Practical postnatal doula support for newborn families in Frome.

Embodied doula support for pregnancy, birthing & postnatal families

Support for growing families.

WHAT IS A DOULA?

A doula is a non-medical birth worker who can offer you emotional, physical, admin and home 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.

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 • me surfing the net for reliable 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 • chatting to midwives • getting that thing in your bag • finding your music playlists • holding your hand • massage in labour • advocating for you to make sure 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 • massage • 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.

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.

Doula optionsWays 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
 

£875.00

arrange a call / meetup

2 antenatal sessions
on call for your birth
2 postnatal sessions

Embodied Doula Support
 

£1250.00

arrange a call / meetup

5 antenatal sessions
- on call for your birth -
5 postnatal sessions
These offer space for more options around biomechanics based movement, optimal positioning, massage and embodied coaching.

Postnatal Plan
 

£375.00

book in & choose dates

5 postnatal visits
up to 2-3 hours long each
(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 IS A DOULA?

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

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.

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.

£875.00

'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."