Rachel has undertaken the recognition process as a with Doula UK Via the mentorship programme she is a recognised birth and postnatal doula.

I am mum to Jed born in November 2004 via C-section due to being breech and to Nell born in July 2007 via VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section) using http://www.natalhyponotherapy.co.uk/ CD's. This birth was so totally different and such a positive experience compared to my first birth, which had left me feeling very negative about the whole birth process and my bodies' ability to 'perform' how it was supposed to.

I am a Chartered Physiotherapist and work part time within the NHS. I love my work but wished to be able to empower women to achieve a positive birth experience whatever their wishes but especially to achieve VBAC. I felt this could be achieved by retraining to become a Doula and undertook my studies at the same time as Emma and Julia on the http://www.nurturingbirth.co.uk/course in January 2008.  I am now also about to embark on my journey as a trainer for other women who wish to be doulas, via the Nurturing Birth Doula Preparation courses.

I reguarly attend the homebirth support group and I am co- leader of the Caesarean and VBAC support group locally.  I also work as a breastfeeding supporter at my local childrens centre.  I volunteer as a PR group member for DUK and as a buddy for new doulas in the area.  I also am the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Representative for DUK and the National Regional Rep Co-ordinator, supporting about 40 other doulas.  

Autumn of 2011 I will be going on maternity leave for the birth of my third child but will be taking some work on from the new year (2012) so still feel free to contact me.