Before we formed a collective we worked as independent doulas, so we all went through the struggles of being a new doula, trying to find clients, working out how to explain what we do and don’t do, and the loneliness that comes with such a niche vocation.
Since joining forces we have learnt so much from each other and about ourselves. Naturally how we support women has evolved, and continues to evolve, in subtle ways and sometimes huge leaps. Having a safe space to debrief what we witness at births and to continually reflect upon our work has been key in being able to continue offering personalised, woman-centred support.
We know that coming into the world of birth work fresh from your training isn’t always easy and it’s hard to know where to turn. There are often tensions between birthworkers based on what they are charging, or the way they practise, but we understand how important a supportive community is and want to create that space within Greater Manchester (and further afield) so that we can learn from each other and signpost to each other according to our specialisms.
Mentoring Services
One-off ‘Holding Space’ Sessions
One hour sessions, in person or via Zoom, with us. The session can be used to talk about anything that is on your mind. This could be:
- Business support – we know how difficult it can be to think of birth work as a business, but there is so much value in what you are doing
- Debriefing your own experiences, or experiences you have witnessed
- A learning opportunity, discussing specific topics
- A space to let out your frustrations about the maternity systems and anything else
- Grounding yourself after a difficult experience or before a birth
- Space to reflect on your practice and feel heard
£50 per session
You can book your first mentorship session here.
Birth Worker Support Package
This is a 3-month package of support which is ideal for starting, switching up, or scaling your birth work.
This plan includes:
- One support session (as described above) per month
- A Whatsapp group message with us where you can ask questions, process, and vent at any time
- Access to our resources, for yourself and to share with your clients
- Access to a monthly birth worker networking circle designed to create an environment of cooperation rather than competition
- Ongoing mentoring and feedback on your website/social media presence
- A free space on our workshops to further your learning
£1000 per 3-month package
We are always open to discussing payment plan options so please don’t hesitate to ask us about this if the fee would be a barrier for you.
It is important to us that these mentorship opportunities are accessible so if this fee is still prohibitive, even with a payment plan, please send us an email with the subject ‘Scholarship’ to hello@greatermanchesterdoulas.com
