About Mary-Clare - Antenatal, Baby & Parenting classes for Mums & Dads
I have twins boys and live in Abbotsbury, West Dorset (between Dorchester, Weymouth and Bridport) with my husband Andrew.
I have been helping parents with birth, parenting, baby carriers/slings and health for about 25 years.
I have a run a home birth support group, helped start the first Doula Birth companion courses in the UK (pre internet) and have done training with La Leche League in breastfeeding support. I have helped as many people as I could with breastfeeding, where to get help, lending books and also have written about my experiences breastfeeding twins for magazines. I trained to run antenatal classes with Calm Family (founded originally by Sarah Ockwell-Smith, author of many books including BabyCalm and ToddlerCalm).
My philosophy - whether for the antenatal or postnatal period - centres on respect and empathy and strengthening your bond with your baby. I also work as a postnatal doula (visiting new parents after birth to help with anything: housework, cooking, looking after you, holding your baby while you have a shower etc).
I am a qualified Sling/Baby Carrier Consultant (with School of Babywearing) - working with parents in the antenatal and postnatal periods - and used to volunteer at the (now closed) Dorchester NCT (National Childbirth Trust) 'Sling Meet'.
I run West Dorset Slings (see our Facebook page).
I would like you to have as easy and pleasurable a life with your baby as is possible and I look forward to meeting you in my classes!
You can ring me on 01305 871561 or 07775 656782 and/or visit me to try or buy carriers/slings (please ring first!) at 13 Market Street Abbotsbury DT3 4JR. You can also email me on