What is a Doula?

Put simply, a Doula is a woman employed to provide practical and emotional support to another woman through pregnancy, labour, and postnatally.

Unlike a midwife, a Doula is not generally medically trained and, indeed, it would be illegal for her to act as a midwife (i.e. in a medical capacity) when she is not. A Doula provides a traditional supportive role, holding space for the pregnant woman or new mother.

The term Midwife actually translates to “with woman”; a role that in the 21st century midwives are often sadly too stretched to fully provide. Doulas, however, are ideally placed to fill those gaps and truly be “with woman”.

I offer ad-hoc ante-natal and post-natal Doula support on a pay-as-you-go basis, as well as comprehensive packages for those seeking the support of a Birth Doula.

Why choose the support of a Doula?

Research shows that people who use a Doula are less likely to need an induction or other interventions, and are more likely to view their birth experience positively.

During pregnancy, I can provide ante-natal education to help you feel prepared and empowered for labour and birth, emotional support, and hold space for any concerns you may have.

During labour, I can provide emotional and practical support to you and your birth partner, wherever you are giving birth.

After you’ve had your baby, I can support with breastfeeding, and hold space for you emotionally as you settle into being a new family.

My packages are accessibly priced with payment plans available (email ash@birthmagic.co.uk for more information), and the option to add more time if you feel this is something you need.

Support During Pregnancy:

  • Antenatal Education

  • Birth Choices

  • Colostrum Harvesting

  • Navigating the Obstetric Midwifery Model

  • Understanding Your Notes

  • Preparing for Labour

  • …and more!

Support During Labour & Birth:

During labour and birth, my role is to support a positive birth environment for you and your partner. I offer emotional and practical support and will liaise with your midwife to support your birth choices.

I will also be there after delivery to support with things like initiating breastfeeding, tidying up so you can focus on bonding with your new baby, and anything else you need!

Support After Birth:

  • Breastfeeding Support

  • Emotional Support & Birth Debrief (Holding Space)

  • Housework Support

  • Indoor Plant & Garden Care

  • Understanding Birth Notes

  • Babywearing Education

  • …and more!

Qualifications & Experience

Doula Training: Birth, Postnatal, TIDE (Doula UK Certified Training) (2023) Conscious Birthing

Antenatal and Early Postnatal Education Diploma (FEDANT Certified Training) (2023-24) The Perinatal Academy

Hypnobirthing Teacher Training (2024) The Perinatal Academy

Working With Neurodivergent Clients CPD Masterclass (2023) Neurospicy Hypnobirthing

Babywearing Peer Supporter (2015)

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter (2017) Milton Keynes University Hospital

Doula & Student Midwife (2018-2020) University of Northampton

RQF Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET) (2020)

Mentorship & Memberships

Mentor: Kate Woods of Conscious Birthing

Member of:

Doula UK | Conscious Birthing | The Perinatal Collective