The following was, more or less, a speech I gave at the 2014 Doula UK conference. I am passionate about breastfeeding and the ways in which doulas fit into the breastfeeding support landscape. I'd like to take you on a little tour of some of the social attitudes to breastfeeding that interest me Continue Reading
Living and Loving by Numbers
Tapping in my pin number always makes me smile. If you know me well, ask me why - the answer is infantile humour but helps me remember it. I don't have a good head for numbers, in fact I'd go so far as to say I'm pretty much number-blind. As I tapped in my pin the other day, I suddenly had an Continue Reading
The ‘C’ Word
Choice in Childbirth. What is it, what does it mean and why is it so important? As doulas, we talk about choice all the time, sometimes in a rather casual, throw-away kind of way. We all know about the importance of women having a choice about things like where to have their baby or what medical Continue Reading
Planning a Wedding
This is a guest blog post from my dear, imaginary friend Janet. She wrote me a letter recently with the happy news that she is expecting to get married in the spring. It is copied here verbatim. "Dear Maddie, It was so nice to hear all your news! I'm well too and I have some good news for you - Continue Reading
Nibbling the Biscuits, or, Why I Love Waiting
At the risk of you all getting the impression that I only ever think of my stomach, I am reminded today of the way I used to eat biscuits when I was a child - still do in private, if I'm honest. I first revelled in the anticipation: just knowing they were there, a whole packet of bourbons or jammy Continue Reading
RCM Reports new Doula UK Initiative
During World Doula Week, a new doula initiative is announced. Reported here by the Royal College of Midwives - doulas are working to provide support to those most in need. http://www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/news/new-doula-initiative-is-announced/ Continue Reading
Nibbling The Biscuits
At the risk of you all getting the impression that I only ever think of my stomach, I am reminded today of the way I used to eat biscuits when I was a child - still do in private, if I'm honest. I first revelled in the anticipation: just knowing they were there, a whole packet of bourbons or jammy Continue Reading
What is a doula?
So, what is a Doula and What Do You Get Out of Having One? A doula is a well-informed friend. She's there for you when you need a listening ear. She points you in the direction of good quality information to help you make decisions along the way. She encourages you to work out what it is you want Continue Reading
The Love Drug that Helps You Give Birth
Many doulas who are new to the role tell me that they feel they should be ‘doing something’ when they are with a woman in labour. They feel helpless in the face of the contractions that are challenging their clients’ strength and emotional resources. They want to take away the pain. This is, of Continue Reading
Group B Strep Support
Group B Strep, GBS, Strep B...what is it and what ramifications does it have for your pregnancy and birth? GBS is a bacteria that can colonise the human body. It is very common and usually causes no problems. Around a third of women are said to be carrying the bacteria in their vaginas. Most of the Continue Reading