If there is a guiding principle behind how I view the processes of labour and birth then it is the advice that came from the lips of my husband's elderly grandmother when I was first pregnant. "Just give over to your body," she whispered. "It knows what
to do."

Having said that, I am very practical in my approach to labour and birth, and also flexible. I understand that everyone's situation and expectations are so different that I need to support women and their partners according to their individual needs and what they see as their priorities.

I try to be open-minded and non-judgemental and always like to explore all sides of an issue before reaching my own conclusions (in that sense I am a weeny bit anal, I'll admit!). And thereafter, I'm more than happy to revisit that issue and have my mind changed.

And I like to offer women (and their partners as appropriate) digestible information from trusted sources in order to help them do something similar: make informed choices about their pregnancy, labour and birth that are right for them.

The hope is that this then enables women and their partners to have the best experience possible - and an experience that chimes with their personalities and approach to life.

I also want women and their partners to feel cared for and emotionally supported during this time of great change and upheaval as I think it's so important in terms of coping with life after their baby has arrived.

I like to think I'm a pretty good and sensitive listener (I have done life/executive coaching training) and that this also allows me to work positively with midwives and doctors.

Most of all though, I hope that you will find me easy to get on with and a confident and calming presence.