I started the year with twins. Sitting in the quiet, dark hours with a mother as she feeds one, and then the other. I hold a baby, pat and settle them both. Whisper reassurance into the gloaming. Christmas lights still twinkle outside the window. I doze on the sofa til daybreak. Next Continue Reading
Birth Trauma: The Emotional Ripple Effects
"At least you have a healthy baby" "It's over now, focus on your lovely baby" "It's horrific isn't it? You'll soon forget the pain and want another baby, LOL" "Chin up, try not to let it get to you" "All that matters is a healthy baby" "Why are you crying?" "You didn't really think you could Continue Reading
Kerching! Doulas, Money and Judgement
I feel I have to finally say something because it's been gnawing at me for a while. When I read and listen to conversations between doulas, when I hear midwives making judgements about doulas charging for their services it makes me sad. Here are some things I want to say: Yes, it's ethical Continue Reading
Dear Fed Is Best…
Today's guest post is by doula and trainee breastfeeding counsellor Becky Young. Trigger warning, contains content about an ill baby. I am honoured to host this story of suffering and prevailing breastfeeding trauma. If you have unresolved feelings of grief around your breastfeeding journey, please Continue Reading
Breastfeeding Celebration? The Lights Go Out in Blackpool
Today's post is from Zoe Walsh, a doula and trainee Breastfeeding Counsellor in Blackpool who is joining us to speak out against the cuts to breastfeeding support during 'Breastfeeding Celebration Week'. If, like us, you feel there really isn't much to celebrate (other than the amazing families who Continue Reading
Breastfeeding Celebration Week? Kent Speaks Out
Today's post is from Anna Le Grange, an IBCLC in Kent who is joining us to speak out against the cuts to breastfeeding support during 'Breastfeeding Celebration Week'. If, like us, you feel there really isn't much to celebrate (other than the amazing families who breastfeed in spite of the lack of Continue Reading
Breastfeeding: What’s to Celebrate in Kent?
This is the first in my series of guest blogs for our alternative Breastfeeding 'Celebration' Week. See my post for the context and an explanation of the week and how we feel about it. In the context of the swathing cuts that infant feeding support has suffered over the last couple of years, we feel Continue Reading
Breastfeeding Celebration Week?
So the Department of Health have, at the eleventh hour decided we WILL be having a Breastfeeding Week this year. Apparently, in the 4th week of June, there will be a series of blogs by Viv Bennett, Chief Nurse and Director of Maternity and Early Years, and...well, that's it. So that appears to be Continue Reading
Breastfeeding: How Society Makes a Difference
This is a guest post from my lovely friend and doula trainee, Rosie Spampinato. I have encouraged her to write this post to illustrate the power that society has on our breastfeeding journeys. We do not nurse in a vacuum, but are prey to all the influences, good and bad, that society can throw at Continue Reading
My Doula Year: banging the drum for justice
It's been quite a year. Not just for me, but for the wider birth world. This year heralded the beginnings of the implementation of the Better Births report. Continuity of Carer is really on the horizon - for those not in the know, that means the prospect of all women being able to get to know a Continue Reading