Antonia writes; I am beyond thrilled that Zara de Candole had a moment to answer some questions about how she is and what she does. It’s great timing because she’s also organising a births and bumps event in Surrey for Saturday the 12th May. This will be a collection of some of the most incredible and talented local birth and beyond support workers. Everyone from midwives, to doulas, to placenta encapsulation and breastfeeding specialists… and many more will be there. PLUS there will some tasty food and face painting (I think this is for the children but I’m going to try my luck!).

I have been very lucky to know Zara from when I asked her to be my doula for my second birth. The photo below is us a few hours after I’d had a beautiful and empowering birth with my son (I’m not sure why he’s wearing a fluorescent yellow hat, it seemed a good idea at the time, he’s not a gnome).

Zara offered me tremendous support before during my pregnancy, during birth and afterwards. Zara really opened up a whole world of doulas that I hadn’t previously understood. I am so pleased I finally get to grill her on her passion and this upcoming event…

Here’s some information on the FREE bumps and birth event and below that is Zara’s interview.

A: Zara, thank you for agreeing to this interview, no doubt fitting it in between rocking a baby, massaging a pregnant lady or witnessing the miracle of birth, I know you lead a busy life. Let’s start off with an easy one, what inspired you to set up the births and bumps event?

Zara responds; Doula UK are encouraging members to organise Bumps, Birth & Baby Community Events around the country so I wanted to take part. Primarily the aim of the event is to raise funds for the newly established Access Fund Charity. The access fund covers the basic expenses of Doula UK volunteer doulas who offer support to low income and vulnerable women and families: https://doula.org.uk/doula-access-fund/

Has it been easy to set up your first Births and Bumps event in Surrey?

It’s the first time I’ve turned my hand to this sort of thing so I’m learning as I go, but yes, it has been relatively straight forward! It is time consuming and hard work (lots of lists on the go!) but also really fun and has served to remind me what amazing services are available in our community and connect me with new ones.

What are you hoping to achieve with this wonderful event?

I want to shout out about the wealth of amazing support services, organisations and businesses locally. Now is such an incredible time to be having a family in West Surrey. There are so many options and choices to explore which leads to so many questions needing answers! I hope by having the experts on hand for the day it will help people with their decision making process and expose them to new ideas too.

 

What’s your job?

Z: I am a Birth and Postnatal Doula, Breastfeeding Counsellor and Doula Trainer for Developing Doulas

How long have you been doing it?

Z: I have been a doula for eight years

 

What’s the best bit about your job?

Z: Seeing a woman/couple feeling enabled to ask for what they need

 

What’s the worst bit about your job?

Z: Constant Admin!

What makes you so passionate about pregnancy and birth?

Z: I love women! We are bloody brilliant and sometimes we need reminding exactly what our bodies are capable of. Along with our female superpowers, women often need permission to look after themselves. It all starts with self-love and self-care. I work hard to encourage and promote this to my clients.

What do you hope people will leave from the event with?

• Armed with masses of useful information and a sense of WOW at all their choices.
• A belly full of yummy vegetarian food and cake.
• Totally brilliant raffle prizes.
• A happy heart!

 

 

If you could write something on a billboard for pregnant ladies what would it be?

Z: ‘Hello Mama-in-waiting, how are YOU doing?’

Have you any book recommendations for pregnant ladies and/ or new mums

Z: Yes and a vast list that is growing ever longer!

• The Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill
• Why Homebirth Matters by Natalie Meddings
• Why Doulas Matter by Maddie McMahon
• Your Baby Skin to Skin by Rachel Fitz-Desorgher

What has motherhood taught you?

Z: That having a support network is absolutely crucial and that my love is deep!

What has being a doula taught you?

Z: Compassion, empathy, JOY and patience. It’s also taught me the importance of being able to debrief. It’s taught me the need for self care and a good massage!

You can find Zara via her website www.doulabud.co.uk

Instagram @doulabud

If you would like to donate to the Doula Access fund, please click here.