My name’s Charlie (they/them*) and I’ve always been fascinated by birth and newborns - in fact, I used to think everyone was as keen to attend a birth as me!
Working as a nanny with young babies made me realise how much I enjoyed working as a team with a family in this special time. I have also come from a background of working with adults with mental health and neurodiversity support needs. Having a knowledge of trauma is central to my practice.
I believe everyone deserves support through pregnancy and beyond, and deserves to be loved and nurtured during this rite of passage.
Aside from being a birth nerd, I spend as much time in nature as possible and particularly enjoy foraging and crafting my own DIY herbal medicines. My other favourite thing to do is cooking - I can’t wait to share my home cooked meals with you!
*Learn more about pronouns here: www.mypronouns.org
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I believe in navigating important life events surrounded by community.
I am super inspired by the communities in my life to become a reliable and nurturing part of the network for families during one of their biggest times of transition.
I am a member of a Lewes Birth Collective, a community project supporting parents with a ‘nurture hub’ sessions and many other offerings.
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Listening is at the centre of my practice.
I love bouncing ideas back and forth, getting to know the intricacies of a parent’s likes and dislikes, finding people’s unique rhythms and helping to situate people in caring networks.
We are faced with so many decisions in our lives and the internet provides added noise to contend with. I am a sounding board for birthing plans and ideas. I hold space for beautiful and simple moments of ritual and pause that can help to foster feelings of control.
Shortly I will be embarking on Introduction to Counselling training at my local college. While I am not a counsellor, I believe that this will support my approach as a doula, helping me to deeply listen and acknowledge parents during important life moments.
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Creative Support
When I’m not working, I’m making abstract sculpture, drawing and writing poetry.
Creative processes such as drawing or collage or other therapeutic practices can be part of the support I offer. I believe in creative expression as a tool for communication and have facilitated therapeutic art workshops for children and for people experiencing homelessness and addiction.
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Training with Developing Doulas
My training is with a fantastic organisation called Developing Doulas, which is a Doula UK accredited course. I’m also a registered member of Doula UK and a volunteer doula as part of The Access Fund.
I am engaged with the Conscious Birthing mentoring scheme with my wonderful mentor and doula Eva Bay Greenslade. I am able to offer my services at a slightly reduced rate in my first year of working with a mentor, which allows my clients to benefit from the expertise of both of us for a more accessible price.
I also have a certificate in Baby Massage with the London School of Childcare Studies.
Book in an initial chat
I offer a free call, which is an opportunity for you to ask me questions about the way I work, tell me more about the kind of support you are looking for and get a feeling for whether we might be a good fit. I look forward to talking!
A great cup of dandelion root tea, during our latest van exploration in Wales