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Meet Kirstie

Hi, I'm Kirstie,

 

I live in the heart of the English countryside between Ongar, Chelmsford, and Brentwood in Essex. I share my home with my husband, our children, and some lively pets.

 

I have a deep passion for topics related to pregnancy, birth, parenting, mental health (particularly trauma), and yoga. As a Doula UK mentor, I cherish the opportunity to nurture and guide new doulas, witnessing their growth and development. Additionally, I serve on the Doula UK leadership team as the Partnerships Coordinator, advocating for unity, shared understanding, and teamwork within the birth community.

 

In my spare time, you can find me renovating my home, practicing my unique style of yoga, or diligently studying to become a counsellor and psychotherapist. I have a strong love for learning, which is evident from the various pursuits listed below.

 

My work is more than just a job; it is a true passion. There's nothing more heart warming than seeing happy and confident families after I've had the privilege of supporting them. The joy I derive from my work is immense, and I look forward to supporting many more families in the future.

 

The Essex Birth Company is dedicated to treating everyone with equal respect, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, relationship style, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

Trauma Specialist Doula

Here at The Essex Birth Company we believe in choice, informed decision-making, personalised care, and empowering you to own your journey. My keen interest lies in perinatal mental health and trauma.

 

If you have experienced trauma, whether it be birth trauma, childhood trauma, loss, or are struggling with your mental health, we am here to support you through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

 

Throughout the years, Kirstie has supported all types of births, including physiological home births, high-risk births, births outside of NHS guidelines, medical births, and caesarean sections. The focus is not on the type of birth but on ensuring you feel safe, supported, and confident in your decisions for you and your baby.

 

Supporting families postnatally at home with their new-borns is a profound honour. There is nothing more important than a baby's start to life, and being part of this journey is a wonderful gift. If you are seeking to process your birth experience, feel your mental health has been impacted, or are experiencing trauma symptoms, Kirstie could be the right doula for you. Together, we can discuss your symptoms and create a bespoke support plan tailored to your needs.

Yoga Instructor

Kirstie has been practicing yoga for over 25 years now!

 

Kirstie says, 'I feels a rush of excitement, but also a wave of calm every time I step on to the mat. Yoga has helped me in so many positive ways and I really want to share this experience with others. I’ve practiced most styles of yoga over the years but Ashtanga soon became my yoga style of choice.

 

Whilst pregnant I realised the benefits of a calmer style of yoga practice and it helped me with pregnancy related anxiety and physical aches and pains due to my changing body and emotions.'

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To book please email kirstie@theessexbirth.co.uk or complete the contact form below

Experience & Qualifications

Doula and birth support training:

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  • Birth and Postnatal Doula with Birth Bliss Academy

  • KG Hypnobirthing Facilitator

  • TBR 3 Step Rewind Practitioner for Birth & Perinatal Trauma with TBR College

  • Moxibustion for Breech Presentation with Expectancy

  • Biomechanics for Birth with Molly O’Brien, Optimal Birth

  • Antenatal Preparation Workshop with Birth Bliss Academy

  • Waterbirth During Covid-19 – Keeping Midwives, Mothers & Babies Safe, Certificate with Diane Garland

  • How to Run a Mother Blessing Workshop with Sophie Messager

  • Aromatherapy for Childbirth (RCM Accredited)

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Mental health and trauma:

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  • Perinatal Mental Health Training

  • Sands Bereavement Care Training

  • EDEXCEL Levels 2 and 3 BTEC Certificates in Life Coaching – Specialising in Women’s Health

  • LGBTQ+ Training with The Queer Box

  • Baby Loss Training with Beyond Bea

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and Early Trauma

  • Understanding the Infant Microbiome Certificate

  • Anxiety – Helping Young Children to Cope

  • Addressing Postnatal Depression as a Healthcare Professional Certificate

  • Domestic Violence & Abuse (DVA): Identifying & Responding to DVA in Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond

  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health First Aid

  • Safeguarding Children Level 3 Certificate

  • Trainee Counsellor, Level 3, with Elect Training

 

Childhood and parenting:

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  • BTEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies

  • Infant Feeding Peer Supporter with Barnardo’s Virgin Care

  • Holistic Sleep Coaching Course with Lyndsey Hookway

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Yoga and mindfulness:

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  • Pregnancy, Postnatal, and Mother and Baby Yoga Teacher Training with Sally Parkes Yoga (85 hours)

  • 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Teacher Training Essex

  • Advanced Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training with Sally Parkes Yoga (25 hours)

  • Yoga & Mindfulness for Pregnancy & Birth with Nadia Raafat Yoga (100 hours)

  • Hot Yoga Teacher Training with 121 Urban Hot Yoga

  • Anatomy and Physiology for Yoga with Essential Training Solutions

Contact Me
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