THE PERSON BEHIND BIRTH BEAUTIFUL

My name is Yas. I’m a doula, birthkeeper, antenatal educator, hypnobirthing practitioner and the founder of Birth Beautiful. I primarily serve Norfolk and London, but I also offer virtual support and travel nationwide - or even globally - when families require my assistance further afield. I am a dedicated advocate for human rights and parental choice, offering personalised, inclusive support that is just as unique as you are - whether that is to help you conceive and have a beautiful, healthy pregnancy and birth, navigate a loss or assist you in the postpartum period. Much like parenthood itself, being a birthkeeper and doula is an extraordinary experience and I provide my services with genuine passion.

WORKING WITH YOU

The support you will receive with Birth Beautiful extends far beyond a standard professional transaction - it is a deep and meaningful relationship. I provide a truly unique service where you and your care providers alike will benefit from my extensive, well-rounded knowledge and calming presence.

Your pregnancy and birth will have a lasting impact on your family’s health and well-being for generations, which is why I offer a gold-standard, all-encompassing doula and birthkeeping service that can support you from pre-conception all the way through the pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. With a holistic, evidence-based and physiology-led approach, I am dedicated to safeguarding your rights and choices, ensuring you feel empowered and confident at every stage. 

  • How did I get here?

    My early career consisted of running children's groups, babysitting and teaching English whilst completing my secondary education at an international school in Istanbul.  I flourished in the expat community, and deeply value the culturally diverse experiences and friendships I have had as a consequence. While I initially thought that I’d pursue a career in the performing arts, I discovered an interest in biology and childhood development in my teenage years which led me to pursue a psychology degree. I also became a nanny, through which I learned about the wonderful highs – and challenging lows – of family life, especially around the vulnerable time of introducing a new baby. While I never finished my psychology degree I still have a very strong interest in mental health, childhood development and public health, all of which underpin the support I give at Birth Beautiful. After having my son whilst completing a CertHE in Healthcare with Health Science, I commenced my midwifery training and started working as a doula alongside my studies.

  • Why I chose to be a doula

    It is no secret that maternity services in the UK are under immense strain. During my time as a student midwife I experienced some of the most incredible moments of my life, but also contended with the profound systemic and cultural challenges found throughout the system. Whilst midwifery as it is these days just isn’t right for me, I’ve now had the honour of supporting many families through their maternity journeys - from plans adhered to, and those that didn’t quite go as hoped. While the vast majority of my clients have the birth of their dreams, I’m also there for the unexpected – through complexities, interventions and those moments where everything can feel uncertain, overwhelming or out of your control. But no matter the outcome, being your doula or birthkeeper means I can ensure you look back on your journey feeling you were supported, respected and cared for by someone in the way everyone should, without compromise. I can wipe your tears, share your joy, be your advocate and hold you through every moment you need me to.

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BECOMING  A DOULA

I undertook my initial doula training with Nurturing Birth then later furthered it with The Original Birth Connection training, which I felt was a really thorough and positive experience. Further to this, I have engaged in professional development and training across such areas as childbirth physiology, breech birth, twins, hypnobirthing, obstetric emergencies, infant loss, caesarean birth, perinatal trauma, vaginal health, the microbiome, tongue tie, infant feeding, breastfeeding, natural pain relief, biomechanics, acupressure and aromatherapy. As a doula and birthkeeper I provide emotional, practical and informational support, so whilst I do not give any medical care, I can use my knowledge and training to support you and your medical team in a non-clinical capacity. I'm also passionate about having an inclusive approach and, rather than just talking the talk, I've engaged in further training to ensure I can fully support within culturally diverse and LGBTQIA+ communities.

In terms of other inclusivity, I noticed that surrogates and intended parents also experience several failings by common healthcare systems, as do those with chronic health issues, and have undertaken further education tailored to these issues. I also did my midwifery placements at three different trusts, two of which had very diverse patient populations. MBRACE are still highlighting that global majority people have a higher rate of adverse outcomes, and this is also something that I have done further training on and actively look to change. Historically, people at a higher risk of adverse outcomes were able to access my services for free if they were unable to pay. This is now being replaced with support from the Birth Beautiful Foundation (coming soon!).

The doula and birthkeeper industry is unregulated, which can actually be a positive thing - it allows me to offer care that’s truly centred around you, without being restricted by red tape and acres of admin. However, I understand that this lack of standardisation may make it harder to know what to expect from doula services. So, to help with that, I’ve outlined the key principles that underpin what you can expect from Birth Beautiful below.

WHAT TO EXPECT   

I take the time to really get to know you, build a genuine relationship with you and provide a continuous, reassuring presence throughout your journey. I will always support you in a way that feels gentle, respectful and right for you. Your experiences, values and choices matter deeply to me.

I’ll help you explore your options so you can make confident, informed decisions about your care and birth plan. I’ll advocate for you where necessary so that you receive care that makes you feel safe, seen and in control. 

While there are no official training requirements for doulas or birthkeepers, practise and research in the birth-world is constantly advancing, so I advance my own knowledge alongside this to ensure the support I give you is evidence-based, up-to-date and of an exceptional standard.

For a full list of the professional development and training I have completed, or if there is a specific area or speciality you would like to know more about, please just get in touch. Professional development is an ongoing process so the list is updated regularly.