Resources

First of all, I want to say again, a very warm welcome to you!  I’m so pleased that you have stopped by and I hope that you will find what you are looking for here and that this visit will be one of many.

Where to begin? That depends a little on where you are on your journey, but I’m guessing that some free resources might be an agreeable place to start. Because I work with women (and men!) at different stages of their journeys, I’ve divided up the free resources below according to where you may be at – before the birth, during the birth, after the birth – so feel free to skip down to what is most useful to you.

You can also learn about the FREE healing sessions here – these are suitable for women at all stages of their journey.

You can also purchase the ‘Feel more in control of your next birth’ 30-minute audio recording and PDF here. This is a low cost set that both stands alone as a practical resource for women who want to feel more in control of the next birth and offers a taster of my 1:1 work and group classes.

Cost: £12

Are you a doula, aspiring doula or childbirth educator (or other birth professional)? I’ve got a separate free resources page for you here.

Most of the free resources are drawn from my blog and my weekly ‘Connections‘ videos – these come out  on Tuesdays, and are full of practical tips for mothers and doulas alike. You can find my introduction to the series and what it’s all about in this first video.

The easiest way to stay up to date with what’s new on the blog is by signing up to my email newsletter here.

 

After the birth

  We’ll start here, because actually this is where many, many women begin their work with me (and much of this will be useful to those who are preparing to birth again following a difficult or traumatic experience).

If you are struggling right now, know that help is available to you and that healing is absolutely possible.

Do join in the free healing sessions. I also hope these posts and videos will support you on your journey.

What really matters, Three myths about birth trauma and a message about healing, Can I understand the truth of what happened in my birth from my notes? and Do I have to tell my story to start healing from birth trauma?

You may also find useful  Connecting with your emotions when it hurts! and On resistance for busy mothers who want to change

There are lots, lots more free resources on the blog, so do have a browse.

 

During the Birth (and all about doulas)

 

Here’s my very first video on an essential tool for labour and birth – every woman and every birth partner can use this tool, regardless of the kind of birth that happens. Please see the next section on ‘before the birth’ for more tools for preparing for labour and birth.

And the very popular Will having a doula kill the intimacy of birth?

Everything you need to know…or at least to get started with, answering those FAQs about birth doulas…

What is the evidence for doulas? Yes, there is evidence that having a doula makes a difference to women’s and men’s experiences of labour, birth and parenthood. Read on…

It is totally normal for dads and partners to feel a little hesitation as they think over whether or not to work with a doula. After all, we live in a culture where dads are expected to do it all! And many dads are afraid that in the already busy birthing room another person will just kill the intimacy. The reality, with the right doula, is something entirely different. Learn more about  dads & doulas.

Want a more intimate look at what it’s like? You can read birth stories from some of my fabulous former clients – Juliette’s Birth (a hospital water birth that took place at the RVI), Aurora’s Birth (a home water birth that didn’t wait for the midwives!) and Lily’s Birth (a hospital birth that took place in Sunderland). You can find lots more birth stories of all descriptions on my blog if you want to read on.

Okay, so now you’re thinking about it. But how do you go about choosing the right doula for you? Here are my top tips on choosing a doula.

Ready to take the next step? You can learn more about my doula services or book your free consultation now.

 

Before the birth

 

Yes, it seems we’ve gone about this in reverse order! But really we’ve come full circle. Especially for those of you who are thinking about trying to conceive or are newly pregnant for the 2nd (3rd, 4th or more!) time.

And a couple of the most popular videos for pregnancy include:  If you do only one thing in pregnancy, do this! and Connecting with your baby before birth (this last one also includes a free audio file with a guided meditation to help you connect with your unborn baby).

You may also enjoy:

Should I just go with the flow in pregnancy and birth?

Your baby’s umbilical cord, what are the options?

What you **need** to know before you give birth

Should I lower my expectations for my birth?

And some past blog posts The gift of fear, Power vs. Control…some further reflections on birth plans, and Discernment.

I hope you will find these resources helpful – do let me know if you have any questions or comments.