About Siobhan
I am married to Paul, we have three children and live in Watford, Hertfordshire. I was born and raised in north London and come from Irish parents, hence the name “Siobhan” pronounced Shiv-on. Its Gaelic, (Irish) meaning God is gracious. It is the female version of John, my father’s name. I have found, having to go through your life explaining your name isn’t pronounced “Si- o- ban”, to be quite character building.
Life as a working mother and wife is always busy but I thrive on that. I love spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies include eating cake and exercising to work off the calories, although I haven’t managed to get the balance quite right on that. For many years I worked in the private sector, dealing with clients on a daily basis. Some of my key skills included building a rapport with clients and being able to listen.
I was one of the first of my friends to have children, so when their turn came they would gravitate to me for advice, support and guidance, a role I thoroughly enjoyed.
My interest in birth led me to study the physiology behind it which in turn showed how a strong combination of knowledge and support can really empower a woman, enabling her to achieve a positive birth experience. This research led me to the work of doulas and I instantly knew that was my future.
I trained with BirthBliss Academy, completing a birth and postnatal doula course that is recognised by Doula UK, the UK’s leading Doula organisation. I was lucky enough to be trained by Kicki Hansard who was awarded the title of Doula of the year in 2009. As a member of both the BirthBliss Academy and Doula UK, I follow their philosophy and the Code of Conduct. I have also been DBS checked.
I am a Doula Mentor for new doulas going through the recognition process with Doula UK.
In the past I have volunteered at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, North London and at Watford General Hospital in Hertfordshire as a Breastfeeding Supporter. This gave me great insight to the way in which midwives, obstetricians and paediatricians work. I have also been able to attend many educational courses along side the medical professionals as a result of working with them.
I am the Co-Chair of my local MSLC (Maternity Services Liaison Committee) and I am passionate about working to improve maternity services for women that use it and the staff that work within it.
I have experience of working in all types of environments: hospital, birth centre, home births.
I have experience of working with different types of births such as: water births, VBAC, breech, caesarean births and multiple births.
I am available to attend births in North London, North West London, West London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Middlesex.
Life as a working mother and wife is always busy but I thrive on that. I love spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies include eating cake and exercising to work off the calories, although I haven’t managed to get the balance quite right on that. For many years I worked in the private sector, dealing with clients on a daily basis. Some of my key skills included building a rapport with clients and being able to listen.
I was one of the first of my friends to have children, so when their turn came they would gravitate to me for advice, support and guidance, a role I thoroughly enjoyed.
My interest in birth led me to study the physiology behind it which in turn showed how a strong combination of knowledge and support can really empower a woman, enabling her to achieve a positive birth experience. This research led me to the work of doulas and I instantly knew that was my future.
I trained with BirthBliss Academy, completing a birth and postnatal doula course that is recognised by Doula UK, the UK’s leading Doula organisation. I was lucky enough to be trained by Kicki Hansard who was awarded the title of Doula of the year in 2009. As a member of both the BirthBliss Academy and Doula UK, I follow their philosophy and the Code of Conduct. I have also been DBS checked.
I am a Doula Mentor for new doulas going through the recognition process with Doula UK.
In the past I have volunteered at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, North London and at Watford General Hospital in Hertfordshire as a Breastfeeding Supporter. This gave me great insight to the way in which midwives, obstetricians and paediatricians work. I have also been able to attend many educational courses along side the medical professionals as a result of working with them.
I am the Co-Chair of my local MSLC (Maternity Services Liaison Committee) and I am passionate about working to improve maternity services for women that use it and the staff that work within it.
I have experience of working in all types of environments: hospital, birth centre, home births.
I have experience of working with different types of births such as: water births, VBAC, breech, caesarean births and multiple births.
I am available to attend births in North London, North West London, West London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Middlesex.
The Birth Doula from Present Films on Vimeo.