, Specialist Education Schools and as a consultant for schools, including a collaboration with The University of Reading devising an anxiety programme for those with ASC. What does this have to do with being a Doula? It was from this background of being within health and social care that led me onto this path. Whilst pregnant with my first child, I began volunteering with NCT (National Childbirth Trust) and still do today.

Over the years, I’ve added more training, children and volunteering. Including breastfeeding training with ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers), where I am also a mentor for new and qualified students and I also volunteer with APNI (Association for Post-Natal Illness). I have also contributed to the NICE (National Institute for Health & Social Care Excellence) Intrapartum Care guidelines when it was first published in 2014. More recently, I am apart of  a Diversity Network, for a national charity as well as on the infant feeding committee for Doula UK. 

As a Doula, I feel that it is important for mothers and their families to feel supported before, during and after. Phyllis Klaus refers to Doulas as ‘heart work’ and I couldn’t agree more, as a Doula it is wonderful to see parents grow in confidence, from the support that they have been given. For the services that I offer please feel free to get in touch, there are many different options available and one that would be able to suit your needs.