Monday Mailout ?

Another week has flown by but it’s somehow STILL January! We’re starting to wonder if February will ever come. Anyway here’s your weekly reminder to take some time out for you, grab a brew and get cosy for our Monday Mailout.

What we’ve been up to

This was a tough week for Elle, as she had some laptop issues and had to work all week from her phone. Lori had a tricky week balancing personal life and doula life. But overall we had an exciting week as we officially welcomed the wonderful Amy into GMD CIC!

We had been hoping for this for a while, and we are so pleased to be able to officially announce the news. You can read all about Amy here. Welcome to the sisterhood Amy, we are so thrilled (and very lucky!) to have you onboard.

We were also so happy to have been able to shared the first part of the lovely Jess’ birth story. Head here to have a read.

Quick fire questions for the doulas:

Late night snack of the week?
E: Plain white rice.
L: Vegan cheese and Quorn ham on buttered crackers.
A: I quite often make mash late at night if I can’t sleep.
Weirdest dream of the week?
A: I dreamt that I had been underwear shopping and an old lady mugged me, stole my underwear and walked off… that was pretty weird ?
L: I was a survivor in a zombie apocalypse and I was having to relocate and lead a group to move house. It was pretty intense and scary! 
E: I went to an amusement park for orphaned goats, and a penguin bit me.
What have you been making this week?
L: A glittery rainbow pixie hat for a mystery toddler.
A: I baked a cake last week – does that count? I haven’t had much downtime for making things recently but I’d like to get back to sewing bunting.
E: I got a bit obsessed with making baby bonnets. I’m over it now.
Favourite thing about being on call?
L: I’m extra kind to myself when I’m on call, and it’s easier to make sure I get enough rest and me time, and that I’m well nourished.
And it’s exciting to know that a woman is going to bring new life into the world.
E: I like not knowing where the day is going to take me. It can be a boring morning then all of a sudden I’m off to do the best job in the world!
A: I like the reminder to take care of myself so that I can be full of energy for the client when the time comes. So it’s a great excuse to have a bubble bath or a lazy day.

What’s coming up?

We have three groups this week.
Manchester Birth Worker Circle is tomorrow (Tuesday afternoon) for anyone supporting women and families in the childbearing year. There are loads of birth workers in Manchester, but there’s no real community. We want there to be, so we started this group. It’s for practical support around starting or running a business, as well as emotional support for challenging times. It’s a great networking opportunity too – we know it can be hard to tell others about what we do, so come practise with us in a vegan dessert parlour!

Women Reclaiming Birth
This group is a safe and supportive circle for women to get together and explore their autonomous choices in conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond.
We hold space for questions, stories, thoughts about the monthly theme and anything else that comes up for each of us.
Whether you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or have a story to share, you are more than welcome to join us. Little ones are very welcome as always.
This Thursday, the Salutation Inn.

Wild Mothering Circle
On Friday afternoons (1.30 – 3) we gather in circle as wild women, in the Living Room at Home Cafe in Didsbury.
The group is so named because we try to recreate a little of the magic of red tents, or women’s circles, during the day, in a child-friendly environment.
We show up as we are, and share whatever is going on for us. We listen to one another, we nurture each other, and we hold space for one another.

Amy, Elle & Lori x