My Story
My journey to birthwork started in 2017 when I fell pregnant with my daughter. I had a turbulent pregnancy and suffered with my physical and mental health. I had no energy to prepare myself for birth and entered this phase unsure of what to expect and not ready for what was about to unfold. I lacked control during my birth and the negative emotions I was left with resulted in a diagnosis of postnatal depression and PTSD.
However, during the postnatal days everything changed. I submerged myself in many hours of reading, listening to podcasts, watching videos and researching how I could help myself and my family during my recovery. I practiced techniques, tapped into other professionals and absorbed myself in the birth world. It became a passion and a driving force to help me get better.
My interest grew when I heard other’s stories. Those that were positive and empowered. I researched more, building my knowledge of pregnancy and birth whilst exposing myself to more positive stories and tuning out the negative narrative from today’s society. It was then that I knew I could make a difference.
I continued to work part-time, whilst balancing my role as a mother and embarked on my Continuum Doula training in October 2020. Held in a safe space, I was able to grow and nurture my newly found path and I finally felt like I had found my calling.
Today, I am a full-time doula. I spend my working days educating and supporting families of their birthing rights. I walk alongside and advocate for them, as they make their own informed choices, feeling fully prepared for the incredible journey ahead!
Want to know more about my story and what led me here?
Fill out my contact form and we can arrange a connection meeting.
Specialist Areas
Having experienced perinatal mental health problems and PTSD throughout my own antenatal and postnatal journey and having been a breastfeeding mother for three and a half years myself, these are two areas that I am particularly drawn to and passionate about.
I am trained in a trauma recovery practice called 3 Step Rewind and have gained qualifications as a Mindful Breastfeeding and Mindful Parenting Practitioner. Both my lived experience and that of the clients I have worked with previously, gives me the knowledge and skills I need to tailor my service to your individual requirements.
Incorporating mindfulness practices to all of my offerings, means that I am able to impart tools which will help you to take control of your own mental and physical wellbeing, whilst being supported in a safe and nurturing environment.
“I was suffering from postnatal depression and honestly I feel that Clair helped me through a very tough time with her patience and kindness and unconditional support. I knew that she was always at the end of a phone call if needed. Her empathy helped me feel comfortable to share my struggles as a mother without fear of judgment.”
— Elizabeth
I will be…
Supportive
I can help you in making informed choices to achieve an empowered birth experience and support you in creating a long-term positive attachment with your baby.
Empathetic
I will treat you with unconditional positive regard. I will hold a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings, without fear of judgement or bias.
Inclusive
I will be your ally and will actively involve and support your whole family and birth team, inclusive of all of your individual needs. I will advocate and respect your wishes.
To find out more about how I do this, get in touch today.
Training and Qualifications
I am a fully accredited Doula UK Doula, 3-Step Rewind Trauma Recovery Practitioner, Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner and Early Years Practitioner.
Through self-study and additional certified training, I am constantly improving and keeping up-to-date with the latest evidence-based information.
I am insured, CRB checked and have a full, clean driving licence.
The Area I Cover
I live in Shepton Mallet and am ideally situated for families in Somerset, Bath and the surrounding areas. I will attend your birth at home, at a midwifery-led unit or at a hospital. I am happy to travel and work within an hour’s drive from my home.
“For far too many, pregnancy and birth is still something that happens to them, rather than something they set out consciously and joyfully to do themselves.”
— Sheila Kitzinger