Emma is a recognised birth doula anda trainee postnatal doula.  She is undertaking the recognition process as a with Doula UK and therefore receives mentoring to develop as a doula.

In April 2007 my baby boy, Ellis, arrived after a quick and uncomplicated labour in the birthing pool at the LGI. I found the first stage of labour quite frightening and doubted my ability to give birth drug free. But once in the water I felt completely calm and knew my body could do what it needed to. In the days following Ellis's birth I felt completely overwhelmed and vulnerable, knocked flat by my feelings for him. I felt like the generic advice I was being given about breastfeeding and sleeping went against my instincts as a Mum. I wish I had discovered slings and La Leche League a bit sooner! As a doula I wish to enable women and their families to make informed choices about birthing their baby and to help parents feel confident in their ability to care for their newborn.

Before retraining as a doula I spent 4 years in a residential unit for disturbed children. After that (and a bit of traveling) I worked for 2 years in a Family Centre in Bradford, supporting children and families experiencing family breakdown and social exclusion. Earlier this year I trained as a La Leche League breastfeeding peer support counsellor and offer my services at the local medical centre. I am currently studying for a Masters, which involves learning about the emotional and social development of babies and children using psychoanalytic theory as a framework.