Black and white photo of a woman wearing a lace bralette and shorts, sitting on a bed with crossed arms and tattoos on her wrist, in a dimly lit room.

Doula Support

What is a doula

A doula is someone who provides independent emotional support, continuity of care, gentle guidance, knowledge and antenatal information to help support you to have a positive pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. I am there to support you no matter what!

I really care about your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey and what is important to you is important to me. Birth can feel incredible when women feel supported along their journey no matter what path their birth takes.

As a certified independent experienced doula, I provide in person birth and postnatal support to families throughout Nottingham and nearby surrounding areas.

I support all births and whatever path you choose I will be there to advocate, support and ensure you remain in control of your choices especially when things can change.

I live in central Nottingham which means I am conveniently based for families planning to give birth at home across Nottinghamshire (including Derby borders), at City or Queens Maternity hospital (NUH) and Kingsmill Maternity Hospital (Sherwood Forest Trust).

I have lots of experience in supporting home births, hospital births and caesarean births. I have supported families planning VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean and HBAC (home birth after caesarean births) first time births and subsequent births. I have supported and worked with families who have medical needs and families who are neurodivergent.

I have supported families birthing at Derby Maternity Hospital, Kingsmill Maternity Hospital (Sherwood Trust)and NUH (both Queens & City Maternity Hospitals). I have supported families choosing to birth at home under Nottingham home birth team, Derby home birth team and Newark home birth team.

My ethos as a doula is that EVERYONE deserves continuity of care and inclusive support no matter what. I want the families I work with to feel really cared for, supported and feel like they are not alone.

I am invested in your hopes, dreams and wishes for birth and I will ride that pregnancy birth, and postpartum journey with you.

More about me

My Role as Your Doula

My role is to make sure you feel informed to make decisions about your birth. Whilst I won't give you medical advice or make a decision for you, I will help you to understand your options, provide evidence based antenatal information, talk through different birth paths and what they may look like for you and offer gentle guidance and a safe space for you to make those decisions.

You never have to justify any decision to me, my priority is making sure you are informed and feel good about your decision. Feeling in control is really important It can have a positive effect on how you experience and feel about your birth when your baby is born

I LOVE to research and should you need more information, studies or resources I am on hand to provide you with evidence based resources and information you may need. I have a wonderful library of books that you can borrow any time as well as an online client members resource.

I am passionate about supporting birth partners (if you have one) and I will support them to support you; whether that’s teaching them massage techniques and hands on support or helping them understand the role of the partner and what they can do to support you during labour and birth. My role is never to take over from your partner, they know you the most and I will support them in their role to feel a confident birth partner for you.

Antenatal Birth Preparation

From the moment you book with me I am there to support you virtually for anything you may need.

Whether that is a listening ear, answers to questions, sign posting to other local services (I work with some wonderful local pregnancy, birth and postpartum services) I’ve got you covered.

I will help you and your birth partner (if you have one) to prepare and plan for the birth you want.

Writing a birth plan can feel daunting but I am on hand to support you to help make it a relaxed, fun and exciting part of birth preparation. It is also a great way to learn about birth and find out what is important to you.

We will also go through birth support tools such as aromatherapy, biomechanics and movement for birth as well as lots of pain relief tools and aromatherapy to support your birth.

These sessions are also really important part of doula support as it allows me to get to know you as a family so I can best support you and you get to know me and trust me. Having a support team who you trust and feel safe with can make a world of difference to your birth.

In Person Birth Support

I will go on call 10 days ahead of your estimated due date and I will remain on call for you until your baby arrives (or earlier if you need me to). This means that I will be available 24/7 to join you at your place of birth when it's time to meet your baby.

I have lots of lovely skills to support your birth and I am trained in aromatherapy and able to offer physical support during labour with the use of massage, aromatherapy and acupressure to help with pain relief, proved comfort and aid relaxation.

I trained with Optimal Birth to offer supportive practical biomechanic movements alongside the use of a rebozo to help support optimal position during pregnancy and encourage and support labour.

I will make sure your birth environment is set up to your preferences, wherever you decide to birth. I can help with birth positioning, snacks, getting the birth pool ready, helping you to stay in the zone, speaking with your midwives about your birth plan- anything that will support you to feel relaxed and calm and support your birth.

I will advocate for birth plan preferences without judgement and do my very best to make sure your birth choices are protected and supported.

Advocacy is a big part of my role and I am very comfortable advocating and being your voice when you need me to or support you or your partner to advocate for yourself. I will also help to create a safe calm space for you to make any birth decisions and help ask questions.

I love to support birth partners (if you have one) and I will support them to support you; whether that’s teaching them massage techniques and hands on support or helping them understand the role of the partner and what they can do to support you during labour and birth. My role is never to take over from your partner, they know you the most and I will support them in their role to feel a confident birth partner for you.

Once your baby is born I will remain with you for those first few hours helping you to recover and bond with your baby. I will also be on hand to help with feeding support and can offer gentle hands off support however you plan to feed your baby.

Postnatal Support

The first few weeks post birth can sometimes feel overwhelming as you navigate your new role as a mother/parent, whether it is your first, second or third baby. During our doula antenatal sessions we will talk through planing for the postpartum period from newborn sleep, recovering, nutrition and feeding information.

I also offer hands off feeding support which means whether you decide to breast/chest feed, bottle feed, express or combi feed. I will offer gentle guidance and support to help you achieve your feeding goal.

My role as a postnatal doula is to provide non-judgmental practical and emotional support to you and your family to help ease this transition as you adjust to life with your new baby.

My birth and postnatal packages include postnatal visit in those first few weeks post birth. During these visits I will bring you some nourishing food, we will debrief/talk about your birth. I can offer feeding support and talk through any worries you may have or help with any tasks around the house to help you rest and recover.

I also offer virtual support for the first 6 weeks post birth for any questions or worries you may have so that you know you always have someone there in the background ready to support.

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Doula Packages

I offer two packages below for pregnancy, birth attendance and postartum support. You can also build your own bespoke package (if you would like more/less antenatal or postnatal sessions. I do recommend a minimum of two antenatal sessions (unless we have worked together before) to help us get to know each other and plan your birth and postnatal journey.

I also offer “virtual doula support” for families who are looking for someone to support them virtually/remotely. Virtual doua support is continuous support through pregnancy, birth and postpartum via messaging and phone/video calls and perfect for those that may not want in person support but would like someone to support them along their journey.

If you think virtual doula support is for you please get in contact to chat further.

Birth & Postnatal Support Package

£1,450

This package includes pregnancy and postnatal support, birth attendance and birth preparation and the following:

2 X 2 hour antenatal sessions to help prepare and plan your birth.
Virtual support throughout your pregnancy and during early labour.
24/7 on call ten days ahead of your estimated due date
In person birth support wherever you plan to give birth.
Help planning for the postpartum period.
1 X 2 hour postnatal visit including birth debrief/reflection session.
Virtual support throughout your postnatal period for up to 6 weeks post birth
Access to my resource area, workshops and books.
TENs and Birth pool should you wish to use one.
Access to my doula kit including my aromatherapy diffuser kit, birth combs, pregnancy ball, sky projector, lights. rebozo, peanutball etc.
Option to add on more postnatal support (you can read more here about postnatal support)

The Complete Package

£1,850

This is my bigger package which includes all of the above, plus extra postnatal and my doula antenatal course to help you feel fully prepared for birth (discount included)

2 X 2 hour antenatal sessions which includes my doula antenatal course.
Doula antenatal course (6 hours of antenatal birth preparation split into either 2 X 3 hour sessions or 3 X 2 hour sessions)
Virtual support throughout your pregnancy and early labour.
24/7 on call ten days ahead of your estimated due date.
In person birth support wherever you plan to give birth.
Help planning for the postpartum period.
2 X 2 hour postnatal visits including birth debrief/reflection session.
Virtual support throughout your postnatal period for up to 6 weeks post birth.
Access to my resource area, workshops and books.
TENs and Birth pool should you wish to use one.
Access to my doula kit including my aromatherapy diffuser kit, birth combs, pregnancy ball, sky projector, lights etc.

Postnatal Support Only

Packages from £350

My role as a postnatal doula is to provide non-judgmental practical and emotional support to you and your family and ease this transition as you adjust to life with your new baby.

Perhaps you don’t have family living close by, your partner is going back to work early or perhaps having someone you know and trust to support you in those first few weeks after the birth of your baby.

I can support with anything that will help ease your transition to motherhood; whether that’s helping with chores around the house, a non-judgmental listening ear, support with helping you to rest, making meals, caring for you baby why you get some rest- whatever supports you need I‘ve got you covered.

You can find out more about my postnatal offerings here.

A Doula When You Need Them!

£600

This package is a great option for families that want the support/continuity of care from a doula during pregnancy and postpartum without birth attendance.

Perhaps your pregnancy has taken a different path and you would like some support to help navigate from someone who has experience in navigating hospital policies or you have a smaller budget but would like support from a doula.

This package includes:

20 weeks of doula support
Virtual Support from the moment you book
Weekly check ins via text/phone/Whatsapp
60 minute monthly calls (to talk through worries, ask questions, go through birth topics)
Personalised Birth Plan
2 Hour online birth planning session
Access to members area full of resources, videos and workshops
Personalised resources focused on you and your pregnancy

Options to book a smaller package to suit your pregnancy gestation and when you would like support.

book a consultation

Kind Words…

"Kerry has been truly wonderful and such a vital and important part of our birth team. After planning a home birth and then being being diagnosed with pre eclampsia at 41+1 and having to be induced, our plan quickly changed and having Kerrys support and knowledge was everything. She was advocating behind the scenes when it was impossible for me to do so and was also brilliant in supporting my birth partner through a difficult process as well. We are so thankful to have worked with Kerry and grateful for everything you have done for our family"
"My baby is now three months old, and I’ve wanted to write this review since the day he was born. I’ll be honest though, I’ve struggled to find the right words to truly describe how amazing, blessed, and fortunate we feel to have had Amy and Kerry as our doulas (shared care). This was my fourth baby. Although I’d had “straightforward” births with my other children, particularly with my third I felt I really had to advocate for myself. Knowing this would be my last baby, I didn’t want to spend my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period feeling like I was battling everything alone. My partner is incredible and supportive in every way imaginable, but I needed someone firmly in our corner - someone who could be that steady, knowledgeable voice so he could focus fully on supporting me. Having Amy and Kerry at the end of the phone whenever I was weighing up decisions was invaluable. They always came back with research based information and provided a completely judgement free space for me to talk things through".
Six months ago, we welcomed our baby girl into the world, and we honestly couldn’t have done it without Kerry. Kerry is amazing, knowledgeable, calm, and a true advocate for the birth experience we wanted. During labour, we had many different midwives, and she adapted her approach to each of their personalities so seamlessly, always ensuring we were supported and that our wishes were followed. Our labour was long (36 hours!) and had a few unexpected twists, (we were initially sent home and then had to return to the hospital), but she was there through it all. She came back to the hospital again and stayed with us the entire time until our baby was born. Throughout labour, she kept bringing out new techniques to support me, (from the Rebozo to massage balls and combs), helping me manage each stage and stay as comfortable and focused on the moment. She ensured my husband and I could stay grounded and present, taking care of everything around us so we could fully focus on the moment. After our baby arrived, her support didn’t stop. She stayed with us and watched over our baby while I received aftercare. Having someone we trust with us meant so much in those first vulnerable but precious moments. We are so grateful for Kerry’s support and care. She was truly an unforgettable part of our journey.
"We had planned a home birth, but Derbyshire suspended the service when I called to request midwives. That was one of my biggest fears and definitely sent me into a mini spiral. However, I felt fully supported in every decision that followed. Kerry arrived and was immediately so reassuring. Without going into my full birth story, it ended in an unintentional freebirth and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It did feel scary at times (thank you to the NHS and the media for all the constant scaremongering), but Kerry brought such a deep sense of calm to the situation. That calm radiated to my partner and my sister, who was also present".
"Kerry was incredibly proactive with whatever needed doing. When I felt nauseous, she brought out essential oils. She gently guided my partner when it was time for him to catch our baby. She instinctively knew what to do afterwards - warming the water again (I should mention we had a water birth), placing a hat and towel on baby, supporting me in those first precious moments, helping me out of the pool, and offering tips to encourage the placenta to birth. She handled communication with medical staff so I could stay fully present in that golden time with my baby. Afterwards, she cleaned everything. You would never have known I’d given birth in our living room if you’d walked in a couple of hours later. She got us settled into bed with our baby, comfortable and cared for".
"Postpartum, I was completely spoilt with heartwarming meals (and even during pregnancy with the most incredible dates!). I truly wish I could put into words how special it was to have Amy and Kerry by our side. Kerry attended my birth, but Amy supported me throughout pregnancy and postpartum as well. They really are the best duo. If you’re considering hiring a doula - especially Amy and Kerry - I cannot recommend it enough. Forget the unnecessary baby items. Invest in something that will shape your entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience".
“The most amazing person!I cannot express enough how incredible Kerry was as my doula.I am so grateful for the incredible support she provided during my challenging birth experience. I had initially planned for a water birth at home, but after being induced, 4 days of hospital issues, intense contractions I then needed an emergency C-section, she was there every step of the way for. Her calm presence, encouragement, and guidance helped me stay focused and empowered, even when things didn’t go as planned.Her support during pregnancy and labour was beyond anything I could have imagined.She truly made a difficult and emotional experience much more manageable, and I’m so thankful for all her help in bringing my baby girl into the world 🙏❤️”
"We hired Kerry for doula support for the birth of our son in April... It's hard to put into words how invaluable having her at our birth was, especially as I ended up needing an unplanned c section. Kerry advocated for us, and made us feel in control in a situation where without her, I think it could have felt traumatic and easily become a birth experience I don't look back at with fondness. Before and after the birth Kerry was there to help with any questions we had, nothing felt like too much and she created a relaxed, judgement free environment and provided me with the confidence I needed going into birth. I look back at my birth with so much joy and having Kerry there is absolutely a part of that - Thank you for everything❤️"
"Kerry was the perfect doula from our first antenatal session to our final post natal session. I only wish I had an angel like Kerry for the birth of my first son!! Kerry was cool and collected throughout every obstacle we faced ( which in the last 2 weeks was a few as I became "overdue") but equally always ready to advocate for me and my needs. She empowered me to listen to my gut and speak my truth throughout my pregnancy and really trust to my instincts. Armed with the facts and so much experience, we navigated every twist, and turn was so much more ease, thanks to Kerry's expertise and care. The day of the birth itself, I genuinely don't know what I would have done without her support practically with our homebirth, but most importantly, mentally. She was there for me and my fiancé at very moment. We feel so blessed to have met Kerry, and I can not recommend her enough!"
"Kerry is a fantastic hypnobirthing teacher who gives you all the information you need, backed with data in a non judgemental way. Even though it was my 3rd birth, I learned so much and felt like I had all the information I needed to make informed and safe decisions. Kerry was always on hand for advice and information, I don’t know what I would have done without her. She was also my postnatal doula, and she helped me with feeding myself and my other two children, advice with feeding my baby and someone to talk through my birth with. Kerry played such a huge part in my preparation, decision making and early post natal period and had a huge impact in making the experience as positive and wonderful as possible"
"I was looking for a doula specifically for postnatal support and came across Kerry - it ended up being the best decision working with her! During a period that can be completely overwhelming, she was there to help, both practically (making meals, helping set things up) and emotionally. If you are considering a doula, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her, she made the world of difference to me and my partner".
"I can't recommend Kerry's services as a doula enough! I didn't realise it before that she was such an important part to my birthing team, she was a huge support to me during labour but also to my husband, helping us both navigate the system but also helping my husband to be the best support. Kerry was so kind, she encouraged me when I needed it and also asked a consultant to leave the room, when I needed it! Hehe. If you're considering having a doula, I'd say do it!! It was the best decision we made, even though the birth wasn't exactly as I'd hoped, with Kerry's support, I was really confident with the decisions I made in the moment. Thank you!"
"Thanks sooo much for everything. I definitely wouldn't have got through any of it without you being there. You really did make a difference in how we were feeling through the whole process and allowed for Ash to really help with emotional support I needed at the time. Also your cake has been a godsend! It's sooo lovely and I'm still making my way through it. It gave me a 3am energy hit this morning when I was struggling"

Full Spectrum Doula Support Nottingham

My passion is to support you to feel confident, informed, and empowered knowing you are being fully supported and listened to throughout your journey to meeting your baby.

When you book with me you get my full undivided attention. I only take on 1-2 clients a month so that I can ensure that the families I work with are getting true continuity of care which is important to me.

I honestly do believe that there is a doula out there for everyone and being someone’s doula it is about connection, feeling safe and having someone you trust to walk beside you.

I offer a free no pressure consultation/chat to meet me, ask questions and find out if I am the right doula for you.

If your local to me in Nottingham and prefer an in person chat I am more than happy to meet for a coffee!

Get in Touch