doula vaida
I am passionate about supporting people through their journey to parenthood. Birthing might be the most sacred and vulnerable time of your life but in the right circumstances, it can be the most empowering one too. It’s an honour to be so close to families during this special period and I want to be there for them in whatever shape or form they need me to be – I have no set beliefs in the best way or place to give birth and will meet every pregnant person with an open mind. I believe that everyone deserves a birth that is their choice and on their terms, and where they are treated with respect and humanity regardless of their circumstances and background. As a doula, I am there to support and protect your wishes and choices, keep you informed, make you feel safe and shelter your space. My own two childbirths were intense and wonderful experiences and I had a lovely doula attending both of them. I was inspired by what a positive difference her presence made. So now I wish to help others to have their births the best experience possible, whatever it might be for them.
I became a doula in 2014 after having my own two children but I think deep down I have been a doula for most of my life. Coming from a journalistic background I have worked as a TV reporter and in PR and production agencies before but have never really enjoyed my time there and longed for something more profound, and more helpful to mankind. Caring about and supporting comes so naturally to me that it’s hard to call it a job. But I do love this job! However, I am no mystical creature with superpowers. I am an ordinary modern woman living a very regular life in North London with my husband and our kids Poppy and Jonny. I love exploring London, cooking and trying out new restaurants, exercising keeps me sane as do books, theatre, movies and gigs. I adore living in this city, even though I grew up close to nature. Spending summers on my grandparent’s farm in the forest by the lake taught me a lot about tuning in with nature and myself. Closely following the cycles of change during different seasons has enabled me to follow my own instincts, and listen to myself and my body. I feel this is especially important when expecting a baby.
Acupuncture
I am also a qualified and fully licensed acupuncturist, specialising in women's health. I have extensive training and knowledge about helping women with fertility issues as well as supporting them through pregnancy and birth. Acupuncture can be a beautiful modality to help you all the way through your pregnancy. It is safe to be used at any point of pregnancy and can be supportive for:
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Morning sickness
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Managing pain and discomfort
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Reducing stress and anxiety
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Improving sleep
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Supporting labour preparation
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Induction of labour (after 40 weeks)
Find more about my acupuncture practice here.
Training
I am a fully qualified doula recognised by Doula UK and have completed the following courses:
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Paramana Doula Course with Dr Michel Odent and Liliana Lammers
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Access to Doula UK Course with Bridget Baker
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Doula mentorship programme with Lauren Mishcon
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Breastfeeding Study Day with Indira Lopez-Bassols
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Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Birth
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Breastfeeding Support course with the Breastfeeding Network
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3 years degree level Acupuncture course at City College of Acupuncture (member of British Acupuncture Council.)
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Natural Conception Acupuncture course at Fertility Acupuncture Academy (member of Acupuncture Fertility Network).
