I offer non-judgemental and inclusive support for all types of families and all types of births, accompanying you through every stage of this transition. 

It is all one long journey to become and be a parent: conceiving, being pregnant, sometimes loss, grief, giving birth, recovering, healing, while becoming responsible for someone's survival, emotional and cognitive development. And somehow socially (and from a health system care support) these tend to be dissociated. But not for you and not for me, they are obviously all interlinked and I like to bring this continuity to the center of my support even if you book me just for 1 type of support.

As a part of your "birth team", I see my role as providing a constant and reassuring presence. I am there to help fill in the gaps in the gaps. While our healthcare system and your close ones do the best they can care for you (in their own capacity), I provide continuous support and help you to navigate through potentially conflicting information or unsolicited advice.

You can contact me at any point with any pregnancy, birth, and postpartum-related questions, resource inquiries, doctor's appointment follow-ups, or even if you just need someone to talk to! 

In addition to these packages, I can occasionally offer one-off consultation for specific support, so don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your needs!

/ BIRTH DOULA:

Commonly called birth doula, the support is very much perinatal: during pregnancy, labor, birth, and a little beyond. 

My goal is to assist you in experiencing an empowered, safe, and positive birth. As your doula I do not replace the role of your partner or the health professional, I strive to only enhance the experience!

• During our antenatal visits, we will get to know each other, discuss your birth desires, expectations, preferences, and feelings.
• I will support you to elaborate your birth plan, cover comfort techniques, explore the health care options.
• I'll support you to make informed decisions by signposting resources that will be relevant to you.
• I will encourage you to follow your instincts and wishes – I'll be by your side however you want to live your experience. 
• I'll respect and protect your space while providing a calm and peaceful environment during labor and birth as well as the following hours.
• Alternatively, with hospitals and maternity restrictions I can also look after your kids at home (if you already have some) and /or prepare your home for your return.
• I also like to cover the subject of the postpartum period and talk about expectation and how to prepare for a calm and connected experience.

My birth doula services include:

• 4 antenatal visits, (more visits can be planned)
• Labor support begins whenever you feel you need it until you are settled with your baby.
• 1 or 2 home postpartum visits, to debrief your birth experience, your feelings, and what's potentially challenging.
• I'm available to you for phone and email support 
• I will be on call from week 38 until the baby is born.
• My initial in-person consultation is free of charge and enables us to learn more about each other and determine if we will be a good doula-client fit.

/ POSTPARTUM DOULA:

As your postpartum doula, I will provide support and companionship in your home during the “fourth trimester” to allow you to recover gently from childbirth and foster your own maximum self-determination with your new baby. 

Each client's needs vary so much depending on the individual, but there are a few universal postpartum needs: emotional and physical support, rest, and healthy, nourishing food. 

• Being a listening shoulder, while helping you with practical chores around the house. 
• Help you become confidant and at ease caring for and soothing your newborn baby.
• Offer you reassurance and encourage you to follow your inner instincts. 
• Whichever way you decide to feed your baby, feeding is a privileged time for bonding with your newborn(s), I'll make sure to provide a practical and emotional foundation for you to be calm, connected, and confident. 
• I will assist with newborn care as well as sibling adjustment.
• Offer evidence-based information on newborn feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth and other issues related to the postpartum period.
• Cook nourishing, healthy meals for you and your whole family.
• Help you create a safe co-sleeping arrangement or any other sleeping setup adjustments 
• Help with light housework and laundry.
• Help you determine if you need medical advice or guidance from another expert and then signpost if necessary. 

I typically operate on a minimum of 20 hours of 3 to 4-hours sessions as well as overnight support. Feel free to get in touch and we can chat about it.

Training and affiliation:

2015 Paramana Doula Course: with Dr. Michel Odent and Liliana Lammers 

2107 Nurturing Birth: Doula preparation course 

2018 British council: Active Citizens Community program leading to 

2018 -2020 Bump Buddies volunteer: a mentorship program supporting and new mums initiated by the Shoreditch Trust

2019 Aimee Hamblyn Sri Lakshmi: Working with Energy for Birth workshop

2019 Nurturing Birth: Supporting Every Birth workshop