My Story: from labcoat to healing hands

Life has a funny way of taking you places you never expected to go. If you’d told me back in 1997, as I was packing up my lab coat and PhD in Physiology of Reproduction to leave France, that I’d end up where I am today, I’d have laughed in disbelief.

My plan was simple: pursue my career as a biology research scientist in the UK. Just a short stint, I thought. Well, the universe had other ideas. One job offer led to another, and before I knew it, I was putting down roots in Aberdeen, Scotland, falling in love with a wonderful man named Chi, moving to Cambridge, and starting a family.

I’ve always been a bit of a science geek. But then came the births of my two children. Talk about a paradigm shift! These experiences, both supported by a doula, cracked open something inside me I didn’t even know was there. Suddenly, pipettes and petri dishes lost their allure. I found myself drawn to a new calling: supporting expectant families and birth professionals.

So, in 2010, I took a leap of faith. I traded in my lab coat for a new adventure in the birth and perinatal field. And oh, what a transformation it was! I became an NCT antenatal educator (yes, I’ve got a diploma for that too – old habits die hard!), a birth and postnatal doula, and even a babywearing instructor.

But it was supporting births that truly opened my heart in ways I never expected. There I was, a former scientist who prided herself on objectivity, finding myself moved to tears of joy as I witnessed the powerful emotions and energy of women bringing their babies into the world. Me, crying! Something that never happened in all my years in the lab. The raw emotion, the power, the swirling energy, the sheer beauty of birth – it touched a part of my soul I didn’t even know existed.

For six years, I also ran a free sling clinic. The look on those mums’ faces when they saw their babies contented and got their hands back – it made my heart sing every single time. It’s those moments of connection, of relief, of pure joy that made me realise I had found my true calling.

This new work brought a level of fulfilment and emotional richness that I never experienced in my scientific career. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my research, but this… this was something else entirely. It was as if my world exploded into vibrant colours.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. As I delved deeper into this work, I stumbled upon the closing the bones ritual. It was like someone had flipped a switch inside me. Suddenly, I saw the profound importance of nurturing new mothers. This revelation led me to write “Why Postnatal Recovery Matters” – a book that’s now been translated into Italian, German and French. Who would’ve thought?

Now, remember that science geek I mentioned earlier? Well, she was still there, but she was starting to get curious about things that couldn’t be seen under a microscope. Being present at births reignited a yearning for something more… spiritual. Feeling the powerful energy in the birth room, I found myself drawn to energy work, becoming a Holy Fire Reiki and Reiki Drum practitioner and teacher. I even became a drumming circle facilitator. Past-me would’ve raised a very sceptical eyebrow at all this “woo-woo” stuff, and it took me a while to reconcile and embrace my two opposite sides, but now I’m completely at ease with it. I just finished writing a new book about how drumming supports women’s growth!

As deeply rewarding as my work as a doula was, I found myself drawn to explore even broader horizons. In 2022, I made the decision to step back from active doula work. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I felt called to expand my support to women beyond just the birth journey. Now, I focus on guiding women through all of life’s major transitions – be it the birth journey, perimenopause, a late ADHD diagnosis, or any of the myriad changes we face as we grow and evolve. It’s like I’ve zoomed out from one specific, albeit incredible, moment in a woman’s life to embrace the entire panorama of women’s experiences. This shift has allowed me to weave together all the threads of my journey – the scientific side, the emotional depth of birth work, and the spiritual practices I’ve embraced along the way. It feels like coming full circle, bringing all parts of myself to support women in becoming their fullest, most authentic selves.

These days, you’re as likely to find me facilitating a shamanic drumming circle in the woods as you are to catch me geeking out over the latest research. I love nothing more than helping people who were like I used to be – too much in their heads, yearning for more wholeness and spirituality in their lives – to develop their “woo” side.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me walking my dog in the local nature reserve, taking a dip in the river (yes, even when it’s so cold I have to break the ice to get in!), drumming with other women in nature, running wheel of the year ceremonies, or losing myself in the rhythm of a 5 rhythms dance. It’s all about staying connected – to nature, to my body, to my spirit.

Looking back, it’s been quite a journey from the sterile world of labs to the rich, messy, beautiful world of birth, energy, and spirituality. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every step has led me here, to this place where I can blend science and spirit, helping others navigate their own transformative journeys.

So, whether you’re a holistic professional looking to deepen your practice, an expectant or new mother seeking support, or someone feeling that pull towards something more spiritual in your life – I’m here. Let’s explore this beautiful, complex, amazing journey together.