I provide in-person, online or telephone consultations to inform, inspire, and empower parents to prepare for the wonders and practicalities of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.  Combining modern evidence, ancient wisdom and 37 years of professional experience as a former nurse and midwife, plus 4 as a birthkeeper. I am committed to assisting families to achieve the experience they hope for, preventing unnecessary birth trauma and helping babies to be born gently, and in love.

Over the last few years, the number of NHS antenatal and postnatal appointments has been drastically cut and staffing levels are often inadequate.  Midwifery clinics are often very busy, and individualised care from a known midwife can be is very limited. Maternity services are in crisis and families are suffering.

I can help families access pregnancy, birth, and postnatal information and provide support during some of the most important times in their lives. Everyone can enjoy the benefits of my services as an Independent Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Consultant. My care and support complement, but do not replace the care provided by your maternity care provider, and are accessible wherever you live in the world. having had extensive experience of caring for families both inside and outside the conventional industrialised maternity system, I help families take charge of their journey and make the best decisions for themselves and their family.

My role includes supporting and protecting normality, and helping you avoid unnecessary interventions or trauma through education and mentorship.  I can support you practically, emotionally and spiritually to keep your pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods as stress-free as possible, optimising the chances of you, and your baby being in the best mental and physical health possible, no matter what type of birth you have.

By giving you the opportunity to discuss issues relating to pregnancy, birth and postnatal transitions, I provide the support, information and time needed to explore all available options without agenda.  During your appointments I provide you with balanced information, shamanic ritual and ceremony so you can make informed decisions that are right for you, your baby and wider family.

Contact me by email or phone for a free initial 15-minute consultation.  During your call we can discuss your hopes and plans, and discuss which type of care would best suit your needs. Perhaps a one-off 60-minute consultation,  a package of support sessions, virtual or in-person birthkeeper support, joining my online community, or perhaps a self-directed online course.

My services compliment your usual maternity care from a midwife or doctor, and are not designed to replace it.  If you require medical care or treatment you will need to know how to access it (I can help you arrange this if needed).

I believe in keeping my care as affordable as possible, so please discuss if you are unwaged or are  experiencing financial hardship as concessions are available.

 

Pregnancy, and Postnatal Care and Support Sessions:

You can book just one, or many single sessions when you need them.  Or a book a Mini or Total care package, which consist of a pre-booked package of sessions at a discounted price.

Single Appointments

A one-off 60 minute consultation in person, by phone or online. These sessions can be used to de-brief previous birth experiences, talk through any fears you have, to make a comprehensive birthplan, to discuss your options for breech birth or vaginal birth after caesarean(VBAC). A single consultation costs £70. If you need another appointment you can simply book for another session. 

                                                                                              

Mini Care Package

A 5-session package –  plus one free consultation. Booked and paid for in advance, the mini package sessions can be booked for pregnancy, postnatal or a combination of both. The schedule of appointments will be finalised at booking when you have decided what will work best for you. You also benefit from free email contact with me throughout your care period. The mini package Costs £350 (saving £70 if sessions are booked individually). If you need more sessions, additional consultations can be booked at any time.                             

                                                                                                 

Full Care Package

This 10 session package, plus one free consultation – Booked and paid for in advance, your sessions can be booked for pregnancy or postnatal support, or a combination of both. Plus email contact throughout pregnancy, a 50% discount on my online courses and classes. Cost £700 (saving over £70 if sessions and courses are booked individually). If you need more, sessions you can book more at any time.                                           

Birth Support

I have been attending births for over 25 years as a former midwife and now birthkeeper. But as I age I’m working with less labour clients, being reluctant to attend extremely long labours because my body will not thank me if I do! I’m also really appreciating my time off-call, giving me more time to teach write and enjoy myself. That said, I do still attend births as well as providing virtual support.

I sometimes work with other trusted colleagues, or one of my students to provide full labour support in a number of ways. When you enquire with me we can discuss my availability and options which are listed below.

  • Back-up arrangement for when I am out of area teaching or on holiday etc. This does not involve you meeting the other birthkeeper unless I am away in the period around your due date. You will have their number for queries if I am not contactable, or if you have a medical emergency.
  • Partnership with an experiences doula or birthkeeper knowledge, who you will meet and get to know in pregnancy, to provide 50:50 shared care antenatally, one of us will then attend the birth with the other is backup if needed.
  • As part of their birthkeeper’s Path training I work with apprentices who may be able to assist you for part of your labour journey – usually the early stages, before a midwife is called, or before the pushing stage begins.
  • I provide backup for other birthkeepers or students who may need me to be on the other end of a phone, if needed during a labour, or may call me to attend one of their clients alongside them.

My basic package consists of 2 antenatal appointments, my Wisewoman’s guide to childbirth online course, attendance in labour and one postnatal appointment and costs £1,500 which includes the back-up support from a trusted colleague. Most people choose to add some additional sessions for birth preparation, or support at £70 each.

Virtual birth support is another option and consists of of 1 pregnancy session, me being on-call from 38-42 weeks, a 30 minute phone or zoom call, and a postnatal call for £500. This is particularly suitable if you have no known risk factors and are planning on calling a midwife or are planning a freebirth. If you are planning to give birth without a midwife I suggest you also take my birth without a midwife online course.

Once you have decided to book with me we can agree a schedule of care and book your appointments, in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Either in-person (if you live within 20 miles of Glastonbury, UK) in my Glastonbury Office, by zoom, or by phone, at a time to suit you.  Whichever option you choose, you can always add extra sessions later if needed.

  • Over the course of your pregnancy we will get to know each other,  building a trusting relationship, and giving you the time you need to talk about what matters most to you. 
  • I can share research-based information, and give practical tips for pregnancy, birth and beyond.
  • We can address your fears, or work with me to resolve previous birth trauma.
  • Regular appointments enable you to build your confidence in birth, and belief in yourself.
  • Prepare Practically, Spiritually and emotionally for the arrival of your baby. 
  • I can help you liaise with health professionals, and understand medical jargon.
  • You can use your sessions to prepare for Freebirth.
  • Once your baby has arrived I am available to support you and your family, as well as giving guidance on baby care, postnatal recovery, infant feeding etc.

As well as booking my professional support services, you can access my online courses, antenatal education, and virtual birth support .

Contact me here  for a free 15 minute phone call, to discuss how I can help you.                                                                         

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