Birth and postnatal doula in BRIGHTON

“Hiring Jess to be my doula was possibly the best decision I made for labour.”
— Jen D., London

Hello! My name is Jessica. I love supporting birthing people and their partners as they navigate the transition into parenthood. You should reach out to me if you’re looking for a doula who:

  • understands the science and physiology of labour and birth

  • is a fierce, unwavering advocate for birthing people and their rights to feel safe, respected, and heard

  • will support you unconditionally and without judgment whether you want to give birth in a hospital or at home

  • has experience with all kinds of births including “natural” birth, c-section, VBAC, labour ward and birth centre

  • has breastfeeding support training

  • can guide you in weighing the potential benefits and risks of various pathways so you can make informed and empowered decisions

  • is a deep and empathic listener who can hold space for you to prepare for and process your birth

  • brings a calm and reassuring presence to any room

  • can nurture and nourish you in the postpartum period

Get in touch

More about me

I am originally from the United States but have lived in England for nearly a decade now and feel very settled. I have two children, and was supported by wonderful doulas during both pregnancies and postpartum periods. I’m an experienced science journalist, and throughout my transition into motherhood I became fascinated by the science of birth, things like: how the body changes during pregnancy, how physical movement affects baby positioning, the hormonal shifts that accompany labour, the brain science of pain and fear, and how feeling safe, respected, and heard helps reduce a woman’s chances of experiencing birth trauma. My doula work is rooted in an understanding of these physiological mechanisms. I strive to use evidence-based practices to support my clients, while also guiding them to tap into and trust their own intuition about what’s right for their unique circumstances. My goal is for my clients to feel prepared, empowered, and supported before, during, and after their births. I also feel strongly that new mothers deserve to be supported and cared for emotionally, physically, and spiritually in the postpartum period. I offer truly holistic postpartum care to my clients that includes massage and breathwork, nourishing food, as well as practical domestic support.

I will travel within 90 minutes of Brighton to support clients, including to parts of London. If you’re not sure if your area is covered, ask!

“Thank you for showing up for me in the middle of the night, for supporting my family as a whole, and for helping me achieve the birth I had hoped for. I will always be grateful, and I will never forget the difference you made during one of the most important moments of my life.”
— KS, London

  • I trained with Developing Doulas under veteran doulas Aimee Hamblyn and Vicky Walker.

    I trained with the Breastfeeding Network as a breastfeeding peer supporter.

    I am completing the Holistic Postpartum Practitioner Method.

    I have completed my Reiki level 2 certification training.

    I’ve also taken additional courses in birth biomechanics, birth trauma and trauma-informed care, birth rights, postpartum herbalism, and postpartum breathwork.

  • Antenatal education
    During our meetings in the lead-up to your birth, we might discuss:

    • your hopes and fears about birth

    • what labour feels, looks, and sounds like

    • plans and preferences for labour, birth, and the postnatal period

    • navigating the maternity care system

    • how to use physical movement to your advantage

    • practical tips your birth partner can use to support you during pregnancy and birth

    • methods for pain relief, comfort, and relaxation

    • breastfeeding tips

    • postpartum planning

    Labour support
    During labour and birth I can help with things like:

    • physical support such as massage, movement, and counterpressure for managing discomfort

    • emotional support and encouragement

    • logistical support i.e. helping you get to the hospital

    • protecting your peace and creating a positive birth environment

    • advocating for your preferences

    • helping you navigate unexpected or challenging circumstances  

    Postnatal care
    Designed to Mother the Mother, my postnatal support goes beyond just general help around the home and is truly holistic. It includes:

    • restorative massage, Reiki, ASMR treatments, and breathwork to settle your nervous system

    • breastfeeding support and signposting to helpful resources

    • nourishing meals and herbal support

    • emotional support as you navigate life with your new baby

    • practical domestic help around the home

    • or I can simply hold the baby for you while you nap/shower/eat/do whatever you want to feel whole and human!

  • Birth doula package: £2,000
    4 antenatal sessions
    In-person support during labour and birth
    2 postnatal sessions
    On call 24 hours starting from 10 days before your due date
    Whatsapp/phone support throughout pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth

    Holistic postnatal doula support:
    Between 9 am and 4 pm: £30/hour
    Minimum booking is 20 hours. Includes bodywork (massage/reiki), breathwork, nourishing food, herbal support, breastfeeding support, as well as emotional support and general help around the home. Designed to truly Mother the Mother.

    I look forward to supporting you through this new and transformative phase of your life.

“Jess brings a calm, nurturing presence and has made those early weeks feel so much more manageable.”
— Carmen F., London
Get in touch