Where our Doulas work. Pt 1. Leanne of Doula Diary- Lake District
A new feature highlighting where in the UK you can find OBC Doulas, and what it’s like for them where they work.
I moved back to my home town of Ulverston, Cumbria just before Easter 2023. Before the move I was based in North Buckinghamshire. It was the right time for us to return as me and my husband wanted our daughter to have the gorgeous Lake District as their playground like we did as children. We now have another child due any time now and being back north has been blessing after blessing.
Cumbria is very much a “being in the know” kind of place. Once word of mouth takes hold it makes a huge impact on your reach and connections with people. People really appreciate value for money and having an opportunity to get out to a place that feels safe and inviting. That can look and feel very different to different people. I focus on who would benefit from connecting with me as this is my target audience. I want people to feel supported throughout pregnancy and beyond, have access to best practice information, be signposted to reputable organisations and groups and generally feel part of a community that understands the challenges they may face through pregnancy, birth and parenting. Even with social media and various marketing campaigns, lots of great support networks and free resources are overlooked unless you know someone who is in the know.
As a part of the move I’ve been reflecting on what it’s like working with my new local NHS trust (University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay). Compared to other trusts I have personal experience with and experience supporting clients with, the trust near me has been very open to supporting individual birth choices and working with families. I have been particularly impressed with the consultant midwife who is like a breath of fresh air and finds ways to overcome the barriers that policies put in place. The key things I’ve noted is that being informed is key. If you can demonstrate knowledge and your personal reasoning behind your choices, you will be heard. I have had the pleasure of working with clients and now I am on my own journey for a home birth after caesarean, with no monitoring or checks unless requested. This is unusual practice within the current nhs maternity model and usually results in people birthing outside of the system. To see such a proactive and sensible approach in maternity has been such a boost as I have come from an area where it feels like a real battle to be heard and have your wishes upheld.
Being accessible in different environments and to different people opens many doors. Most interest is sparked by a conversation. People gravitate towards you naturally. As I have a little one I find ways to be supportive in my community which doesn’t impact on my time with her. She enjoys the play dates and I enjoy connecting to other parents. I see it a little like networking. I’m a volunteer for doulas without borders and I have set up a free local parent meet up so others are able to come and go as they please to find connection and be signposted to reliable and helpful information on their journey, at whatever stage they are at.
I understand myself to be the only Doula within the south lakes, there are a handful of others doulas which cover the area and travel in but they do not offer a community or group gathering. We are all so different too and part of the OBC programme encourages you to find your own niche and personality within the birth world, being true to yourself really pays off. It has been a journey for me helping people understand the role of a doula and navigating the gaps that are missing in my local area so I know where I need to focus my energy first. Variety is limited here so bringing something new to the area has been lots of fun and encouraged some really great conversations around preparing for birth and postpartum.
When I moved away and had my first child I was so shocked at how isolated I felt, I missed real connection with like minded people, in an environment that focused on mums/parents rather than the baby. I really struggled with any form of baby sensory or play group. I needed adult time with my baby. This is why I took the extension to train in baby massage and hold circles. I wanted something practical to teach and build confidence in connection and soothing new parents and babies but I wanted to offer an environment which was focused on the parents and building their confidence. My classes are strip backed and a confidential safe space is held. This has given me confidence to generally hold space for others and parent connect was born which welcomes anyone at any stage. I have been so pleased that people have felt comfortable to come early pregnancy. It helps people grasp the role I can offer in pivotal points in their journey and having an offering which can support from fertility, birth then having a community space to welcome people has been a dream come true for me.