Sue Gibson

I am a birth and postnatal doula living in Monmouth and have four grown up children. If you are reading this chances are you might be pregnant. If so, congratulations! This can be an exciting time but also a time where you may want some extra support. Maybe I can help you?

I am passionate about supporting women through pregnancy, birth and beyond. What do you need? A listening ear, someone to sign post relevant information, and provide gentle, calm, reassuring support? I can help with all of these. Together we can discuss the issues that are on your mind, the support you feel you need and the information that will help empower you to have the most positive experience you can, regardless of how the birth of your child unfolds. By understanding the many aspects that aid birth, including the role of hormones, I can help you gain confidence to embrace your labour, feel positive and have a great trust in your body. I believe having a positive birth experience encourages a good foundation for the ongoing relationship with the new born babe.

We meet two or three times antenatally but preferably each month leading up to the birth to help prepare and to build a report. Involving your partner if you wish during part of our time together can be beneficial as we plan for the birth. I will be on call from 38 weeks, day and night and will be with you through to the birth of your baby and a couple of hours after whilst you settle in together, while giving you space to enjoy this special bonding time. I will visit you twice following the birth over the next few days and will most likely bring something nourishing to eat.

During these uncertain times with social distancing I can provide remote support.

I also offer post natal support for as little or as long as you need, helping you to enjoy the baby moon period, (early few weeks) and the forth trimester, (3 months following birth) and beyond if required. I can offer calm and loving support so you can have as much time as possible to cherish and bond with your little one. As well as practical help, I offer a listening ear and help make sure you are well nourished with rest, good food and kind words of encouragement.

More about Me…

My fascination with childbirth started many years ago when a friend invited me to her home-birth. She had an active birth, delivered in an upright position and I found it awe inspiring! Up until then I had been terrified of childbirth. I came away thinking: “I could have a go at that!” I went on to marry a year later, and have my children with confidence, embracing the active childbirth principles I’d learnt from my friend.

Whilst giving support to another friend in labour, the midwife suggested I should become a doula. I was delighted to discover such a job existed and thus began my journey of supporting women through pregnancy, birth and beyond. I trained with Nurturing Birth and in 2014 did a refresher course with them.

Having raised my family, including two step sons and having been very involved with the care of my elderly parents I now feel this is the perfect time to whole heartedly devote my energy to supporting women through childbirth. My experience so far includes two repeat bookings from a couple of families who asked me to be with them for their first babies birth. I am also an artist and particularly enjoy drawing portraits. For the next two bookings I am offering a free pencil portrait of your baby.

I enjoy playing the drums, wild swimming, yoga, qigong, walking and cycling.

I look forward to hearing from you.