About me

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

- Maya Angelou

Hello! My name is Laura. I live in Willesden Green with my husband, two daughters and four cats. Before becoming a mother, I worked for charities supporting prisoners and ex-offenders and then went on to be a primary school teacher for 10 years before choosing to stay at home as a full-time mother.

My journey to becoming a doula started with the birth of my first child, although I didn’t know it then. Becoming a mother was a profound change for me and sparked a keen interest in all things parenting, baby and birth related. By the time I was ready for our second child, I knew I wanted to approach my pregnancy and birth in a different way. The key differences were the support we enlisted and a focus on mindset shift which had such an enormous impact on the wellbeing of our whole family, but most significantly on mine and my daughter’s birth experience.

I’m passionate about supporting women to achieve a positive birth experience which I believe is every woman’s right. Women are amazing and their bodies can do remarkable things. When women are supported in the right way and enabled to feel safe, secure, heard and loved, birth can be an empowering and truly rewarding experience. Whilst I will support a woman wherever she chooses to birth, I am a keen advocate for birthing at home and enjoy exploring this option with the families I work with.

I am a qualified Hypnobirthing Instructor, Breastfeeding Peer Supporter and am trained in the use of both aromatherapy and biomechanics in pregnancy and labour.

I am a safe provider for women of all races, ethnicities and religions. I understand the importance of providing individualised care and the issues that women from minority backgrounds may face in our maternity system. I am Jewish myself and can ensure provision that is free from antisemitism.

Book your free discovery call with me

becoming a mother

After a long and difficult labour and a challenging start to breastfeeding my first daughter, I received amazing support from my local network, which inspired me to train as a breastfeeding peer supporter. I trained with the NHS Harrow breastfeeding team, under the leadership of Alison Spiro, as well as completing the Mother Supporter course with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. This was the start of my journey supporting other mums and mums-to-be and I went on to regularly support new mothers at a weekly Breastfeeding drop-in group. Along with NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor, Cordelia Uys, I also co-founded two online breastfeeding support groups for women in north-west London, and I continue to regularly support women online.

making changes

My experience of being pregnant, giving birth and becoming a parent has shown me that it is made significantly more manageable by having a good network of support and care available throughout.

The most significant difference between my own two birth experiences was during my second, where I received continuous, unwavering, caring support throughout by case loading midwives. We had time to build up a rapport, I felt comfortable and safe in their presence and they were both there alongside me for the duration of my birth. In a similar way, having a doula can minimise fear around who will be present at your birth.

Feeling first-hand the difference this kind of support can make has been a huge part of my inspiration to help other women achieve the positive births they are entitled to.

A lot of pressure is placed on our chosen (or default) birth partners. Many of them are undeniably amazing in their roles, but a doula can hold the whole family and assist the partner to better support the mother. Bringing the energy of a supportive team to a birth goes a long way to ensuring the mother gets exactly what she needs.

a new direction

I completed my doula training and knew immediately this was where I was supposed to be. I believe the experience of a positive birth can look different for everyone. But what is fundamental to having a positive birth experience is that a woman feels empowered, respected, heard and most importantly - safe. And this is where a doula can help. I am committed to supporting my clients make informed choices and truly understand the system which they are choosing to birth within. I can help you navigate these choices and process information during your pregnancy. I can guide you to the latest, most reliable research to help inform your decisions. I can find out what your specific needs and wishes are and will be there throughout to help you achieve them. I will listen to you and I will support your choices and I hope to help you feel excited and positive about your birth.

I don't believe we are designed to raise babies alone and it really does 'take a village'. I love supporting new mothers and understand how overwhelming it can feel in those early days. As a postnatal doula I can provide you with some daily support to help you while you find your feet as new parents. I offer a range of services which can be modified to suit your own particular needs. From practical assistance such as helping you with feeding issues, signposting relevant services in your area, or helping you to safely use a sling or baby carrier, to simple physical assistance such as making you food, doing a load of laundry, walking your dog or holding your baby while you have a shower/bath/nap. I will be there to listen to you, help you understand your new baby and reassure you about any concerns you might have.

As a Doula UK mentored doula I abide by the Doula UK Philosophy and Code of Conduct.