Doula Support
Alexandra Mother to Simone - Google Review
“As soon as Claire joined us I felt so relaxed and at ease. Claire was able to make a plan with the midwives to help my labour move forward, she did this by positioning me in a way which moved my labour on almost instantly!’’
Video Testimonial
I am so grateful to all the parents who choose my care and support during such a special time in their lives. Thank you to Amit and Amy for sharing their thoughts so sweetly for other parents to hear.
Nurturing & Confident Support
My approach is all about forming the strongest team around you. We achieve this through the strong relationship, trust, and preparation we build together during your pregnancy. Your midwives, then join our birth team on the day, with experience and clear communication from me, they will understand the birth you want to have and will work together with me to ensure your comfort, safety, strength and confidence thrives in the birth room.
Your partner will feel secure and in control with their role. I will gently but confidently guide them to be the best birth partner for you, so you both have the birth you wish to have and look back knowing how connected you were throughout.
You might be feeling…
Fearful of interventions, such as inductions or cesareans, that don’t feel right for you.
Concerned about how to advocate for yourself with busy medical staff.
Distrustful of the system, after hearing or experiencing previous birth trauma.
Overwhelmed by the decisions ahead and how to make sure your voice is heard.
Your partner would benefit from having another trusted person with you.
Second baby?
This birth can be different. If you have given birth before but you’re seeking a different path. With eight years of experience as a hypnobirthing birth doula, trained to work through previous birth trauma with parents where requested. I prioritise caring for you and understanding your vision for the birth of your next baby, ensuring that we take the necessary time during our prenatal sessions together, to explore your history, preferences and work through any concerns. I am here to ensure you feel more confident and prepared.
Let’s start by having a simple, no-pressure conversation about how you can feel safe, prepared, and in control.
Helen Page - second time mother
“Claire expertly weaved in important elements related to my history to help me feel better prepared and build trust in my body and my capability to birth again’’
What to can expect
A quick overview from start to finish.
Chemistry meeting. Creating a strong rapport with your doula is absolutely key. I offer a face to face chemistry meeting together for one hour at your home (within 5 miles of N21) If you would prefer we can meet over a video call in the first instance.
A follow up phone call to answer any other questions thereafter – 30 minutes if required.
Confirmation of support agreed on both sides - contracts sent, signed and meeting dates agreed.
Whattsapp Group on confirmation for ongoing support, resources and 1:1 guidance begins!
Full birth prep pack including affirmation cards.
A new writing pad for each parent to make notes - I personally love a new pad and making lists!
Course file with antenatal and hypnobirthing handouts such a birth plan templates
Essential oil rollerball to bring calm for use during pregnancy.
Visualisations & printed Illustrations for use in pregnancy and labour.
7 x Meditations specifically for pregnancy, labour & birth - downloadable from my shop.
8 hrs Antenatal preparation in person (including Hypnobirthing if 8 hours)
On call from 10 days before EDD until baby is born.
Birth attendance until your baby is born.
Breastfeeding guidance post birth - I am also an accredited Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner.
One x two hour postnatal visit within the first week post birth.
Ongoing Whattsapp support until 6 weeks post birth.
**Extra sessions or breastfeeding support postpartum can be booked as needed.
Antenatal meetings:
Includes 8 hours of antenatal planning with a private, tailored hypnobirthing course addressing your individual concerns. Two home visits of 4 hours each for preparation and birth planning (or 4 sessions of 2 hours if within 3 miles, by agreement). Antenatal session dates arranged to suit you and your partner—flexible evenings, weekends, or daytime. I always find, good communication keeps any changes required easy.
How I Provide Support:
I will go on call for you 10 days before your due date until your baby is born. I am available for any concerns throughout that time.
When labour begins and you need me, we will discuss this during the antenatals, i will arrive at your home, when the time is right to support you both. You will have my complete attention. (If labour goes very quickly, i will meet you at the hospital but this has only happened once!) My job is to bring you comfort so starting at your home is important to me.
IIf you are giving birth in a hospital, I will help you decide when to go, based on your feelings, and I will go with you.
I will support your wishes with the midwives and work well with them. Your birth plan is my main focus.
I keep the environment friendly and supportive, communicating with your team honestly and respectfully.
I will help you change positions during labour for more comfort and better progress.
I provide emotional and practical support to help you manage labour.
Physical support like massage with oils is available if we agree beforehand.
I also support your partner, helping them to understand and cope with what they see.
On The Day
You have access to all my comfort measures within my Mary Poppins, birth bag to help benefit you during labour this includes the below:
Cooling towels for temperature control
Tens Machine with new packaged electrodes if you need them
Comb and Yulu Balls for active labour
Fully charged fan with various settings
Massage oils and carrier oils safe for use
Rebozo scarf for use by me for repositioning and comfort
Speaker for music if needed
Diffuser for use in the birth room
Breastfeeding materials right after birth
Post Birth
I try not to overstay post birth but to leave when the time is right so you can bond together with your new family.
Continued whattsapp support while you are in hospital with any questions around feeding, recovery or healing.
A two hour visit to your home within 7 days post birth to discuss how you are feeling and help with feeding advice and tips.
Postpartum Whattsapp group open for 6 weeks.
(To be honest, the rapport that builds between me and my clients, this group never closes & is revisited with a subsequent pregnancy.)
Does this sound like the support you need see packages and costs below;
John Murray - Father to Louie
“I cannot recommend Claire highly enough. She is an exceptional doula, a true professional, and a wonderful person. If you're considering a doula for your birth experience, look no further. Claire is the one you want by your side. Our family will forever be grateful for her support!’’
Support Packages
Full Doula Package - summary
Chemistry meeting in person or on zoom
Whattsapp Group on confirmation for ongoing support, resources and 1:1 guidance
Full birth prep pack including all resources and templates needed
Affirmation cards
Essential oil rollerball to bring calm for use during pregnancy
7 x Meditations specifically for pregnancy, labour & birth
8 hrs Antenatal prep and planning in person, including Hypnobirthing (add ons below)
On call from 10 days before EDD until baby comes
Birth attendance until your baby is born
Breastfeeding guidance post birth as I am a Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner
One x two hour postnatal visit within the first week post birth
Ongoing Whattsapp support until 6 weeks post birth
Package 1 - £2950.00
Full doula package includes 8 hours of antenatal support and planning at your home, starting early in pregnancy. We’ll meet regularly over weeks to address your concerns and build trust for birth. Many use this alongside other antenatal classes like Bump & Baby Club or NCT, with my ongoing support in between. If you don’t attend other courses, I’ll cover everything you need during our sessions.
Package 2 - £3250.00
Full doula package with 8 hours antenatal preparation and planning at your home, split into separate sessions, allowing you time to practice and take in the information, this also includes hypnobirthing tailored to yourselves. I suggest we begin as early as possible, from 26 weeks
PLUS
Weekly 30 minute facetime video call from 37 weeks checking in to see how you are feeling and covering anything needed together +
90 minute preparing to breastfeed session in person around 38 weeks to top up your confidence +
1 hour guided 40 week relaxation and rebozo relaxation session to encourage the body to release tension, fears and relax ready for labour. Completely tailored to you and at your home so you can rest deeply.
Package 3 - Doula in your bag - £1500.00
Full doula package with in person antenatals as above just with me not being physically present on the day you birth your baby. I will guide you over video calls and be there with you when you need me. This is a lower cost option which can be discussed with me on a phone or video call.
Payment Plans
50% deposit due on confirmation of contract.
50% remaining fee due at 36 weeks.
*Additionally, check if your health insurance covers birth doula support. Providers such as Carrot cover doula support.
**Please contact me about my fees and to discuss payments, you can opt for more payment installments if that is more manageable for you.
📩 Book a free chat below today and take the first step toward the birth you deserve.
Lette Watson - Mother to Robyn
“At the intense times, Claire was there to wipe away my tears and reassure me. The massage, pressure and emotional support meant I felt more in control. Using the specific breathing Claire had taught me, i felt strong and knew i was going to meet my baby soon!’’
Lette gave birth to beautiful baby Robyn at home in a birth pool supported by me, her partner, Pete and the local home birth team from North Middlesex. It was an honour to be with them throughout pregnancy, birth and to be a small but important part of their journey to being a family of four.
You can read Lette’s birth story here on the blog.
Training & Qualifications
Hypnobirthing Practioner with the RCM 2016
The Hypnobirthing Institute Accreditation 2016
Further Hypnobirthing Teacher Training 2017
Rebozo for Breech Presentation 2017
Rebozo for Use During Labour & Birth 2017
Birth & Postnatal Doula Training 2019
Birth Trauma Three Step Rewind 2019
Further Hypnobirthing Teacher Training 2021
Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner 2022
The benefits of continuous support during labour and birth and the support of birth partners were highlighted in an updated 2019 Cochrane review, which analysed data from 26 studies across 17 countries involving more than 15,000 women. The outcomes below were observed for parents who were given continuous support from a doula or a second close labour companion.
● More likely to have a vaginal birth (without the need for caesarean, forceps or vacuum extraction)
● Less likely to use pain medications
● More likely to have shorter labours
● More likely to be satisfied with their birth and postnatal experience
● The babies may be less likely to have low five-minute Apgar scores, which assess babies’ health and well-being at birth and shortly afterward
● Increased equity directly through improved women’s empowerment and provision of culturally responsive care, and indirectly by reducing the over-medicalisation of childbirth
● Increased likelihood of initiating and establishing breastfeeding
A difficult labour, lack of support, an unplanned caesarean section or emergency treatment for the mother/birth parent or baby can all contribute to the risk of experiencing trauma. Doula support can therefore reduce the risk of experiencing perinatal trauma.