Welcome. It’s lovely to see you here.
I’m Dani – birth and postnatal doula based in a little village near Boroughbridge, in beautiful North Yorkshire.
Pregnancy and birth can be a very uplifting experience but it can also be a very worrying time for women. So for me, as a Doula, I feel it’s imperative women feel in control yet supported throughout pregnancy, in order to be able to make the right decisions for themselves and their baby. Women can be key contributors to making changes to their individual care which enables them to be in control…but only if they are given true ‘informed choice’. Knowing your rights in birth is an essential part of birth prep because if you don’t know the choices available to you…then you don’t have any. And because the transition through pregnancy into parenthood is huge and unknown, my focus is to make the transition as easy and gentle for my clients as possible. Through my own intrinsic belief in women’s bodies and the power of choice, encouraging instinct and finding power in evidenced based research. I now carry this ethos with me whilst walking my clients’ journeys with them.
As your doula I wholeheartedly agree to provide support within the scope of a birth doula’s practice, offering non-medical assistance and guidance and I welcome supporting families in a wide range of births, including Home births, Free births (unassisted), Midwifery Led Units, Labour Wards, Inductions, C-sections (planned or otherwise) and Gentle caesareans.
“There is no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ they would brag about it…….So should we”
Ina May Gaskin
Passionate about my work, using Homeopathy, Hypnobirthing, Mindfulness techniques and Massage Therapy, my approach in supporting each of my doula clients is always personal and individualised. Ultimately my aim is for subtle but tangible shifts that enable clients to tap into deep inner resources to step with confidence towards improved mental and physical wellbeing, in preparation for parenthood. Whether its for a 1st, 2nd or final baby! Im here to support you and your family through every step.
During my Doula training with the Holistic Maternity Education provider ‘When Push Comes to Shove’, we were invited by the founder Nickita Starck to explore our core values in order to serve our clients in the best way possible. Mine are very firmly routed in Integrity, Kindness, Reliability and Trust. Something I can’t say I felt or received when I had my first baby, in hospital, some years ago. For my next birth, my youngest (and final baby), I decided to do it my way. For this labour and birth, I asked a trusted friend to be with me and my partner and to keep everyone else OUT of MY birth space. The labour went smoothly and without disruption or intervention. All due to the calm, quiet, private space we created I was able to go off into my bubble to welcome my baby earth side.
Ive carried that promise forward and now offer this, as a doula, to everyone I support.
Here is what I can offer you to make your birth your own…..
Antenatal Support
Before Labour: I will meet with you (and your birth partner if you have one) at least twice (preferably three times) either in person or virtually, before labour to become acquainted with each other. To discuss your birth plans and preferences. Together we’ll discuss your priorities and how you want to be cared for in birth and to work through any worries or concerns you may have in preparation for labour. This is a valuable time spent together to explore how we can best work together as a team the day you meet your baby.
- Birth prep: I am here to provide emotional support, informational support and guidance during your birth prep. Planning how and where you want to give birth. Covering what to pack in your hospital bag (should you need one), birth plans, guiding you through decision making and information gathering should queries arise. Even though I can’t make decisions for you, I will support you to get the information you need to make an informed decision about your options and human rights in birth. Also covering postnatal planning and discussing what my support will look like for yourself and your baby, should you need more than the inclusive 2-hour single visit in the 2 weeks after birth.
- Communication: I ask my clients to agree to maintain open and honest communication throughout the duration of our time together. I’m constantly available for phone and email support, as needed from the date of initial booking, till your baby’s birth.
- A private Mindfulmamma Hypnobirthing Session (or refresher) is included for you and your birth partner, either in person or virtually.
- Rebozo techniques to help with pregnancy relaxation, optimal baby positioning and labour relief. Rebozo sifting is a traditional Mexican birthing technique using a Mexican shawl or wrap that’s used to support and comfort pregnant women, particularly during labour and birth. The use of the rebozo is an ancient cultural practice in Mexico (as well as Latin America) that’s become increasingly popular around the world in recent years, especially among doulas and holistic midwives.
- 3 Pregnancy massages. One each week from 38 weeks or Postnatally if baby comes early.
- Free use of my birth pool should you need one. All you’ll need is to provide your own liner (Check pool size before ordering) which can be bought here: https://www.homebirthsupplies.co.uk
- Ongoing support via email, phone calls, WhatsApp or text to help in navigating the maternity system to access information at any point in your pregnancy to help you to feeling calmer and more prepared. Whether you’ve been labelled high risk or given a diagnosis in pregnancy, I’ll help you to explore your rights and discuss your options to make an informed decision about your care.
- However and where ever you choose to give birth, I’ll give my full support without opinion or judgement. I’ll be by your side to help you prepare for the birth that is right for you. Partners, a friend or even close family members are always welcome at our antenatal meet ups.
Birth support
On-Call Period: As your doula, I’m on call day and night. Phone always on. No other work commitments from 38 weeks till your baby arrives. During this time, I’m never far away. I will remain with you throughout your labour and birth, until you are completely comfortable and tucked up in bed with your newborn.
During Labour: I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labour, even if you do not need me at that point. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone, and we can decide if I should attend, or wait for further change.
Once I arrive, I can set up the birthing environment in accordance with your wishes.
I will act as your gatekeeper by protecting your birth space and can act as your advocate and go between for you and your health care professionals in hospital or your nosey relatives or Amazon delivery driver if you’re birthing at home! I can help with older siblings and pets, particularly dogs as I have 3 of my own.
I will be constantly at your side to physically and emotionally support you and your birth partner (if you have one) to provide the most effective physical support using breathing techniques from what we have practiced together during our hypnobirthing session, offering massage and comfort measures in line with your wishes. Offer food and drink for you and those in your birth space. Manage logistics and communications between who ever you wish, so you can stay in your zone throughout labour.
I’ll regularly remind you of your inner strength and power. I’ll also encourage you to stay open and relaxed to help your baby move through your body. I’ll get you into and help you stay in your birth bubble as your baby journeys to meet you. I’ll also take photos at various stages, with your own device, should you wish. I’ll then help you to recover immediately after baby arrives, protecting your golden hour by making you and baby as comfortable as possible alongside your partner. I can also liaise with your placenta specialist regarding collection etc if this is within your birth choices.
I’ll then stay as long as you need me to or until you are all tucked up in bed and happy for me to disappear off in my oxytocin haze!
“I protect. I wait. I hold space, I care”
Postnatal support
Included in my doula support package is a 2-hour postnatal visit, at a convenient time for you and your family, within the first 2 weeks after baby is born. This may include but not limited to, as I’m very adaptable and practical, so I’ll do my best to accommodate…
Holding space to talk through your birth journey. Providing advice and guidance to use Homeopathic remedies to aid healing, boost recovery, support breastfeeding and milk production, Light housework, laundry, ironing etc, food prep, holding baby while you take time for yourself and older siblings, walk your dog, shopping, help in making contact with local support groups, inc feeding support breast/bottle/combo feeding, breastfeeding groups, sling libraries, tongue tie specialists, cranial osteopaths. A postnatal massage if you didn’t manage your 3 sessions before baby arrived. Or just me offering a listening ear to help you to get to know your baby and to understand their needs.
“When a baby is born…so is a mother”
Why Have a Birth Doula?
A birth doula provides consistent, calm, and informed support throughout labour and delivery. Whether it’s helping you advocate for your preferences, offering physical comfort, or simply being a reassuring presence, a doula ensures that you and your partner feel confident and in control. Research has shown that having a doula can significantly improve birth outcomes, including reducing the likelihood of cesarean sections and epidural use, while increasing breastfeeding success.
Beyond the practical support, a doula offers a sense of reassurance and understanding that can transform your experience. Having someone by your side who truly listens, cares, and responds to your unique needs can make all the difference. Together, we’ll ensure that your birth feels positive, empowering, and truly yours—no matter what path it takes.
✰ I can offer Doula Packages dependant on your needs and budget, as my prices can be flexible to suit your requirements and personal circumstances ✰
Please get in touch today to discover more about what’s included and how I can help make your birth experience truly your own.
Love Dani ❤︎
Fees
My fee for full Birth Doula wrap around care: £1500 To be paid in two instalments:
£750.00 = 50% of the FULL fee as a retainer fee, due when you select me as your doula.
The final 50% of £750.00 due at 37 weeks (Three weeks before you’re due)
*****Payment plans available *****
I offer extra postnatal support at £30 per hour if required.
