Meet the team - firstly, our practitioners:
Helen Hunt, Co Founder
Helen Hunt, a qualified antenatal teacher and local midwife, co-founded Becoming Families. With years of experience in maternity services, she offers insider insights into pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatal care. Helen helps develop services and leads antenatal classes. She met co-founder Jo during their educator training and founded Birth Choices Worcestershire in 2012. Helen lives in Pershore and has two teenage children.
Jo Lederer, Co Founder
Jo Lederer, a qualified antenatal teacher and transition to parenthood practitioner, has years of experience supporting new parents. With a BA in Psychology & Sociology, an MA in Perinatal Mental Health, as well as additional training in infant development, she's dedicated to providing safe and effective support. Jo is a mum of 3 and lives in Worcester.
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Maxine Downes
Maxine Downes, a qualified antenatal practitioner, has years of experience in healthcare as a nurse in the UK and Australia. After having her own child, she discovered a passion for supporting parents-to-be. Maxine is a mum of two and lives in Stourport-on-Severn.
Cathy Green
Cathy Green, a qualified antenatal teacher and midwife, is also a Birth Trauma Resolution Practitioner. With years of experience supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, she's dedicated to helping families have positive experiences. Cathy is a mum of two and lives in Worcester.
Lynn Ratcliffe
Lynn Ratcliffe, a qualified yoga teacher and antenatal educator, has been supporting parents-to-be for over 10 years. She's passionate about helping families achieve their desired birth experience. Lynn is a mum of 3 and also works as a breastfeeding support provider.
Dot
Dot Parry is a qualified antenatal teacher and former midwife with years of experience supporting families. She is passionate about empowering parents and offers antenatal classes and support. Originally from Manchester, Dot now lives in Worcester with her family.
Georgia
Georgia, a qualified antenatal practitioner with 10 years of experience, has joined our team. She is passionate about supporting families and will be offering antenatal classes, baby massage, and postnatal support.
And our invaluable volunteers!
Faye
Faye is a qualified psychotherapist specialising in trauma. She has worked in various settings, including women's aid, schools, and private practice. Faye is passionate about supporting families and is excited to volunteer with Becoming Families. She has two boys and lives in Droitwich.
Hannah Alhais
Hannah Alhais has been qualifed in Yoga since 2019. She is a firm believer in the positive effect of yoga on physical and mental health, and is passionate about ensuring new and expectant mothers take time out for themselves. Hannah is also a qualified physiotherapist and a mother of two young children. She lives in Droitwich.
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Sophie
"I've been involved with Becoming Families since having my second child. I've participated in various activities, including fundraisers, courses, and support groups. I'm excited to join the social media team and continue my journey with this amazing charity as a student midwife and mother of three."
Alice
I'm a volunteer and aspiring midwife with a passion for supporting families. I currently manage Birth Pool rentals for Becoming Families, drawing on my experience as a Maternity Support Worker and Maternity Voices Partnership representative. As a student midwife, I'm excited to continue learning and contributing to positive changes in maternity care.
Debbie
Debbie is a Perinatal Peer Support Worker in Worcestershire. She offers holistic support to mothers and their families, drawing on her own lived experience. Debbie is a valuable volunteer in our postnatal emotional wellbeing group and lives locally with her son.
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Chloe
"I'm a new mom and volunteer writer for Becoming Families. I love writing and am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their newsletters. Becoming Families has been invaluable to me, and I'm happy to give back."
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Rosie
"I'm excited to volunteer for Becoming Families while pursuing my midwifery training. I believe in the importance of education and support for new families and am thrilled to be part of their social media team. When I'm not studying or volunteering, I enjoy crocheting and exploring local charity shops."
Harriet
"I'm a new mom passionate about antenatal and postnatal support. I love volunteering for Becoming Families and enjoy spending time with my horse and exploring local restaurants."