Every birth matters
Supporting families through pregnancy, birth and beyond
Welcome and congratulations on your pregnancy!
I'm Natalie, a birth and post natal doula based in Chiswick, West London. My aim is to care and support new parents during this uniquely special and sometimes confusing time. I can unravel the influx of information and opinions about pregnancy and childbirth so that you can make informed choices and feel happy and prepared for the months ahead.
Having a right doula will inspire confidence and a sense of empowerment so that you can enjoy the most positive birth experience and the best start to parenthood.
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Doula support can make all the difference. Scientific studies have shown it can result in 25% shorter labour times, reduce the need for interventions and lower risk of postnatal depression.
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If you feel I could be the right doula for you, I'd love to be by your side during this exciting new chapter of your life.
If I don’t know my options,
I don’t have any
- Diana Korte
What is a doula?
A doula is a constant companion through your unique journey of becoming a parent(s). Rather than feeling like you are enduring a series of procedures or interventions, a doula helps empower you to make informed choices and feel safe and secure about your upcoming birth.
A doula creates space to talk through your birth options or simply reminds you to check in with your own intuition when making important decisions. They recognise that every woman is different and that her well-being affects her physical health.
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That is why a doula will spend time getting to know you, listen to any concerns you may have and provide all the emotional and physical support you need to feel strong in mind and body.
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In trials*, women cared for during labour by a birth doula, compared to those receiving usual care were:
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26% less likely to give birth by caesarean section
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41% less likely to give birth with a ventouse or forceps
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28% less likely to use any analgesia or anaesthesia
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33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience
You can find more research available on the Doula UK website https://doula.org.uk/
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*Findings of Hodnett’s et al meta-analysis of 15 trials from N. America, Europe, and Africa
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​“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” – John Kennell, Paediatrician
The Chiswick Doula
I'm a mum of three (two sports-mad teenage boys and one creative daughter) and former-copywriter/PR director.
Being practical, a good communicator and listener have always been part of my work as well as everyday life as a busy mum, and I'm so happy to channel these skills into being the best doula I can possibly be.
For several years, as a family we were based abroad, so for any new-to-be parents without close friends or relatives around, I know first hand how isolating that can feel at times.
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With my eldest two children now at university, it's great to finally have the flexibility and time to devote to being a doula.
If you would like to find out more, or simply have a chat, I'd love to hear from you. I cover London and the surrounding areas including Surrey.
What I can bring
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A calm presence, someone you can trust, open up to, who always has your best interests at heart
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Unconditional support throughout pregnancy, birth and afterwards with your new baby
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A source of knowledge, so you can make informed choices
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Experience and hindsight - I understand what you're going through, your emotions and concerns - ask or tell me anything that's worrying you
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A non-judgmental mindset - do what you feel is best and right for you and your baby, trust your intuition - each person's journey is unique
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Someone who is extremely practical, hands-on, organised and in control
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A confident voice that can speak on your behalf if a situation needs it
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Reassurance and comfort, so that you can prepare for any encounter, even if things do not go as planned.
Birth package and other services
Birth Package
​​We will have an initial (free of charge) meeting, in person or by zoom, to see whether we are the right fit and to answer any initial questions.  If you are happy to go ahead, we can look forward to working together so you feel secure and confident about your upcoming birth.  After signing the contract I will be available every day to answer your questions or any concerns by text or phone. Around week 30 and 35 we will set up 2x 2hr pre-birth preparation sessions. We'll discuss your birth preferences and I will ensure your plan is shared with your care provider and is communicated ahead of the birth.  I will be on call for you from 10 days before your baby’s due date, whenever that may happen - day or night.​ We will be in phone contact as soon as labour begins and I will arrive within 1 hour as soon as you feel you need me. I will attend your birth to support you in any way I can, and remind you of all you have learned. I will stay with you until your baby is born and for the first few hours after birth (or when you feel ready), to help you get comfortable and establish feeding. We will then have a postnatal visit to see how things have been and to help you prepare for the coming weeks with your new baby.
Postnatal
I will provide emotional, and physical support, allowing you and your partner the time and energy to bond with your new baby and enjoy those first few weeks together. ​I will help with any concerns you have and support in any way I can. Importantly I will help with the practical side, whether that be getting basic food shopping, helping with older siblings, taking your dog out. By taking care of the home, you can concentrate on being the best parents that you can be.​ Should you need to rest, sleep, or recover from any surgery you can do so knowing you and your baby are in safe nurturing hands. I also offer night support. If you just feel you need to get a good nights sleep to be the best that you can be for you baby then I will come to your home and care for your baby while you get the rest you really need. ​
Others services
I can offer variations of my birth and postnatal doula services if there is something more tailored you need. Let's chat and see what works best for you.
The Chiswick Doula:
Get in touch
If you’re interested in having a doula for your birth and the postnatal period, or just want to find out more about what a doula can do, let's have a chat or meet for a coffee.
Email The Chiswick Doula at natalie@thechiswickdoula.com
or call 07718206884 or fill in the contact form:
07718206884