In May this year I was diagnosed with a very rare cancer called ocular melanoma. This means I have a tumour in my eye, behind my retina. This kind of cancer can spread to the liver, so as well as radiotherapy treatment for the tumour, which involves a hospital stay to have a radioactive plaque Continue Reading
The Hoaxer of Covid: The Strange Case of Munchausens By Internet
Munchausen by Internet in the Doula Community Dr Kathryn Newns, Clinical Psychologist Introduction There is an individual described who contacts a Doula – by text or telephone - saying that they are in labour and are alone. The doula then supports this person through labour. The baby is born, Continue Reading
Breastfeeding in Coronavirus Lockdown? A Cuppa With a Breastfeeding Counsellor Might Be Just What You Need
You see, someone who just thinks breastfeeding is cool and thinks you should breastfeed isn't a breastfeeding counsellor. Someone who tells you what to do isn't a breastfeeding counsellor. Someone who can't explain how breastfeeding works isn't a breastfeeding counsellor. That person who Continue Reading
Getting Breastfeeding Going When Your Birth Has Gone Tits Up
Let's face it, there are a lot of birth plans changing right now and a lot of anxiety and trauma as a result. I can't emphasis enough that building your team is more important than ever. Emotional support is always worth it's weight in gold but at the moment, it's essential. Support from Continue Reading
Looking Back
Sit by the birthing pool: damp sleeves, time stands still, Dozy from heat and lack of sleep. The offering of small bites and little sips. Hand on shoulder, soft words spoken slow, Warm water welcomes babies, washes women, makes tea and milk and tears flow. Each birth Continue Reading
Natural homebirth – not just for hippies! Guest post by Paula Cleary
Today's post is a guest piece by my lovely friend Paula Cleary, doula and childbirth educator in Norfolk. This article went rather viral a while ago (funny how that is such a loaded word these days) but has been homeless for a while. Paula would like it to live here for a bit and for that, I am very Continue Reading
Doulas and Moolah: Money, Money, Money in a Rich Man’s World.
Attitudes to Money When I asked a group of doulas to tell me what they immediately think of when I say the word money, the responses were interesting Tree! I need one. I find it embarrassing to ask for. The root of all evil. Bills What do I owe you? I never seem to have quite Continue Reading
Being Loved in Abobo: What Africa has to Teach us About Supporting Mothers
I am honoured to host this article by my friend and colleague Becky Young. Becky is a doula and breastfeeding counsellor who recently travelled to the Ivory Coast. Read on for her reflections on parenting in this wonderful country and how it throws our way of life in Europe into stark relief. Continue Reading
Sweet Sixteen Doula: My 2019
This year I've officially been doulaing for 16 years. And just like my real 16th year, it was full of love, adventure, awkwardness and a looking forward with excitement to what the future brings. There has been joy and heartbreak, beginnings and endings, and most importantly, this year has been Continue Reading
Building Bridges: Questions Midwives Ask About Doulas
Over the years I have been lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to talk to groups of midwives about the doula role on a number of occasions. Sometimes they are student midwives and sometimes experienced, qualified midwives. The last couple of years I have had the pleasure of talking to Continue Reading