Birth Doula and Birthkeeping Services
Continuous support throughout your journey
Having a dedicated person by your side throughout pregnancy and birth can transform your entire experience. Research consistently shows that continuous support throughout pregnancy, labour and the postpartum improves outcomes, reduces the likelihood of unnecessary or iatrogenic medical interventions and leaves families feeling more positive about their birth, regardless of how it unfolds. As your doula or birthkeeper, I become your constant; someone who truly knows you, your wishes and your story.
My approach is always shaped entirely around you. During pregnancy, our focus will be on building a genuine connection, preparing for your birth and keeping you feeling emotionally and physically well. This includes bespoke birth planning led by your preferences, holistic therapies, biomechanics to support optimal positioning, hypnobirthing techniques and plenty of space to talk through any worries or questions as they arise.
When the time comes, I'll be there. The on-call period start date is mutually agreed, and during your labour I will support you and any birth partners with your non-clinical needs, whether that's emotional reassurance, physical comfort measures (like massage and breathing techniques), advocacy to ensure your voice is heard, or simply holding the space so you feel safe and cared for. I stay for as long as you need me.
My role doesn't end when your baby arrives. You'll have one in-person postnatal visit included as standard (with the option to add more on at a reduced rate), as well as text, video call and phone support until your baby is six weeks old, so you can feel held and supported as you navigate the early days of life with your little one. Many of my clients find this ongoing connection invaluable, especially when things feel uncertain or overwhelming in those first few weeks.
Every birth is different, and I've had the privilege of supporting families through all kinds of journeys, from serene homebirths to unexpected caesareans, and everything in between. What stays the same is my commitment to ensuring you look back on your experience feeling respected, supported and genuinely cared for.
No two families are the same, which is why I don't offer a one-size-fits-all package. Every aspect of your support is carefully crafted around you - your needs, your values, your birth preferences and your budget. To find out more about how we can build something perfect for you, including pricing and what could be included, please get in touch to book a free discovery call. I'd love to hear about your journey so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A midwife is a registered medical professional who provides clinical care including monitoring, examinations and medical interventions during pregnancy, labour and birth. A doula provides advocacy and continuous emotional, practical and informational support in a non-clinical capacity. Doulas work alongside your medical team, not as a replacement for clinical care.
What is a birthkeeper?
A birthkeeper provides holistic support that centres the birthing person's autonomy, instincts and preferences throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The approach is similar to a doula but often places greater emphasis on physiological birth, informed choice and honouring the birthing person's individual journey without external pressure.
Does having a doula improve birth outcomes?
Yes. Cochrane systematic reviews (the gold standard of medical evidence) and various other research found that continuous support during labour reduces the likelihood of several things, including but not limited to caesarean birth, the use of synthetic oxytocin, and the need for pain medication, while increasing the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth and overall satisfaction with the birth experience. Continuous non-clinical support from people like doulas have been linked to a decrease in unexpected or adverse outcomes even more so than midwives, or other medical professionals, in some cases. I believe this is likely due to our priorities being you, rather than a professional registration, hospital policies, admin, other patients etc...
Do I need a doula if I am having a hospital birth?
A doula can be particularly valuable during a hospital birth. Systematic pressures within the NHS mean midwives often care for multiple women simultaneously and follow a certain shift pattern, so continuity of support is not always guaranteed. It is also well-documented that NHS staff often fail to provide person-centred, individualised care. A doula provides a consistent, familiar presence throughout your labour and advocates for your birth preferences with the clinical team.
Can my birth partner(s) still be involved if I have a doula?
Absolutely. A doula works alongside your birth partner(s), not in place of them. Doula support includes equipping partners with practical tools like breathing techniques, massage, and other comfort measures, as well as providing them with guidance on things like advocacy, supporting your positioning during labour and newborn care once baby arrives, so they feel confident and actively involved throughout labour and birth. I may also provide support to the medical team, in order to ensure your space is held in the right way and everyone is working together in your best interests.
What happens if my doula is on call and I go into labour early?
The on-call period start date is mutually agreed based on your circumstances. In the unlikely event you go into labour before the on-call period begins, I will do my best to attend, or at least support virtually if I cannot be there in person. During the on-call period, I as your doula will be available to attend your birth at any time, day or night. Support also includes text, video and phone contact before and after birth, and one in-person postnatal visit as standard with the option to add more.
