09/09/2026
Twice a year I have the privilege of being part of Annie Clempner Clarke team as part of her Nourished Mother retreat 42 Acres deep in our gorgeous Somerset countryside 💛
I drive in each morning, usually see a few deer - always a lot of squirrels, and birds and butterflies aplenty. And I meet a group of women who usually initially apologetically ask me to hold their baby, or watch their baby - even though that, to me is the greatest honour you could bestow upon me. Over the next few days, that eases - the babies get to know me and the other team members (my amazing doula partner Sarah - UK Birth Photographer and the wonderful Mini Mindful Beings), and the Mums realise that this is what we (and they) are here for - someone else to do the holding. And the cooking. And the tidying. And the cleaning. And that this is a space for finding a bit of themselves again as well as finding solidarity with others in all the parts of Motherhood that are simultaneously full of joy, as well as those that feel like they might bring you to your knees.
The loneliness and the light.
It’s a space for connection and sharing and remembering that incredible though we are, we need robust and continuous support in order to thrive (and survive) 💫
Being a doula is so rarely just about holding a baby (although that is a very enjoyable, very important part of what I do!) It is so much more about holding a Mother. The thoughts, fears, emotions, guilt, worry, anxieties, and overwhelm that need an outlet and safe space to flow and be held.
Women supporting women is special and these days which bring Women from all over, and babies of all ages together always feel extra magical ❤️
