A new doula service is offering emotional and practical support to families across Bath, Wiltshire and surrounding villages throughout pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of parenthood.
Bloom With Jacqueline Doula Care has been launched by Jacqueline Harler, who is fulfilling a long-held ambition to work closely with expectant and new parents.
Jacqueline said, “As a teenager I always wanted to be a midwife. For one reason and another it just did not work out despite applying several times over the years.”
After raising three children and building a career that included gaining several diplomas, a degree in Criminology & Psychology and four years as a teaching assistant, she decided to return to her original passion.
“I made the decision though that I did not want to work within the NHS on the medical side, but rather alongside the amazing work that our local midwives provide with the continuous emotional support and guidance that sadly they are often unable to provide,” she said.
Jacqueline believes many modern families lack the support networks that previous generations enjoyed.
“Sadly, so many families across the world no longer have this type of ‘village’ to rely upon and are trying to navigate parenthood in what can potentially be a very lonely environment,” she explained.
She describes a doula as “a calm, reassuring presence to walk alongside you during pregnancy, birth and postpartum”, providing emotional support, practical guidance, evidence-based information and a listening ear.
Support can take many forms. Before birth, Jacqueline helps families explore their options and make informed decisions. During labour, she can provide practical and emotional support, from massage and breathwork to helping create a calm birth environment.
After birth, she believes ongoing support can be particularly valuable.
“Sometimes it’s just a friendly face to keep you company, other times it’s someone to hold the baby while you eat or have a shower,” she said. “Our job is never to tell you how to parent, but to support you in finding your own way.”
Although newly launched, Jacqueline has already supported a close family member through birth and was told she was a calming influence throughout the experience.
Looking ahead, she is excited to help more families navigate one of life’s biggest transitions.
“My passion is enabling families to be able to trust themselves and their instincts,” she said.
Bloom With Jacqueline Doula Care covers Chippenham, Malmesbury, Melksham, Calne, Corsham, Bath and surrounding villages. For more information www.bloomwithjacqueline.co.uk
