My Story

My journey into birthwork began in 2017 when I became pregnant with my daughter. It was a tough time for me both physically and emotionally. I though I was prepared for birth and that I’d done the preparations I needed to, but I hadn’t. The experience left me feeling overwhelmed and eventually led to a diagnosis of postnatal depression and PTSD.

However, everything shifted during the postnatal period. I dove into learning everything I could about birth; reading, listening to podcasts, watching videos and I started exploring ways to support my healing. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about pregnancy, birth and the power of informed choice.

Hearing other people’s positive birth stories inspired me even more. I kept learning, tuning into empowering experiences and tuning out fear-based narratives. I knew then that I wanted to help others feel supported and confident in their own journeys.

In 2020, I completed my Continuum Doula training in Frome and I finally felt like I’d found my purpose in life.

Since then, I have been working as a full-time doula from my home in Shepton Mallet; walking alongside families from all around Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Bristol, as they prepare for birth - offering support, education and advocacy, so they feel empowered every step of the way.

Want to know more about my story and what led me here?
Fill out my contact form and we can arrange a discovery call.

CONTACT FORM

Specialist Areas

Having experienced perinatal mental health challenges and PTSD throughout my own antenatal and postnatal journey and having been a breastfeeding mother for three and a half years myself, I find that these are two areas of support that I am particularly drawn to supporting 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 into 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.  These learnt skills can then be used moving forward into your parenting journey.

  • “Clair was so, so, so empathetic and understanding on a real emotional level that I really needed, I didn’t need to explain my feelings as I knew Clair just got it. I didn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed, something I was uptight about before reaching for support.”

    Alisha & Liam

  • “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

  • “She was such a fantastic support to me. She went above and beyond to help me feel secure and supported. She’s incredibly kind, intuitive and knowledgeable. All of these things combined.”

    Tamsin

  • “Clair is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met, she is so positive and so helpful. She listened to absolutely everything I needed to say and even sat on the end of the phone with me when I had a cry after a difficult day. Her positivity just radiates from her, something that's really needed in those early postpartum days when everything can seem very bleak.”

    Ashleigh & Joe

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.

GET IN TOUCH

Training and Qualifications

I am a fully accredited Doula UK Birth and Postnatal Doula, 3-Step Rewind Trauma Resolution Practitioner, Mindful Breastfeeding Peer Supporter and am a qualified 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, paediatric first aid trained and have a full, clean driving licence.

Doula UK

The Area I Cover

I live in Shepton Mallet and am ideally situated for families planning home births in Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath and the surrounding areas. I will attend your birth at home, at a midwifery-led unit or at a hospital. I attend births at Frome Birth Centre, Chippenham Birth Centre, Bath Royal United Hospital, Yeovil District Hospital and Taunton Musgrove Hospital; including Bracken Birthing Centre.

I travel and work within an hour’s drive from my home, covering the counties of Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Bristol.

“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