I believe that birth is a natural event and understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour.
It is my privilege to accompany you on the unique journey which is your labour and and the birth of your baby.
I have attended births at home, in birth centres and in hospitals; waterbirths and "dry land" births; standing, squatting, all fours, lying; completely unmedicated and with pain relief; with fathers present and without; every birth has been different because every baby is different and every woman is different. But every single one has been an honour to be present.
I have four children and all their births were very different experiences. Muhammad was born in 1985 by caesarean section following a failed induction; Safiyyah was a hospital vbac in 1995; Ismail and Hamidah, born in 1997 and 2000 were born at home.
My varied experiences of birth have shown me that the manner of the birth has very real and far-reaching consequences for the mother, the baby and the rest of the family. I am determined that all women should have the best chance of experiencing the fulfilment and power of birthing their babies.
It is always a privilege to witness a new life entering the world, no matter what the circumstances, but I have to admit to a special buzz when a woman has a natural birth following a previous caesarean or other difficult experience. I really appreciate the sense of triumph and belief in herself that a woman feels in these special circumstances.
I belong to a community where a woman always has a friend with her during the birth, so I was a doula before I ever heard the word. At one of these births a midwife told me about doulas and persuaded me that I should become a doula outside my own community. I was amazed to find that what I loved doing so much had a name and a career path! I trained with Michel Odent and Paramana.
After training in 2004 I joined Doula UK and I abide by their philosophy and code of practice. For the past three years I have held various voluntary posts for Doula UK and am a previous chair and vice chair. I have been a trainer with Nurturing Birth since 2006.
In 2005 I trained with Rosita Arvigo in America and am now a certified Maya Abdominal Massage practitioner. I have also done a short course in homoeopathy. I am a member of Birth Companions who offer doula support for women in prison and have worked with pregnant refugee and asylum seekers.
I home educate Safiyyah, Ismail and Hamidah. Every day is different and we enjoy
many activities and days out. Our educational philosophy is to allow the children to explore those things that interest them. These are often unexpected and involve us all learning together.
My varied experiences of birth have shown me that the manner of the birth has very real and far-reaching consequences for the mother, the baby and the rest of the family. I am determined that all women should have the best chance of experiencing the fulfilment and power of birthing their babies.
It is always a privilege to witness a new life entering the world, no matter what the circumstances, but I have to admit to a special buzz when a woman has a natural birth following a previous caesarean or other difficult experience. I really appreciate the sense of triumph and belief in herself that a woman feels in these special circumstances.
I belong to a community where a woman always has a friend with her during the birth, so I was a doula before I ever heard the word. At one of these births a midwife told me about doulas and persuaded me that I should become a doula outside my own community. I was amazed to find that what I loved doing so much had a name and a career path! I trained with Michel Odent and Paramana.
After training in 2004 I joined Doula UK and I abide by their philosophy and code of practice. For the past three years I have held various voluntary posts for Doula UK and am a previous chair and vice chair. I have been a trainer with Nurturing Birth since 2006.
In 2005 I trained with Rosita Arvigo in America and am now a certified Maya Abdominal Massage practitioner. I have also done a short course in homoeopathy. I am a member of Birth Companions who offer doula support for women in prison and have worked with pregnant refugee and asylum seekers.
I home educate Safiyyah, Ismail and Hamidah. Every day is different and we enjoy many activities and days out. Our educational philosophy is to allow the children to explore those things that interest them. These are often unexpected and involve us all learning together.