Doula, Antenatal and Postnatal Educator, Babywearing Instructor and Reiki Healer.
Workshops to help birth workers unleash their inner power through a unique blend of science and traditions.
Latest reads from my blog
Your postnatal recovery isn’t about how soon you can start doing chores
This morning, a antenatal teacher friend shared the local hospital’s leaflet about the timeline of physical recovery after a cesarean. It’s been a while since something in the birth world has triggered me as much as this leaflet did. The leaflet, whilst I’m sure is well meaning, appears to be something straight from a 1950’s…
Why a rebozo, shawl or scarf might be the most powerful tool in your toolbox
Why a shawl or scarf might be the most powerful tool in your tool box Over the last 8 years, since I started my reconversion in the world of science to that of a birthworker, the one tool that has amazed me the most is the humble shawl or scarf. You might know it foremost…
The background of the rebozo
I’ve written a guest blog for Birthing4Pros on the background of the rebozo The Background of Rebozo
Sophie’s guide to choosing a rebozo
When I started using rebozos 5 years ago, I only had one, a short, open weave one. It worked well for me, and I used it to support many mums through labour. Over the last 5 years, I have developed my own knowledge of rebozo use and how varied it can be. I have practised…
The gentle warrior-how to support women through a broken maternity system
During the first year I worked as a doula, I suffered massively burnout, and I had t learn to develop a new way to look after myself. One of the things I do, is try to always have some kind of bodywork treatment after each birth I support. I do this because supporting a woman…
Today I give myself permission to do nothing
Today is the first day of my cycle. Since attending a menstrual cycle workshop with Alexandra Pope of Red School a couple of years ago, I have come to understand that that the first couple of days of my cycle are days when I need to retreat into myself and do very little. Last month I…
What’s in your doula bag, and does it really matter?
When I started working as a doula nearly 6 years ago, I spent much time researching what other doulas had in their bags. I loved looking at blogs and getting ideas from other more experienced doulas. I discovered and bought much stuff, from honey straws to massage tools. Interestingly, many more experienced doulas told me…
The value of a doula
3 years ago I wrote my first blog post, in response to an article in the independent, accusing doulas of being money grabbing opportunists. Today I feel compelled to write another blog post, as this time a medical professional is saying that we charge “extortionate prices”. Dr Ahmed Rashid, an NHS doctor, wrote this piece…
The mother blessing -a mother centered alternative to the baby shower
Recently I had the privilege to organise a mother blessings for one of our local doulas who was pregnant. A mother blessing is an alternative to the “baby shower” were friends of the pregnant mother gather to give her presents. The big difference is that in the baby shower, all the presents are for…