Frequently Asked Questions

I am a qualified Interpreter and offer all services in English, Hindi and Punjabi.

I use scientifically evidence based methods which mean that they are age appropriate so for example I would use gentle hands on supportive methods for younger babies that does not allow them to cry at all. My studies have allowed me to look into the science behind human sleep and work with biological rhythms. I work with a range of methods from gentle hands on approach right the way through to stay in the room/supportive methods to extinction known as cry it out. I combine methods to suit your baby based on your parenting style and your baby’s temperament and needs. Each baby is different so each approach will be different.

Sleep coaching is not just teaching a baby to sleep. It is looking at development, behaviour, feeding and nap routine, bedtime, sleep environment, safe sleeping, nutrition to name just a few. These all contribute to healthy sleep habits. I have trained with Baby Sleep Consultant New Zealand; Emma Purde who runs an internationally recognised and evidence based training.

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) has published a report; the lifelong effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress along with a policy statement. AAP reviews stress levels in children reporting the following;

1. Positive stress response: a normal response that is helpful for the growth of your child. These responses are not intense, irregular and short. Whatever the stressful event the child remains supported throughout. Processing these emotions and resilience is learning skill when these events occur. When an event like this occurs biochemical reactions return to normal shortly after.
2. Tolerable Stress: These are longer and more severe responses. Examples include loss of a loved one, divorce, illness. When the stressor is removed the brain returns to normal if the child is safe, protected and supported.
3. Toxic Stress: This is a stressor that impacts the brain and body to such a level that recovery fails. Care giving is absence and the child is left damaged. Examples include sexual abuse, violence and household dysfunction

I do not promise stress free sleep coaching and no tears. However the above stress indicators give you a great example of how your child processes stress. When a child struggles to sleep it can be damaging. Sleep is essential to growth and development physically, mentally and emotionally. So many things happen when you sleep; your immune system rests and repairs, your cells grow, your brain develops and your emotions are able to regulate.  It is also vital for parents to get sleep. Sleep deprivation affects mental health, social relationships, diet, well being, relationship with partners and how you manage your children. We know that when we lack sleep it affects our energy levels and moods

Midwives are trained medical professionals: during your pregnancy and birth they monitor you and your baby’s health, performing procedures such as blood pressure, temperature and dilation checks. A midwife has a number of mothers under her care, while a birthing doula is completely exclusive to you. I’m here to meet your emotional, practical and physical (but not medical!) needs, offering reassurance, information and support to you and your partner.

During your pregnancy we’ll work together and with your midwife to ensure you have the most enjoyable birth experience possible, and that you’re equipped to deal with any unforeseen changes or challenges. I can’t replace your midwife’s specialist medical knowledge, but I can be a second, supporting voice and an unwavering advocate for your decisions.

When you go into labour you can call me at any stage. You may feel that you are coping and want some privacy. (I will be at the end of the phone right up until I come and join you). When you do want me to come to the hospital/your home I will make my way there. I will stay with you until after baby has arrived and you have given the first feed and are all settled. If however progress is slower then what we hope, for example over 15/20 hours, I will go home for a few hours and rest then come back. Babies give us good indicators when they are arriving. If it has been a long labour and there are signs that baby may come soon then I do not go home.

I do come to your home or hospital. If I come to you at home we transfer together to hospital, unless you are having a home birth.

To get the most from your birthing doula, you need to find someone that you truly connect with, and feel you can open up to and trust at this special time in your life. Doulas by nature are warm, caring and knowledgeable. I offer a face to face free no obligation meeting where you can ask me as many questions as you like, your partner/family can come along too. It’s a light hearted chat where we can see if we would like to work together.

Partners-to-be have a massive role to play during pregnancy and birth, and while they may not be so vocal, they have their own questions, worries and concerns too. Having a birthing doula also means that your husband or partner has someone they can turn to if they’re finding things difficult – or it can simply mean that they have the peace of mind that you have someone else to turn to for information and support that they may be unable to offer you themselves.

If your partner isn’t sure about using a doula, invite them to join you when we meet up – the 3 of us can have chat about my services and see how we all get along.

Families I have worked with have always been so appreciative of my support. It takes a huge weight from them; they have a shoulder to lean on, informative information especially in the moment of need, time out for a quick rest or a chance to give a massage whilst I talk to a midwife. These are only some of the benefits of having a doula.

I will require 1 to 1.5 hours’ travel time to get to you so when you call me please be aware of this.