I have 3 children, born in 1999, 2004 and 2005.
I attended a training course, facilitated by Bushra Finch from Nurturing Birth in July 2007.
I have 8 years experience working with disabled parents to find suitable parenting strategies.
I have 16 years of working with disabled adults and children
I have written internationally published articles about parenting strategies.

Courses/Seminars and Workshops attended

Are you insured?

I am insured, for birth and postnatal doula work and also for working with disabled parents. A copy of my insurance certificate will be available for you to look at during our inital meeting.

Do you draw up a written contract?

Yes, which you will have your own copy to keep.

What do you see as your role as a doula?

I see my role is supporting, with consideration and kindness, the mother (and the rest of the family) and in assisting her to be empowered to have the birth she wants. It is also to give the mother the control of each decision that she makes regarding her labour and delivery.

What about pain relief?

I cannot tell you what you can or can't do, what you do or do not need. Pain relief is your personal choice, but I will support whatever decision you make. Pain relief is always discussed during antenatal visits.

How do you feel about breastfeeding?

Again it's personal choice for you, the mother. I will support your decision and provide as much information to enable you to make your decision.

What if I feel that I need more antenatal visits than 2?

Thats something we can discuss, I am happy to make extra appointments but there would be charge for them.

I don't think I can afford a doula?

Although I do have standard rates, I am open to negotiation, I know how expensive having a baby can be.  I will consider your circumstances if you ask me. 

As a Doula UK doula I am also able to access the hardship fund if you wish  Doula UK also have gift certificates - perhaps relatives/friends would like to 'club together' for the perfect baby present.

I also have my own gift vouchers available in amounts from £5 please look in my shop for details or ask me for more details.

Why did you decide to train and become a Doula UK doula?

When I decided to decome a doula, I looked at all available avenues and decided, that to be an effective doula I needed access to a great support network (mothering the mother takes a lot of emotional energy and having ongoing support and information so that I could do my best was important to me), and specialised knowledge - although I have children of my own, every birth is different and every woman is different.  I felt that I needed a more solid base of ideas.  Nurturing Birth best suited me and that is why I did my training with them.

I became a Doula UK doula as I firmly believe in the ethos of Doula UK.  The access to support and to become a part of an orgainised and non-profit orientated doula support network was very appealing.  I believe that being a doula is a privilage and by recognising that becoming a doula is a journey of experience I felt that by becoming a trainee with Doula UK and having a mentor to assist and support my journey (even after I become recognised) was a fundamental part of being a doula.