About
Gemma Harvey - Doula, Massage Therapy and Reiki
Sussex and Kent borders
I am a Doula based in Sussex and have had the honour of supporting women through birth and the postnatal season since 2013.
Being the eldest of 4 sisters and growing up in the matriarchal community that is an armed forces family estate, has definitely played a big part in me becoming a woman that lives to support and serve the women in my community.
What a wonderfully interesting yet intense, infuriating and contradictory time it is to be a woman and to be navigating the strange new land that is motherhood. It is a time that desperately needs women that lovingly serve women and I don’t think I could have grown to become any thing other than a doula. I believe that there is a deep and ancient knowing in being served and held though the intense transition of motherhood by another woman, I believe that we are attuned to know what it is to to be so strong yet so vulnerable, I have come to learn that it gives you space to feel understood and seen. Besides motherhood I am never more naturally myself than when I’m in service to parents. Almost every woman I serve feels like she could be my sister, I feel like I have space in my heart to bond with every woman that has and ever will be! I have an inbuilt desire to care for, nurture and to nourish you all, I’m just made that way. I have always been and always will be a ‘girls girl’ right to my soul. Every day I am dazzled and in awe of the grace, strength, softness, and all around magic of women and every day I feel honoured to be offering the work that I do, I will forever be worshipping at the alter of woman and I will forever be dazzled!
As a mother of two and aunty to many I understand first-hand how important compassion, friendship and support can be during the journey into motherhood and beyond. I understand that every mother and birth is different so take the time to really know you and always work with your wishes in mind. I am dedicated to helping every woman I support to feel safe, empowered and in control of her birth no matter how or where she chooses. My aim as a doula is to support you in meeting your baby in the most loving way possible and in the way that is most authentic to you, so that you take away proud and happy memories of your birth experience and journey into motherhood confident that you are well supported. I’m here for you!
I feel that if confidence, calm and trust can be nurtured then birth can be the wonderful and empowering experience it should be and I would be honoured to be part of that journey!
MY DOULA PROMISES
I will always be honest with you
I will not judge you or your choices
You cannot offend me during labour!
I will make sure that you have a voice and that it is heard
I will do everything I can to help you meet your baby in the most loving way possible
The Benefits of Hiring a Doula
Research has shown that having a doula present at a birth can:
- Shorten first-time labour by an average of 2 hours
- Decrease the need for pain medication
- Help fathers participate with confidence
- Increase success in breastfeeding
- Protect and comfort the mother providing an ‘antidote’ to fear
If you feel that a doula could be the right choice for you, or you would like to talk about your pregnancy and birth choices then please call or email me using the details below, I would love to hear from you.
Call – 07545 061 535
Email – contact@thebirthgem.co.uk
Testimonials
We look back on the birth as the most intense but wonderful experience we have ever had and we owe that to you.
Gemma was quiet and calm throughout, she knew our wishes and made sure they happened.
Gemma was great as a doula, she had wonderful empathy and knowledge, I genuinely hope that we stay in touch.
When my wife suggested hiring a doula for our first birth I have to admit that I wasn’t sure. I worried that I wouldn’t be needed and selfishly thought that I might be left out of the experience and feel a bit useless. I was so wrong! We interviewed a few doulas and as soon as we met met Gemma we both knew that she was the person we needed with us. She helped me feel confident, taught me massage techniques and ways to comfort my wife and just made us feel so prepared. During the birth she supported us together and made sure that I always knew everything was OK (I can be a bit of a worrier). The best gift she gave me was being able to sleep, eat and take a break during the long labour knowing that my wife was well supported by someone that knew us, our wishes and that we trusted completely. I can’t thank her enough for her support and patience, I tell everyone about our birth and our amazing doula. This is one happy dad, thank you Gemma!
Gemma supported me through a challenging pregnancy with her warm and nourishing approach. I had a magical closing ceremony and deeply relaxing massage. My body was still tender in places and Gemma took such care. It was such an empowering closure. Gemma is very sensitive and loving. She takes time for you; all the small details made my experience sacred. From organic home blend pregnancy oils and rose petals to her mother cards. I would highly recommend her taking care of you greatest gratitude xxx
We made the decision to hire a doula very late into my pregnancy, as soon as I spoke to her I felt so confident that she would bring the perfect energy to the home birth of my 2nd child. We met just once before my baby decided that he was ready to join us but we felt so ready and prepared after our meeting with Gemma that I wasn’t worried at all. Gemma truly exceeded our expectations, she supported not just me but my husband and 4 year old daughter too. She even managed to capture beautiful pictures that I will treasure forever. I could not imagine our birth experience without her, she made us all feel so safe and capable and my husband says she was the glue that held us all together. If anyone is considering hiring a doula then I would say Gemma is the woman to call, every birth should have a doula.
There are no words for how grateful we are to you for supporting us before during and after our baby girl’s birth. Your wonderful compassionate and calm manner, and not to mention those healing hands, made the birth really special.
Carys, Matt and Bea