Practical postnatal doula support for newborn families in Frome.

Embodied doula support for pregnancy, birthing & postnatal families
Support for growing families.
What's a doula?
A doula is a non-medical birth worker who can offer you emotional, physical, life admin and soul support during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. You're looking for someone who you can feel really comfortable with.

I focus on helping people find ease in times of transition based on making choices through embodied awareness and evidence-based information. A.K.A. getting good information to feel empowered in your choices.
What is a doula?
Support for newborn families
Traditionally, families would have the support of the extended family and community during this important stage, however the way we live now mean families are often more spread out and lives busy, while the need for help remains. Doula support can nurture and support the parents during this intense time of change; offering whatever combination of practical and emotional support is needed for the birth and postnatal care.

Postnatal doula support aims to assist family bonding with a newborn. The first weeks with a new baby is a time of transition, healing and adaptation for the whole family. It’s important that new parents take care of themselves in order to care for their new baby. I’m happy to help families during this transition period, as well as further into the first year of parenting as needed, my definition of 'postnatal' is a bit longer than others.

How does it work?
Think of me as more of a "mothers' help" than as an expert coming in to do or fix things. I will be guided by your needs and wishes (and I’m happy to clean the dishes).

We can chat about what help would most benefit you – birth debriefing if your birth experience is running through your mind, help with light housework (e.g. washing up and laundry), simple home cooking, providing information on baby wearing, support with breastfeeding, time to have a bath or eat lunch with both hands, massage, yoga, a listening ear and giving time and space for mum (and dad) to rest and recuperate.

NB This is not to take care of baby, but to help you find your way in the early days. It’s a similar approach to the Dutch ‘kraamzorg’ as described in The Independent.

Rates

£20 per hour (minimum 2 hour booking)

Worried about money?
Talk to me about options for payment / skill exchange / concessionary rates.

Get the help you need with your newborn.

More about Emilie and her qualifications.
About me
Hi, I'm Emilie and I'd love to support you through the body, mind and emotional transition into parenthood. Whether it's all new to you or you're growing your family, an extra pair of hands, a familiar face and an non-judgemental listener can make a big difference.

I'm mum to 2 boys and am passionate about geeky stuff like anatomy and embodiment (how we inhabit our bodies) & ideally how we can use those things together for a more full experience in this here life. I love taking a holistic approach, but I'm not hippified, I was raised by scientists and I like facts and logic.

I love cake (eating and baking), vintage stuff, dancing and ginger tea. If you're looking for a birth or postnatal doula please have a read and get in touch if you'd like to meet for a chat.
book a chat
39% decrease in Caesaerean rates with continuous doula support.
15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth with doula support

38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score after a birth supported by a doula.

Know exactly who is going to support you through your pregnancy and birth.

31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with your birth experience when supported by a doula.
what's a doula, and how does this work?
Doulas don't do any of the medical or midwifery bits, but can be there as a continuous calming, solid presence through pregnancy and into early parenthood, to give you the smoothest transition possible.

pregnancy
planning for birth and beyond
Through pregancy we can get to know one another, explore options for birth and make plans for the kind of support you need. Having enough sessions with time to chat and get to know one another makes supporting your birth and postnatal period easier, but if you're close to dates and seeking support that can still work really well.

What it might look like: • antenatal sessions round your birth choices • teaching your partner massage techniques • showing you movement that can help balance your pelvis for optimal positioning • signposting sources of info so you don't have to look at all the stuff on google • tea and cake • listening and talking • looking at options • planning for birth • talking about the stuff that might be holding you back • what-ifs & after baby arrives...

birth
having a doula there for your birth
I go on call for families at 37 weeks and will be available 24/7 for you to call if baby's on their way. I will normally come to you sooner than you'd go to hospital or call a midwife out (for a home birth), so I'm there with you earlier in labour with you at home.

What it might look like: • giving your partner time to rest • hanging out with your older kids • keeping things calm • making tea • getting that thing in your bag • finding your music playlists • holding your hand • massage in labour • advocating for you so that your choices are informed.

postnatal
early weeks with a newborn
Adjusting to life with a new baby is full-on for most people. Whether it's your first or you have other kids, it takes time to adapt and get to know one another. I can make visits to you in hospital if you stay in, and help you get settled in once you arrive home.

What it might look like: • listening to your birth experience • putting the kettle on • picking up milk and loo roll if you've run out • cooking for you in your home so the fridge is stocked with meals and snacks • running you a bath • watching baby while you rest • going out with you on a walk or to an appointment • hanging out with baby's big brother or sister • shoulder rubs • helping you find appropriate support for healing postpartum.
Emilie's training
Slightly addicted to doing courses, these are just some of her trainings & experience over the past 14 years or so...

• 9 month training as a Doula and childbirth educator with Relaxed Birth & Parenting
• Advanced Biomechanics for Birth
• Certificate of Embodiment Coaching - 2021
• Movement Ecology for Pregnancy and Postnatal - Kay Bowman (biomechanics)
• 200 hour Yoga Teacher
• Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training with Nadia Narain
• Nurturing Birth Doula
• CPD with Michel Odent 'Birth Reborn'
• Natal Hypnotherapy Study Day
• Birth Crisis workshop with Sheila Kitzinger
• Homebirth Conference 2016 with Ina May Gaskin
• MotherMassage pre and postnatal massage training with Elaine Stillerman
• Dancing for Birth®
• Positive Birth Movement Facilitator
• Franklin Method Pelvic Fascia Trainer 2021

When she's not doing calm, grounded, caring, earthy stuff, Emilie's also a pro-hula hooper and teaches people how to do fancy tricks with plastic circles. Emilie has a digital DBS that you are welcome to check online.
Relaxed Birth & Parenting Doula and Childbirth Educator
9-month training with Dominique Sakoilsky, 2008.
Nurturing Birth Doula
Trained with Nurturing Birth Doulas in 2012.
Guest teacher
I'm proud to be aligned with the Continuum Doula Training as a method of practice and as a guest teacher on their training.
'However much we know about birth in general, we know nothing about a particular birth. We must let it unfold with its own uniqueness.'
Elizabeth Noble
'I do not care what kind of birth you have... a homebirth, scheduled cesarean , or if you birth alone in the woods next to baby deer.

I care that you had options, that you were supported in your choices, and that you were respected.'
January Harshe
Buy Now
'A woman in birth is at once her most powerful and most vulnerable. But any woman who has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know.
Marcie Macari
"Experience of the phenomenal capacity of our birthing body can give us an enduring sense of our own power. Birth is the beginning of life; the beginning of mothering, and of fathering.
We all deserve a good beginning."
Sarah Buckley
my offers
Your package may include some or all of the following:

Birth 'planning'
We'll talk through the anatomy, physiology and emotions of birth.

As well as learning more about your body, how to be a badass birth partner and what to expect, you'll get tools you can start practicing right away.
Massage & Movement
I see these as part of preparing for birth. Biomechanics informed movement & massage is included in your package. You can add more at a discounted rate if you would like to.
'On call' for your birth
I will be on call for you from 37 weeks until your baby arrives.

I'll not be on call for anyone else.

On call means 24/7 here.
Birth debrief
An open ear to hear your experience, this might be previous birth or the experiences of friends or family that you'd like to talk about.
Support for your partner
As well as being there for the person who's giving birth, I'm here to support the rest of the family too. So dads or birth partners get the preparation, support and rest they need too.
Fact finding
I can help you filter info to find evidence based resources to help with decision making and planning for birth and beyond.
Postnatal Care Plan
We'll put together ideas for the early days and weeks with your new baby to help ease into life as a bigger family.
Help with siblings
Emilie is DBS checked and experienced with kids of all ages.

She's especially good at lego, hide and seek and reading stories.
Feeding Support
Practical support for your choices.

Emilie's an NCT trained breastfeeding peer supporter
Light housework
Help you keep on top of the everyday tasks so you can focus on your baby without feeling overwhelmed by other stuff.

Cooking
Simple, nourishing meals and snacks. I am happy to help with basic meal prep in the early days with your newborn.
Getting out
An extra pair of hands to help get you out for a walk, to an appointment or baby group.
some of my skills:
Massage for labour
Active birth techniques
Biomechanics for Birth
Using a scarf for massage & positioning
Acupressure
experienced in supporting:
hospital birth
home birth
first time parents
water birth
birth using hypnotherapy
VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean)
Birth after a tramatic experience
experienced in supporting:
Breastfeeding
Postnatal depression
Baby wearing
Single parenting
Pelvic floor & Diastasis Recti recovery
Home cooking
Happy to come and cook batches and cookies in your home so you're fridge is stocked with one-handed snacks and nutricious homemade meals.
postnatal yoga classes
Baby and Me Yoga classes offer a feel good fusion of yoga based stretches, songs, dance and relaxation. Lovely sensory classes, perfect to get postnatal mums moving while engaging baby.

Suitable from around 6 weeks to crawling, please get in touch to chat with me about starting.

Get in touch to find out more - Emilie

0753 604 9097
book
postnatal massage
In the weeks and months after birth you go through a tremendous amount of change, both physically and emotionally. Massage can provide relief from aches and pains, help balance hormones and provide time and space for your thoughts.
Learn More
Abdominal separation
Were you checked for abdominal separation after your birth? If you have a separation and would like some help to heal it please get in touch.
Find out more
Doula options
Ways to work together. We can chat about in-between options too... Extra postnatal visits can be added or booked separately to a birth package - they include planning for postpartum.
Essentials Birth Support

£1250.00
arrange a call / meetup
2 antenatal sessions
on call for your birth
2 postnatal sessions
Embodied Doula Support

£1800.00
arrange a call / meetup
5 x antenatal sessions
- on call for your birth -
5 x postnatal sessions
4 x Embodied Coaching sessions

This packages offers space for more exploration into biomechanics movement, optimal positioning, massage and embodied coaching.
Postnatal Plan

£375.00
book in & choose dates
15 hours postnatal care
Can be short check-ins or up to up to several hours long
(Frome only)
• 1 visit before birth to plan for postpartum
• Phone / whatsapp support

call

home

Embodied doula support for pregnancy, birthing & postnatal families

Support for growing families.

What's a doula?

What is a doula?

Support for newborn families

How does it work?

Think of me as more of a "mothers' help" than as an expert coming in to do or fix things. I will be guided by your needs and wishes (and I’m happy to clean the dishes).

About me

39% decrease in Caesaerean rates with continuous doula support.

15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth with doula support

38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score after a birth supported by a doula.

Know exactly who is going to support you through your pregnancy and birth.

31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with your birth experience when supported by a doula.

what's a doula, and how does this work?

Doulas don't do any of the medical or midwifery bits, but can be there as a continuous calming, solid presence through pregnancy and into early parenthood, to give you the smoothest transition possible.

pregnancy

planning for birth and beyond

birth

having a doula there for your birth

I go on call for families at 37 weeks and will be available 24/7 for you to call if baby's on their way. I will normally come to you sooner than you'd go to hospital or call a midwife out (for a home birth), so I'm there with you earlier in labour with you at home.

postnatal

early weeks with a newborn

Adjusting to life with a new baby is full-on for most people. Whether it's your first or you have other kids, it takes time to adapt and get to know one another. I can make visits to you in hospital if you stay in, and help you get settled in once you arrive home.

Emilie's training

Slightly addicted to doing courses, these are just some of her trainings & experience over the past 14 years or so...

• 9 month training as a Doula and childbirth educator with Relaxed Birth & Parenting

• Advanced Biomechanics for Birth

• Movement Ecology for Pregnancy and Postnatal - Kay Bowman (biomechanics)

• 200 hour Yoga Teacher

• Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training with Nadia Narain

• Nurturing Birth Doula

• CPD with Michel Odent 'Birth Reborn'

• Natal Hypnotherapy Study Day

• Birth Crisis workshop with Sheila Kitzinger

• Homebirth Conference 2016 with Ina May Gaskin

• MotherMassage pre and postnatal massage training with Elaine Stillerman

• Dancing for Birth®

• Positive Birth Movement Facilitator

• Franklin Method Pelvic Fascia Trainer 2021

When she's not doing calm, grounded, caring, earthy stuff, Emilie's also a pro-hula hooper and teaches people how to do fancy tricks with plastic circles. Emilie has a digital DBS that you are welcome to check online.

Relaxed Birth & Parenting Doula and Childbirth Educator

Nurturing Birth Doula

Guest teacher

'However much we know about birth in general, we know nothing about a particular birth. We must let it unfold with its own uniqueness.'

Elizabeth Noble

'I do not care what kind of birth you have... a homebirth, scheduled cesarean , or if you birth alone in the woods next to baby deer.I care that you had options, that you were supported in your choices, and that you were respected.'

January Harshe

'A woman in birth is at once her most powerful and most vulnerable. But any woman who has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know.

Marcie Macari

"Experience of the phenomenal capacity of our birthing body can give us an enduring sense of our own power. Birth is the beginning of life; the beginning of mothering, and of fathering.We all deserve a good beginning."

Sarah Buckley

my offers

Your package may include some or all of the following:

Birth 'planning'

Massage & Movement

'On call' for your birth

Birth debrief

Support for your partner

Fact finding

Postnatal Care Plan

Help with siblings

Feeding Support

Light housework

Cooking

Getting out

some of my skills:

Massage for labourActive birth techniquesBiomechanics for BirthUsing a scarf for massage & positioningAcupressure

experienced in supporting:

hospital birthhome birthfirst time parentswater birthbirth using hypnotherapyVBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean)Birth after a tramatic experience

experienced in supporting:

BreastfeedingPostnatal depressionBaby wearingSingle parentingPelvic floor & Diastasis Recti recovery

Home cooking

Happy to come and cook batches and cookies in your home so you're fridge is stocked with one-handed snacks and nutricious homemade meals.

postnatal yoga classes

postnatal massage

In the weeks and months after birth you go through a tremendous amount of change, both physically and emotionally. Massage can provide relief from aches and pains, help balance hormones and provide time and space for your thoughts.

Abdominal separation

Were you checked for abdominal separation after your birth? If you have a separation and would like some help to heal it please get in touch.

Doula options

Ways to work together. We can chat about in-between options too... Extra postnatal visits can be added or booked separately to a birth package - they include planning for postpartum.

'I do not care what kind of birth you have... a homebirth, scheduled cesarean , or if you birth alone in the woods next to baby deer.

I care that you had options, that you were supported in your choices, and that you were respected.'

"Experience of the phenomenal capacity of our birthing body can give us an enduring sense of our own power. Birth is the beginning of life; the beginning of mothering, and of fathering.
We all deserve a good beginning."

Massage for labour
Active birth techniques
Biomechanics for Birth
Using a scarf for massage & positioning
Acupressure

hospital birth
home birth
first time parents
water birth
birth using hypnotherapy
VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean)
Birth after a tramatic experience

Breastfeeding
Postnatal depression
Baby wearing
Single parenting
Pelvic floor & Diastasis Recti recovery