It’s time we place the emphasis on ‘experience’ because birth is about more than simply a healthy baby and mother/parent. We need to understand that we are more than just a number in a system. Whilst a fundamentally normal physiological function of our bodies, it’s also an incredibly transformative experience. One that will stay with us …
Every birth experience is unique, special and transformative Read More »
I strongly believe this to be true! But what does this mean for those who’s finances don’t afford them a doula? I was recently chatting with one of The Original Birth Connection Birth Worker Training Programme trainees about this and I thought it would be useful to others to share some thoughts. Whilst in ancient …
Just a fad? Having a doula became quite the thing in recent years. With the rise in celebrities like Meghan Markle having a doula at her birth, suddenly everyone seemed to want a doula too! In light of this doulas are seen by many as a trendy fad. I believe this has a lot to …
As we move back into this latest form of lockdown I’ve been reflecting on how the pandemic has impacted the work birth professionals do. It’s been a bit of a shit show! Doulas – birth workers – birth professionals are not viewed as essential by government or the NHS despite the evidence to the contrary! …
There are loads of birth worker – or doula – training programmes available in the UK so why did I decide to create another one. Not because I think I’m the shizzle of all birth workers and therefore you should all follow my lead. But because I wanted to create a programme that really equips …
Why I created a birth worker training programme … Read More »
You’re feeling all kinds of uncertain at the moment. Covid is still happening and effecting the provision of maternity services and; this might be your first pregnancy, you may want something different from last time but unsure how, or what, to ask for. At this point in our conversation I’d be steering you towards writing …
Your birth plan is the gateway to a fearless birth Read More »
This is so important when planning how you want to birth your baby. Your plan Pretty much EVERYONE acknowledges that it’s important to have a birth plan. Your birth plan is an opportunity to express your wishes on paper about how you’d like you birth your baby. Given that it is your human right to …
I know you want all the ‘feels’ – right? You picture your birth – and its beautiful and calm and your surrounded by love and your baby arrives easily and wonderfully – and its, well, perfect! When you picture your birth your don’t envisage having to negotiate and ask lots of questions and feel in …
It gives me great pleasure to welcome Sarah Ballard, experienced doula and postnatal group facilitator who has written a guest blog post about what to do in your postnatal period during these challenging times! Your new baby As anybody knows, having a baby is a challenging yet delicious time, made even harder by these intense …
Well this is totally fucked up isn’t it? Having been in self isolation for 12 days, for what may or may not be Covid-19, I can happily say I’ve run the entire gambit of emotions. I feel completely gutted that I missed the birth of my lovely client but she had an amazing birth and …