Your questions, answered

A doula is a trained birth companion who offers continuous emotional, physical and informational support before, during and after birth. A doula isn't a medical professional — but a knowledgeable, steady presence who stays with you throughout.

A midwife is a clinical professional responsible for the medical care of you and your baby. A doula provides continuous emotional and practical support and doesn't perform clinical tasks. The two roles complement each other beautifully — your doula works alongside your midwifery team, never instead of them.

Many families describe their doula as one of the most valuable parts of their birth. Beyond the emotional reassurance, the evidence is genuinely encouraging (see below).

Research shows continuous doula support is associated with a roughly 25% lower likelihood of caesarean birth, shorter labours, less need for pain medication, and a more positive emotional experience of birth for both parents. A Cochrane review found continuous labour support was most effective at reducing caesarean birth when the support came from someone in a doula role, and was linked to a greater likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth in settings where women weren't otherwise able to have a companion of their choosing with them. Birthing individuals also often report requesting less pain relief, including epidurals, when supported by a doula (source).

South East London — including SE1, SE4, SE8, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE16, SE22, SE23 and surrounding areas such as Lewisham, Peckham, Greenwich and Bromley. If you're nearby and unsure, just ask.

Most families book in the second trimester, but it's never too early or too late to enquire. Because I take a limited number of births each year, earlier booking gives the best chance of securing your due date. I will always try and accommodate last minute bookings if I can, so please do get in touch and we can chat.

Yes — all three. I support births at home, in hospital and in birth centres, including King's College Hospital, Lewisham Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich.

I'm on call from 37 weeks. In the rare event I'm genuinely unavailable, I can discuss with you any back up doulas I work with, and sometimes we can arrange shared care where you will work with two doulas. I will always endeavour to be there for you but in the rare case I am not, we will ensure to have an agreed plan you are happy with.

Absolutely. I never replace your birth partner — I support them too, helping them feel confident and present so you can experience the birth together.

Yes. Doula support is just as valuable for planned caesarean births — from preparation and emotional support beforehand, to recovery and supporting you with feeding after a c-section and what to expect.

My prices are listed on my packages pages, but I keep packages flexible because every family's needs are different. Get in touch to discuss tailoring a package to suit you and your family. There's no obligation to book.

Only a small number — so that whenever your baby decides to arrive, I have the space and energy to be fully present for you.

From 37 weeks I'm available to you by phone and WhatsApp, day or night. I will stay local and ready to go when on call. When labour establishes, I come to you and stay continuously until you are ready for me to leave. In case of a very long labour, I may need to take breaks to eat and sleep but my role and your expectations will always be discussed during our antenatal sessions.

Not unless this is specifically discussed and agreed with you. If there is any reason I may not be able to be there for any part of your on-call period, this will always be discussed with you in advance. I have a wonderful community of trusted doulas around me, who I can introduce you to if a shared care agreement is needed.