Preparation and Presence for a Safe and Supported Birth Experience
Birth doula services in London for expecting parents who want to meet birth with intention and trust.
Hi, I’m Bronwyn. I am a birth and postpartum doula based in London. Whether you are planning a home birth or cesarean birth, bottle feeding or breastfeeding, I bring expertise and understanding so that you can have a positive birth experience, whatever that looks like for you. I provide evidence-based knowledge, continuity, nonjudgmental listening, and tender care for my clients. I want your birth story to include feeling respected, honored, and centered.
Before
Your Birth
The quality of preparation that you invest in for your birth — logistically, physically, and psychologically — can make a world of difference in how your birth unfolds.
In antenatal sessions, I can support you in your preparation by talking through your birth preferences and expectations, working through your birth fears, providing resources for pregnancy-related questions, equipping you with coping strategies and practical birth skills, and sharing my favorite tips and tricks for a smooth labour and delivery.
If your partner is supporting you in birth, I will also prepare them with expectations and tools to provide direct support in labour.
During
Your Birth
As your doula, I will be on call for you as your due date approaches and will be by your side as soon as you are in active labour.
During your birth, I work alongside your medical providers by offering emotional grounding, practical coping tools, and trusted reassurance.
Unlike your midwife or obstetrician, my role is solely centered on your desires, your experience, and your autonomy.
If your partner or another family member is also supporting your birth, I will also provide emotional support for them and ensure that they feel confident in being by your side.
After
Your Birth
After you meet your baby, I will stay with you until you are settled and I will visit you again two times once you are back at home.
I also offer standalone postnatal support because I know that the early postpartum period can be overwhelming and isolating for many. Having experienced postnatal anxiety myself, I am passionate about supporting mothers to ease gently into their new selves after birth.
Postnatal support with me includes emotional and physical care as well as practical help with the many demands of taking care of a newborn while recovering.
If you are interested in working together but you’d like to learn more about my offerings, or if you are still unsure if you need a doula at all, I am happy to offer a free introductory conversation to help you make the decision that’s best for you. Schedule a call here.
FAQs
What is a doula and why do I need a one?
1
A doula is someone who is trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support and advocacy for you throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.
Many first-time parents are surprised to find that medical providers do not stay with you for very long during labour. They typically do brief check-ins, with a focus on carrying out medical tasks and following protocols. Doulas stay with you throughout labor and birth, and provide more intimate support. Having a professional that you already know and trust can help immensely with your confidence going into labour.
Research shows that doula support leads to:
39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
31% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
Some examples of what doula support may look like include:
Providing evidence-based research to help you understand a recommendation from your medical provider that you don’t quite understand or feel good about
Helping you to understand your fears about birth and how to work through them
Giving you tools to prepare for birth, such as nervous system exercises, affirmations, nutritional information, movements, and breathing techniques
Being by your side in labour, helping you to change positions, providing counter pressure, soothing touch and words, creating a calm environment to keep the oxytocin flowing
Providing reassurance and praise to keep you going through moments of doubt
Ensuring that your providers are getting your informed consent on medical choices
Taking pictures or videos during your birth, helping you process and document your birth
Where do you work?
2
I am based in West London. For first-time mums, I prefer to be able to get to you in 2 hours or less. For second-time mums, I prefer to be less than 1 hour away.
The areas I cover include but are not limited to Chiswick, Acton, Hammersmith, Notting Hill, Kensington, Holland Park, Chelsea, South Kensington, Earl’s Court, Fulham, Putney, Barnes, Richmond, Ealing, White City, and more.
Hospitals that I work with include but are not limited to Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea, Chelsea and Westminster, St Mary’s, West Middlesex University, and more.
If you’re unsure if I cover your area, please ask. You can email me at bronwynwalls@gmail.com.
At what point in my pregnancy should I hire a doula?
3
There is no specific best time to hire a doula. It is advantageous to you to hire a doula sooner in your pregnancy so that you can maximize your period of support. However, if your estimated due date is fast approaching and you have realized you’d like to have continuous support during labour and birth, hiring a doula will still greatly affect your experience.
I’m interested but not sure, what next?
4
It is important to click with your doula. Let’s have a chat and see if we click. I’d love to hear about your pregnancy so far and what’s on your mind about birth. Book a free introductory call with me here, no strings attached.