Meet The Team
Founders
Meet the founders of the Support Me Maternal Project!
Managing Director
Hi! My name is Anna and I am a mother of 2 boys. I gave birth to one in Poland, in a hospital and the other at home in the UK. Before I became a doula I was a perinatal and breastfeeding supporter at the local children’s centre. I was running a support group for breastfeeding mothers there for a year.
I have a BA in Education, and I am a Level 5 Nutritional Therapist. I have been a doula since 2017 and work in and around the Midlands, UK. I trained with Spinning Babies in 2019. I am trained in 3 step rewind method to work with clients who hold a birth trauma or any other perinatal trauma.
I run antenatal classes, women’s circles and free support groups for breastfeeding moms. I support families on their way to parenthood. I train and mentor new doulas.
I am currently studying MSc Psychology at the University of Lincoln and my focus is on perinatal mental health, birth trauma and birth rights.
Finance Director
Hi! I’m Manisha, I’m an Indian Muslim and a mum of 3 boys. I had a really difficult time with all of my pregnancies and had Postpartum Anxiety and Depression during and after my third. This led to me training as a Doula with Every Birth Matters, as well as an Antenatal Teacher with The Real Birth Company and Hypnobirthing teacher with KGH.
Since then I have also done additional training in Aromatherapy for Childbirth, Postnatal Depression, Domestic Abuse, Birth Trauma Release and Perinatal Mental Illness.
I’m currently working as a Counsellor working at an infant loss charity, an NHS Maternity & Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate, as well as Cultural Safety Trainer for maternity staff around the UK.
Leadership Team
We have an amazing Leadership Team that helps Support ME grow and develop collaboratively.
Dominika – Leadership Team Chair
Projects: Chair & Doula Programme
Dominika, an academic research scientist by profession, embarked on a new journey following the birth of her daughter. Joining the SupportME team in 2022, she initially served as a facilitator for online Polish Village Milky Morning meetups, later transitioning to the role of Leadership Team chair.
In her capacity as chair, Dominika oversees the Doula Care Programme and manages various projects, from drafting policies to organising monthly Leadership Team meetings and Support ME Community gatherings. She ensures the smooth operation of the Leadership Team, demonstrating
her commitment to supporting the organisation’s mission.
Sylwia
Projects: SME Doula & Social Media Coordinator
Sylwia, a mother of two boys, joined SupportME in 2021 and has played a crucial role as a valued member of the Leadership Team. In her capacity as the Social Media Coordinator, she manages our online presence and engagement. Sylwia also spearheads the coordination of the Conscious Birth Facebook group, providing invaluable support and information to expectant mothers navigating pregnancy and childbirth.
Additionally, she organises weekly live sessions titled “Evening with Doula” aimed at providing insights and guidance to the community. Beyond her administrative duties, Sylwia is a certified doula and hypnobirthing teacher.
Karolina
Projects: Milky Mornings, Birmingham Hub & SME Doula
Karolina is a mother of two girls. Her personal journey into motherhood sparked an interest in breastfeeding support, fuelled by the challenges she encountered during the early stages of nursing her children.
Driven by a desire to assist other mothers, especially those within the Polish community facing language barriers or cultural differences in the UK, Karolina became a breastfeeding peer supporter in 2022 and later trained as a doula through SupportME.
Karolina serves as the Polish Village Milky Mornings coordinator and Birth Clinic coordinator, actively
contributing to the well-being of expectant and new mothers.
Projects: Mindfulness Sessions Facilitator
Ewa, a dedicated member since 2021, joined us after the birth of her son. She began by facilitating
online Polish Village Milky Morning meetups, offering peer breastfeeding support as a passionate psychologist and mindful coach while fostering connections among mothers.
Now a vital part of our
leadership team, Ewa not only spearheads various administrative projects but also dedicates herself to championing maternal mental health through mindful workshops and our wellbeing library.
Marlena
Projects: SME Doula
Marlena, who joined SupportME in 2022, brings a diverse skill set and wealth of experiences to our organisation. Trained as a Doula through Support ME and certified in breastfeeding peer support, Marlena leads live Conscious Birth sessions and facilitates Antenatal classes, empowering expectant parents on their journey.
As a mother of two and a nature enthusiast, Marlena finds joy in capturing the beauty of nature through photography.
