ABOUT ME
Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Michelle and I'm the mother of a wonderful boy. Originally from Manchester in the North West of England, I've been living in London since 2008 and have called Richmond Upon Thames home since 2017.
During my pregnancy, and after the birth of my son, I received support from a wide range of healthcare professionals, including a maternity consultant, midwife, GP and physiotherapist. When my son was four months old, we realised I needed additional face to face support at home.
We engaged a kind and compassionate postnatal doula whose support over the next four months made a massive difference to my perinatal mental health and emotional well being. These experiences ignited my passion for raising awareness about perinatal and infant mental health. I have a specialist interest in infant feeding and breastfeeding support, as well as baby and child health, safety, and development.
I'm dedicated to supporting new Mums, new Dads, Parents and Caregivers on their journeys. I hope this website serves as a valuable resource, and I invite you to reach out if you'd like to connect or learn more.
MY PASSION
My passion lies in advocating for perinatal and infant mental health, with a specialist interest in infant feeding and breastfeeding support, as well as child health, safety, and development. I believe that through compassionate care and community engagement, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of new mums, new dads, parents and their children.
With nearly two decades of experience in healthcare across a variety of roles, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families through their health journeys.
I am a registered adult nurse, having completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing at London South Bank University in March 2018. Recently, I worked with my local Health Visiting team as a Community Staff Nurse, and I currently undertake ad hoc hospital bank shifts at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) acute trust.
My academic background also includes a BA (Hons) degree in Criminology and Sociology from Manchester Metropolitan University, which I completed in 2002. This interdisciplinary education has enriched my understanding of the social factors that impact health and well being.
I am actively involved in research and community initiatives. As a public member and contributor to the South London Applied Research Collaboration group, I serve as a Trial Steering Committee Member on the RELAX study programme. I've also contributed to research studies focusing on infant feeding, preconception, and perinatal mental health.
Volunteering is a significant part of my life. I currently offer my time as a peer supporter at my local NHS Trust's community infant feeding support drop-in group. Previously, I have volunteered as a Lay Member with Kingston Maternity Voices, supported local National Childbirth Trust (NCT) branches in Richmond and Twickenham, and assisted with my local church's toddler group.
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MY QUALIFICATIONS
