About Me
I’m Chantelle, a mentored Birth and Postnatal Doula supporting women in and around the Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire areas.
I live in Elsenham in Essex with my husband Steve. We have two wonderful children, Rose born in 2017 and George born in 2019. I love spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies mainly revolve around baking and eating cakes. I am currently trying to pass on that love to my daughter, although I am certain her love of sprinkles and eating the cake mixture outweighs anything else. You may find me on the odd occasion going for a run, but most often I am sat on the sofa with the candles on and watching a good tv series or reading a book. Although my husband says my definition of “good” is debatable.
I have always had this overwhelming need to make people feel happy and comforted. It was mentioned to me years before having Rose by a colleague that I would make a good Doula. At the time I didn’t know what a Doula was and having had no experience with childbirth I thought they may have been a bit crazy. I also felt that I had spent so long working in an office environment that it would never be something I would consider. This was until the birth of Rose. During this experience, I was met with so many incredible people, maternity care workers and midwives that all helped me in various ways and I was lucky to have been given these people in my life. Seeing how important a support network is through my own experience and those of friends and family, it made me realise just how passionate I am about helping create positive experiences for other people. After the birth of George I trained with Developing Doulas, completing a birth and postnatal course that is recognized by Doula UK, the UK’s leading Doula organization. I also attend my local maternity voice partnership (MVP) meetings as I am passionate about working to improve maternity services for those who use them, as well as the staff who work in them.
As your Birth Doula I will provide emotional and practical support, before, during and after the birth of your baby. Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood should be a magical time, a time where you deserve to have your own unique experience. You must feel listened to and supported whilst you transition into the mother you want to be. I want every woman to shout from the rooftops how proud they are of themselves. It does not matter whether this comes from birthing serenely in the comfort of their own home, to birthing in a hospital with intervention. The experience should be looked upon with positivity and feel extremely rewarding, and I want to help you achieve this. I will be there to support you and your birth partner, whether this be a husband, boyfriend, wife, girlfriend, family member or friend.
As your Postnatal Doula I want to help you celebrate your achievements, but I also want to be there to support you to ensure that positivity goes beyond just birth. I will be there to support you and your family in whichever way creates a happy and peaceful environment. Whether this be a cup of tea and a listening ear, to helping you with looking after your baby to give you a well needed break. I will never come with any judgement and will not tell you how to do things. I am purely there to support you with your wishes and signpost you to anything you may need.