I have always felt passionate about supporting and caring for new mothers in those exciting (and also exhausting) first few months. In 2016 I had my first child. Those early days with my daughter were difficult, learning how to manage reflux whilst trying to breastfeed. Desperate for some rest and support I hired a local doula, who looked after her for a few hours a week and I gradually gained confidence in my own fledgling parenting style. When my son arrived in 2018 it was a life-changing moment. He was born extremely prematurely at 28 weeks and spent his first three months in hospital (you can read more my postnatal journey with him here). Inspired by the support I received, but the lack of support I saw mothers around me receiving, I trained as a doula last year. I completed my training with BirthBliss Academy and I’m a registered member of the Doula Association.

Before hiring one myself, my impression was that doulas were too ‘hippy’ and not my cup of tea. But there are as many different types of doula as there are types of women. It’s all about finding the right one for you and your family. If you are looking for a doula who is calm, practical, non-judgmental, and straightforward then I may be the one for you.