About me
Hiya, I'm Gemma
I'm a Northern lass with Ghanaian and Irish roots, and I've been working with people since my first job at the council leisure centre when I was 15. Since then I've studied Health and Human Sciences with Anthropology at Durham, worked as a probation officer, and spent years in the City of London as an incident and resource manager.
Then I had my son. I raised him on my own, mostly with a bag on my back, and he'd clocked up 11 countries before his second birthday. Those early years taught me how much the weeks after birth shape a woman, and how few of us get looked after properly while it's happening.
So I trained. I'm an Innate Postpartum Practitioner, certified in Compassionate Inquiry® (the approach created by Dr Gabor Maté), and I studied matrescence with Dr Oscar Serrallach.
A holiday to Costa Rica the week before Covid left me stuck in the jungle, and it turned into some of my most important work. I co-ran retreats there for 80 women, and back home I've held community retreats for pregnant and new mums with food, music and circle.
These days I support mothers and the people around them through the fourth trimester, and I work with midwives, nurses and employers who want to do the same. I'm proud to work in partnership with Elite Midwifery Services.
A few fun facts: I've been to 55 countries. I'm a world class blagger. And I once came very close to a hug from Robbie Williams. There's video.
Credentials strip: Innate Postpartum Practitioner · Certified in Compassionate Inquiry® · Matrescence with Dr Oscar Serrallach · BSc Health and Human Sciences, Durham
How booking works
Pick your starting point. For the group, choose your date and pay online. For the Foundation Pathway, book a free connection call. For home visits, book a 30 minute consultation for £47, which comes off your package if you go ahead.
Pay your way. Pay in full or spread the cost. Everything goes through Stripe, so it's safe and simple.
Get settled in. You'll get a welcome email with your link and a few short questions about your due date, your home and the people around you. Answer them with a brew, no pressure.
Do the work together. We meet online or at your home, depending on your package, and go at your pace.
Keep your plan. You leave with a written plan you can stick on the fridge and share with everyone helping.
Payment and changes
You can spread the cost of the group over two payments, and the Foundation Pathway is paid monthly (or 3 months up front for a discount).
Need to change your date? Let me know at least 24 hours before and I'll move you.
Babies don't read calendars. If yours arrives early and you miss the group, you can join the next one.
Home visit dates are held once your 30% deposit is paid. The rest is due at 36 weeks. Email gemma@afreergem.com for any changes.