Birth and postnatal doula in London
“Hiring Jess to be my doula was possibly the best decision I made for labour.”
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
will support you in hospital or at home
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 fierce advocate for birthing people and their rights to feel safe, respected, and heard
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
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.
“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.”
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I trained with Developing Doulas under veteran doulas Aimee Hamblyn and Vicky Walker.
I am training 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.
I’m in the early stages of my doula career, which means I’m being mentored by a more senior doula while I gain experience. My fees reflect this.
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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
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
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!
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Birth doula package: £1800
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 birthHolistic postnatal doula support:
Between 9 am and 4 pm: £27/hour
Minimum booking is 16 hours. Includes bodywork (massage/reiki), breathwork, and breastfeeding support as well as emotional support and general help around the home. Designed to truly Mother the Mother.I’m in the early stages of my doula career, which means I’m being mentored by a more senior doula as I continue to gain experience. My fees reflect this.
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.”