Malama Mama UK

Malama Mama UK Continuum doula in Somerset, offering support & continuity of care through the antenatal, birth & postnatal period. I suppose that is how I became a Doula.

I am a mother of one, wife, daughter, sister, auntie and friend. Family are very important to me and are the primary focus of all that I do. During my pregnancy, through birth and postnatally, I began to educate myself about pregnancy, birth and beyond. This quickly turned in to a passion when I became more knowledgeable of the choices that expectant mothers have available to them and how hard it can sometimes be to access this information. I have a strong desire to support and empower women to birth the way they wish and trust in themselves and their bodies. I completed my Continuum Doula course in October 2020 and believe there is a huge window of opportunity for you and your family to become informed and knowledgeable about your birth and the choices you have available to you. Being a Continuum Doula means I am trauma informed and attachment aware. I believe in being inclusive and aim to be an ally for yourself and your family by advocating for you and offering non-biased, evidence based information. I have many resources that I can share with you, which will empower you to make informed choices in your pregnancy and for your birth. As a Continuum Doula I offer a highly personalised and individualised service consisting of the following:
6 antenatal meetings
Attendance of your birth
6 postnatal meetings
Following the Continuum method allows me the time and space to really get to know you and your family; building a harmonious relationship and allowing me to signpost you to the right one to one support for your individual needs. Certified Training:
*Continuum Doula training with Katherine Woodbury of Continuum Doula Training
*Paediatric First Aid
Workshops:
*Birth Anatomy and Physiology with Eleanor Hayes of Birthzang
*'Beaded Birth Lines' with Katherine Woodbury
*Introduction to Placentas, remedies and placenta art with Lucy Hewitt, Placenta Remedies Specialist
*Infant feeding top tips with Katherine Woodbury, NCT breastfeeding counsellor
*Understanding the midwives role and birth emergencies with Suyai Steinhauer, Independent Midwife
*The politics of Parent hood. Understanding the NHS system, being inclusive and culturally competent and more with Amber Strong, MVP representative
*Learning how to take a good antenatal/birth/postnatal picture, with Sarah Gichie, Professional Birth Photographer

I am regularly continuing my professional development through both certified training and self study. I have a full, clean driving licence and am fully CRB checked. Please get in touch if you would like to know more about what I can offer and how I can support you. I am happy to work with you through the antenatal, birth and prenatal stages.

“For far too many, pregnancy and birth is still something that happens to them, rather than something they set out consciously and joyfully to do themselves.” - Sheila Kitzinger

It’s a strange time.  There’s been all this talk about preparations for birth; what that will look like & how you’d like...
12/02/2026

It’s a strange time. There’s been all this talk about preparations for birth; what that will look like & how you’d like it to go. But now there’s a new baby in your arms, a recovering mother & possibly other children at home that will need your love & attention & you’re faced with what might be the very daunting task of how to navigate this new journey…the early postnatal days.

Rest easy, I’m here to offer some simple ways you can support the transition for the whole family:

DO IT
Taking on the easy, repetitive tasks can really take the load off Mum, think about:
* Refilling water bottles/drinks/snacks
* Cleaning/sterilising/preparing bottles
* Supermarket runs/food shops/essentials
* Making family meals
* Keeping the house running/clothes washes/cleaning/dishwashing/bins
* Dog walks/feeding the pets

BE THERE
The practical stuff is so helpful, but is only one element to the support. Being that consistent, solid level of support is a huge part too:
* Listen, without trying to solve/fix
* Ask questions/be intrigued
* Check in

SPEND TIME
Time with your newborn baby & other children is just as important as time with your partner:
* Skin to skin cuddles & soothing
* Nappy changing/bathtime
* School runs/taking the kids to their clubs
* Play games, be creative

These are just a few ways you can really make a difference in the early days. There are many more & some that may be very specific to you.

The most important way to prepare is to balance your time. Be consistent, be that person they can rely because you are present & when you get home from work, leave it at the door. Now it’s time for your family.

If you’d like to know more about how you & your family can prepare for the days after your baby has arrived, my Postnatal Preparation Workshop is a great place to start.

Head over to my website to find out more, the link is in my bio, but I’ll pop to here too: www.malamamama.co.uk

Clair
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I’ve noticed the incredible rise of recognition for the doula in the time I have been in this role & it’s wonderful that...
11/02/2026

I’ve noticed the incredible rise of recognition for the doula in the time I have been in this role & it’s wonderful that so many people have now heard of the term & the way we step into that space for mothers & families, ready to support & advocate for them.

But there are still so many untruths flying about & the press aren’t making things any easier for us!

If you want the truth about how I work with families, this is a great place to start; you can check out my website (www.malamamama.co.uk) & testimonials for more proof of this too!

Clair
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For those families I’ve had the pleasure of supporting before or for those who have had babies previously & are looking ...
31/01/2026

For those families I’ve had the pleasure of supporting before or for those who have had babies previously & are looking for additional support this time around, my Birth Doula package is for you.

If you have a lot to unpack from your previous birth/s, my Continuum Doula package may be a better fit, as we have more time antenatally to work through those experiences & emotions before focusing on how we can stack the odds in your favour this time.

To find out more about my birth services & the many other services I offer, visit my website (link in bio - malamamama.co.uk), where you can also get in touch to arrange a free connection call.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

Clair
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It’s been a while since I did a post like this & I really felt like a refresh was needed. So, here it is!You’re so welco...
28/01/2026

It’s been a while since I did a post like this & I really felt like a refresh was needed. So, here it is!

You’re so welcome to my little corner of instagram; dedicated to my work, my passion & a little bit of me & my beliefs thrown in too (mainly in my stories).

If you’re new here or you’re part of the furniture, thank you; I really value & appreciate you.

I’d love for you to drop me a message to let me know you’re here & why. Don’t be shy!

Clair
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Whether you are preparing to welcome your first baby or are growing your family, I’m delighted you are exploring the ide...
12/01/2026

Whether you are preparing to welcome your first baby or are growing your family, I’m delighted you are exploring the idea of doula support!

During our time spent together you will receive individualised care that is led by you; building your knowledge & confidence in birth & guiding you towards the supported pregnancy, birth & postnatal journey you are seeking.

If this sounds like the preparation & care you are seeking, comment ‘CONNECTION’ below or visit my website (link in bio) to start your journey to doula support today.

Clair
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I am delighted to share with you all my 2025 doula support statistics!

2025 has been my biggest year yet! It saw me att...
05/01/2026

I am delighted to share with you all my 2025 doula support statistics!

2025 has been my biggest year yet! It saw me attend more births than previous years, support 2 families in a shared care capacity, reach more families than ever with antenatal sessions, workshops & postnatal care & build on the very important work of collaboration with my fellow doulas & the extended birth worker world!

2026 looks to be starting with the same energy as 2025 ended; with my first birth support family welcoming their baby into the world on New Year’s Day & another joining us Earthside very soon. I will then have time for a little break from on call duties.

The families I work with have so much in common — they invest in themselves, seek aligned support, value informed choice, & understand that birth doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be positive. When plans change, confidence & knowledge matter most.

If you are expecting your baby in 2026 & would like to explore what my doula support can offer you, drop me a message now to arrange a no-obligation connection call.

I would love to hear from you, talk about your birth preferences & understand how I can support you & your family towards a positive, well-informed & empowered birth experience.

Clair
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I returned to work today & was keen to get my most up to date 2026 availability out ASAP, so here it is.I know there are...
05/01/2026

I returned to work today & was keen to get my most up to date 2026 availability out ASAP, so here it is.

I know there are a number of you who are really keen to see my 2025 birth stats & I promise they are coming very soon, but I wanted to get this out there too!

I’m fully booked for birth & postnatal support through January, but still have availability for the odd antenatal workshop, power hour or 3 step rewind session. From February, there is plenty of birth support available!

I won’t be taking on any families for birth or postnatal support in May as I will be celebrating my 40th year on the planet & intend to absolutely milk it for all it’s worth!

If you’re expecting your baby this year & want to invest in your birth, gain knowledge, support & advocacy from someone who truly has your best interests at the heart of their practice, then now is the time to get in touch & start that conversation.

You can get in touch by visiting my website (link in bio), dropping me a DM & booking a free, no-obligation connection call.

Clair
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As another chapter of doula support gently comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey of a family I’ve ha...
09/12/2025

As another chapter of doula support gently comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey of a family I’ve had the honour of supporting since they first reached out at the beginning of this year. Watching how far they’ve come—the strength, courage & quiet determination they’ve shown along the way—has been everything.

Their transition into parenthood hasn’t been easy, but I’m so grateful they reached out for support during those early postnatal days. To witness them grow in confidence, bond as a family & truly begin to flourish, has been a privilege I hold close to my heart.

Doula support is never one-size-fits-all. It shifts, adapts & evolves alongside each family, meeting them exactly where they are & every day I see just how powerful this way of working can be.

I feel deeply grateful to do this work, but even more so to repeatedly witness the difference it makes in the lives of the families I support.

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It’s funny how my work tends to move in little waves & lately I’ve had the joy of supporting a number of families with c...
21/11/2025

It’s funny how my work tends to move in little waves & lately I’ve had the joy of supporting a number of families with creating birth affirmations. It’s such a lovely process to be part of.

Creating birth affirmations is more than a creative activity; it’s an empowering practice. The process helps parents connect with their intentions for birth, build confidence & enforce positive beliefs. Affirmations can ease anxieties, strengthen the mind–body connection & create a sense of calm readiness. They become powerful tools that support not only the birthing person, but the entire birth team & give those supporting the Mama a great audible anchor to use when things ramp up.

Once created, these affirmations can be used in many ways. Written & hung somewhere visible at home—perfect for the Mamas to read often & to get familiar with, used as journal prompts or even spoken aloud during a guided relaxation (my favourite). They become gentle, everyday reminders of strength & support.

When the time comes for birth, they can bring the affirmations along to make the environment feel more personal, comforting & full of that beautiful, oxytocin-boosting energy.

Clair
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11/11/2025

Such important themes & messages coming up in this “Open Letter on Birth: In Defence of Modwives, Mothers, and the Truth”

I understand & fully appreciate there is a lot of nuance in this conversation & it can be incredibly emotive. But the research, evidence & stats really do speak for themselves.

If you have time, please do take a moment to read this:

Together, we represent those who stand beside women and families through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period - the people who have witnessed both the miracles and the failings of our maternity system firsthand.

I first met  & Mat when I was invited to join their birth team alongside fellow colleague & friend  later on in their pr...
13/10/2025

I first met & Mat when I was invited to join their birth team alongside fellow colleague & friend later on in their pregnancy.

I love shared care work. It offers two doula minds & allows the families we work with to really dive into different perspectives & experiences; giving them a full breadth of knowledge to lean into.

It just so happens, on this occasion, baby decided to arrive when I was covering the on call & I feel blessed to have walked alongside both Ellie & Mat on their journey to welcoming their third baby Earthside.

It was truly beautiful. The loving energy in the room, the calm, the trust. It was everything.

Although they sought doula support later on in their pregnancy, we still had time to hold antenatal sessions with them, understand their needs & wishes for birth, build a robust set of birth preferences that reflected these & most importantly, strengthen our relationship with each other.

It’s never too late to seek the support of a doula & I would be delighted to talk to you about your journey & how I can support that. I have space for one more birth in November & then spaces from January onwards. If you’re interested in finding out more, drop me a message.

Clair
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P.S. To read this review in full & to read more reviews, take a look at my google profile page online!

Did you know that the placenta is the only organ in the body that disposes of itself once it’s no longer needed?  It gro...
26/09/2025

Did you know that the placenta is the only organ in the body that disposes of itself once it’s no longer needed? It grows & works specifically for the purpose of keeping your baby alive & although the blood of mum & baby transfers through it, it never actually mixes.

Today, it is normal practice for there to be a delay in clamping the umbilical cord after birth. But, if it’s something you’d definitely like, I suggest putting that in your birth preferences. Especially if you have a caesarean (planned or unplanned).

I would also encourage you to explore your other options, such as “waiting for white” or a “lotus birth”, to feel into what really feels right for you and your baby. We must remember, one size does not fit all.

The benefits of delaying the cord clamping include:
👉🏼 Baby receives more of their blood compliment 
👉🏼 Higher iron levels for your baby’s brain development
👉🏼 The placenta acts as a natural resuscitation aid, meaning better oxygen supply from the moment they are born
👉🏼 Better nutrition right from the start

Clair
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Address

Garston Street
Shepton Mallet
BA45NW

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