So that you can better understand me and my practice, here’s a bit about what has led me to become a birth worker and what experiences inform my approach...

My background involves studies in midwifery and anthropology, and experience in international charity and voluntary work, teaching and childcare. I was lucky to be raised in rural Northumberland, surrounded by green woodlands and rolling hills. The landscape of my childhood was foundational to many of the beliefs that guide my work today. Living in close relation to the natural world, I understood from a young age that we are not separate to the natural order of things, but very much a part of nature’s sytem. This idea guides much of my trust in the innate wisdom of birth and breast/chestfeeding; should we choose to, giving birth and breast/chestfeeding are the most natural things we can do and, when guided by the needs of the parent, they have the power to help us reclaim a trust in our inherent strength and capability.

Growing up in small, close-knit communities, I’ve learnt firsthand how integral community support and mutual dependence are to our wellbeing. This is never more true than for a new family. Community love and care are a cornerstone to the health and sustainability of the family unit - in all its variations.

Entering my 20’s, various years of travel, work and life experiences helped to direct my passions towards midwifery. Out of deep reverence for the perinatal experience, I had a strong desire to contribute positive change to the maternity care system, which in the UK sees a third of birthing parents traumatised by their experiences (Birth Trauma Report, 2024).

In 2018 I enrolled as a midwifery student at the University of Greenwich. I learnt a huge amount throughout my degree however, in January 2021, when I had only two months of practice hours left to complete, I contracted Covid-19. This illness brought in the biggest challenge of my life, as it led to the development of long-covid, ushering in the rapid decline of my health. The next three years would see me remaining predominantly bed- or house- bound, often unable to walk, let alone work and finish my studies.

Despite my ill health, I was determined to recover and complete the final two months of my three year midwifery training. However, when I was still too unwell to return to practice by 2023 the decision was taken out of my hands - I was informed by the university that I would no longer be eligible to complete the remainder of my degree, and was instead substituted a DipHE in Health Studies.

There is a lot more that can be said here, but I will keep it to two positives: firstly, though I was deeply disappointed not to complete my midwifery degree, this change in circumstance inspired my transition to doula and infant feeding work, a path that is far more aligned with my passions and skills. Secondly, though living with long-covid was an experience I could have definitely done without, having that intimate experience with chronic illness has only helped to increase my capacity for empathy with all those I come into contact with - through my work or otherwise. It helped me to understand how invisible our internal experiences can be, and the damaging effects our assumptions and judgements can have on others.

I am so happy to again be well enough to do the work that I love, and I feel privileged that I get to walk alongside families during this phase of their lives.

Thank you again for being here,

O l i v i a

Certifications & Training

• Breastfeeding Consultant with Antenatal Training International (currently working towards full certification as an IBCLC)

• Labour, Birth and Postnatal Doula with Cornerstone Doula Training

• Health Studies DipHE from the University of Greenwich

  My support has great depth. It weaves together the knowledge I have gained through my lactation consultancy training, doula studies, my work with families during my midwifery degree, my studies in social anthropology, and the experiences I have had when teaching internationally and working in childcare. If you would like to book a consultation, I would love to hear from you.