nicola goodall
Several
years (and three children ago) I was attending antenatal yoga classes
at my local yoga centre in South London when I noticed a leaflet for the Paramana Doula Course with Michel Odent and
Lilliana Lammers. I didn't actually know what a doula was until I read
the leaflet! What really astounded me whilst on the course was the
simplicity of their ideas and also the scientific evidence for all of
their arguments. The simple practices and how effective they were was
inspirational. It was so exciting! On embarking on the course I had no
intention of making a career as a doula but by the time it had finished
I was so inspired by what I had learnt that I decided I had no choice
but to share this with other women. Support for women during the
childbearing period is very important and I feel privileged to be a
part of this time.
I am a member of the following professional organizations: (click for more info)
- Doula UK
- AIMS (Association for Improvement in Maternity Services)
- NCT (National ChildbirthTrust)
- Scottish Doula Network
- PPC (Pregnancy and Parents Centre)
- Scottish Birth Teachers Association
I
have had several articles about birth and doulas published in the local
and national press and i am active in promoting the concept of doula
support here in Scotland. I work as a birth and postnatal doula in
Edinburgh and within one hours travelling distance. I also have a Dip
Ed in Antenatal Education with Luton University and the National
Childbirth Trust and as well as teaching for the NCT I am available for
privately arranged classes. I am now running antenatal classes for the
NCT in Edinburgh and London. Several years ago I finished the Scottish Birth
Teachers course to enhance my skills with both antenatal yoga and
facilitating groups for mothers. This course provides small group work
with some of the most inspirational people in childbirth today such as independent midwives, professors of midwifery, outstanding yoga teachers, birth activists and academics.
For some years I worked as a
lay-doula in South London in my local community whilst also working as
an aromatherapist. As well as aromatherapy I hold qualifications in
holistic massage, anatomy and physiology and reiki I and II. Alongside
this I also have practical experience in acupressure, counselling and
disputes management (they all come in handy being a doula!). I'm now
also involved in training new doulas with Adela Stockton at Birth Consultancy.
I try to keep my knowledge base up to date and in the past have attended study days with Ina May Gaskin ,
a normal labour study day, breech, caesarean and twin birth study days, care of the labouring woman, a physical
skills in labour, babyled feeding day and an abnormal labour study day amongst other things
- I try to keep up-to-date and like to offer as much as I can.
I also facilitate workshops for others involved in supporting the birthing family with wysewomen workshops and am a facilitator preparing doulas with Mindful Doulas as well as an assessor mentor for Doula UK.
A long time ago I trained to be a chef and spent some time temping in London – primarily in executive kitchens - this is something I often utilize whilst working as a postnatal doula….I specialize in world cuisine.
I sit on the local NHS Maternity Services Liaison Committee and was involved in consultation for the new Lothian Birth Centre.
Overall, I’m a mother of four and passionately love the work I do………
