About Me
Describe your image
Hello!
My name is Emma, and I'm the face behind Mother's Embrace - Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Services.
I'm mum to two beautiful boys, happily married and living in Shaftesbury, Dorset.
Having completed my training with Developing Doulas, I am now working as a Mentored Doula.
.jpg)
Why Doula Work?
Following the birth of my first son I trained as a breastfeeding peer supporter and found many issues stem back to the labour and birth experience. I then had my second child and had a completely different experience to my traumatic first experience - I felt calm, in control, and was armed with more information and greater confidence to advocate for myself. The combination of both of these things has lead me to grow increasingly passionate about supporting women and their families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum to feel the same sense of confidence and empowerment I felt the second time.
My background is in education and prior to having my children I worked first as a nursery teacher and then as a qualified Primary Teacher. During the 2019 lockdown I also worked as a nanny and pregnancy support person for second time mums.
I have always felt a calling to a supportive, nurturing role and throughout my life have been drawn to working with children and their parents. Being able to support families right from their beginning, and supporting and empowering women as they step into their new role as a mother is the greatest honour.
Matrescence is a monumental transition that deserves deep support and care to ensure you and your family feel held, supported and given the very best start to your journey.
My Ethos
Birth Support
You feel empowered
You feel in control of decision making
You have all the information you need
You have someone to lean on and give you the non-sugar-coated reality
Your partner doesn't have to remember everything, so they can focus on supporting you
You have support from someone who 'gets it' and is totally on your side
You can fully let go and embrace the experience of birth, knowing your space is protected and your preferences are respected
Postnatal Support
You have someone who understands birth and can 'un-medicalise' terminology to debrief your birth experience with
You feel able to rest, heal, and have space to breathe as you adjust to life with a newborn
Your household doesn't stop because you've had a baby
Your partner has someone to talk to and ask questions of
Your older children, pets, and extended family also receive support
You can talk to someone who 'gets it' - whether that's physical recovery, mental health worries, or just someone to ask the silly questions to (psst... there are no silly questions!)
You feel held
.jpg)
Am I The Right Fit For You?
This is such a special time, which should only be shared with and entrusted to the right person so it's important we get to know one another before you decide if I am the right fit for you and your family. With this in mind, here are 10 things to know about me:
1
I can usually be found doing something creative - singing is a lifelong passion of mine and was one tool I used in labour to keep myself calm and focused. If you choose to use my services you'll probably hear me before you see me!
3
I have recently returned from a year living in Malta! We loved life in the sun and sea, and treasured the experience and all the highs and lows it brought us.
5
I love chocolate. And gin (my husband would tell you I have an obsession but I'm pretty sure close to 50 different bottles is normal right?!)
7
I am 'the organiser'. In almost every aspect of my life, and circle of people I encounter, I am the one who plans, organises, and researches. As my client that means you'll get a wealth of knowledge and someone who's armed and prepared for supporting you through almost every scenario you can imagine.
9
I have had '2 under 2' and revel in the joys and frustrations it brings!
2
My house is full of beautiful chaos. Life with young children is messy; so is my house!
4
I have personally experienced postpartum depression and anxiety - I know how scary and overwhelming it can be and how challenging it can feel to ask for help.
6
I love stories. Books, films, oral retellings - whatever form they take I am enthralled by the experiences and perspectives of others and love to be swept up in some great mystery, romance, or biography.
8
I am passionate about informed consent, especially in pregnancy, labour and postpartum. Everyone should have access to all the relevant information before deciding the best option for themselves and their family.
10
I believe birth is truly miraculous, magical, and the greatest honour to bear witness to.
If you think I might be a good fit for you, please book in for a free 'Getting to Know You' call to find out more and discuss your needs.
My Training & Qualifications
-
Breastfeeding Peer Support (2022) - The Breastfeeding Network
-
Doula Preparation Course (2024) - Developing Doulas
-
Hypnobirthing Facilitator Course (2024) - The Wise Hippo
-
Trauma Informed Care (2024) - The Centre for Healing
-
Biomechanics for Birth (2024) - Optimal Birth
-
Closing the Gap (2024) - The Positive Birth Company
-
Childbirth Physiology (2024) - Dr Rachel Reed
I hold a full, enhanced DBS certificate for working with children and vulnerable adults, held on the DBS update service (certificate viewable on request).
I am fully insured with BGI (certificate viewable on request).
I am also a qualified Primary Teacher (with QTS) and have undertaken extensive and up to date Safeguarding training, training on British Values, Prevent Duty, and Violence Against Women & Girls Including FGM (certificates viewable on request).