Birth Doula in London – Lisa Harris
Looking for a birth doula in London?
I’m Lisa Harris, an experienced doula based in Wimbledon, South West London, and I provide continuous, personalised support for families throughout London and Surrey.
Here’s how I can help you feel informed, respected, and confident through pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum days.
Feel confident on your birth journey
Taking control of your birth experience means making decisions that align with your values and desires, not simply going along with the flow of modern maternity care. If you look at local and national maternity statistics, you’ll see high rates of inductions, a caesarean rate of around 50%, and water births happening for only about 5% of women. These are the facts — this is the current status quo of the maternity system. If you’re hoping for a different birth, you will need to approach it differently.
This is where I come in as your doula. I help you navigate your journey by balancing evidence, research, and most importantly, listening to you and your preferences. I’ll assist you in making choices that align with what you truly want for your birth - be it a home water birth or a planned caesarean.
With me by your side, you’ll receive tailored, continuous support. The NHS is unable to provide the continuity of care you deserve, but a doula offers that steady presence from start to finish. I’ll be there with you, offering calm, reassurance, and reliable guidance. My main goal is to help you feel more confident, in control, and ready for whatever comes your way.
What's it like to work with Lisa as your birth doula?
"If you’re thinking about hiring a doula, I honestly cannot recommend Lisa enough. She was excellent — a calming, experienced and thoughtful professional who was with us every step of the way, always on hand for questions and helped guide us through the whole process."
K & T
"I honestly could not recommend Lisa highly enough! I had her as my doula for my second baby recently and am just so so grateful that I did!"
H & T
If you’re looking for a doula who is compassionate, knowledgeable, and deeply supportive, Lisa is the one. I am beyond grateful for her and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone preparing for birth.
M & G
When you work with me, my main goal is to help you trust your instincts and make decisions that feel right for you, not just follow the standard path. I believe the most important thing is not how your birth unfolds, but it's about feeling listened to, respected, and empowered at every step.
I specialise in supporting healthy, spontaneous physiological birth, but I’m here to help you plan and prepare for any birth experience that aligns with your wishes. I have supported home birth, hospital birth, birth centre, VBAC, water birth, planned caesarean, induction, birth after trauma...
With my background as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS, I bring a unique understanding of the healthcare system, guiding you through decisions with evidence-based, clear information. I’m also passionate about postnatal support and offer follow-up visits along with ongoing phone or WhatsApp support, especially when it comes to breastfeeding.
I take a balanced, holistic approach to birth—while not entirely "crunchy," I respect the transformative nature of pregnancy and birth and offer support that’s tailored to your needs.
Research has shown that continuous birth support leads to*...
15%
increase in the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth**
10%
decrease in the use of any pain medication
39%
decrease in the chance of a caesarean birth**
31%
decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
**these effects were seen in particular with doula support rather than continuous support from a medical professional, family or friend
What Does My Birth Doula Package Include?
2 x Antenatal Visits
On-Call Birth Support
2 x Postnatal Visits
Ongoing WhatsApp & Phone Support
Antenatal Sessions – Personalised Preparation
We’ll meet for two antenatal sessions during your pregnancy, each lasting around two and a half hours. These sessions are your safe space to share your journey so far, ask questions, and explore your hopes and wishes for your birth.
The rest of the sessions are shaped around you – whether that’s learning about your body’s incredible abilities, understanding how your environment can influence labour, discussing comfort measures, or talking through birth choices and options.
I’m here to help you prepare mentally and practically for your labour, as well as plan for your early postnatal days.
Ongoing Support – Phone, Email, WhatsApp
From the moment you hire me, I’m available to you for questions, reassurance, or simply a chat about how you’re feeling. This support helps us build a trusting relationship and ensures you have someone to turn to whenever you need it.
Labour & Birth Support – Emotional, Physical, Informational
I’m on call for you from 10 days before your due date until 14 days after, ready to be with you whenever your labour begins. My support during birth is shaped entirely by your needs.
I’m there to offer:
- Emotional support – helping you trust your body and instincts.
- Physical support – creating a calm environment and suggesting comfort measures like aromatherapy, massage, and movement (always at your request).
- Informational support – drawing on my background in health research and knowledge of the maternity system to help you weigh up your options and make decisions with confidence.
I can also be your advocate if needed, ensuring your voice is heard and your choices respected. After your baby is born, I’m there to support your feeding choices and help you settle into those first precious hours.
Read more about what a doulas does on this page.
Postnatal Support – Settling Into Life With Your Newborn
After your baby arrives, we’ll arrange two postnatal visits whenever you feel they’ll be most helpful. These visits might include debriefing your birth, support with feeding and baby care, or simply providing a listening ear as you adjust to life as a new parent. I’m also happy to help with light housework or cooking – whatever you need to feel nourished and supported.
FAQs About My Birth Doula Services in London
How much do you charge?
My birth doula package is £1800. If you think I’m the right fit for you but cost is a barrier, please reach out – I care deeply about supporting families and can be flexible where needed.
What areas do you cover?
I live in Wimbledon, South West London, and cover all of London and Surrey.
I have a birth partner – do I still need a doula?
Yes! Having a doula takes the pressure off your birth partner and helps you both feel more confident and supported. Research even shows that partners are more supportive when a doula is present.
I’ll have a midwife – do I still need a doula?
Midwives and doulas play very different roles. Midwives focus on medical care, while doulas are there to focus on you – to support, reassure, and help you feel safe and confident. My presence complements the work of your midwife and ensures you’re never left alone or unsupported.
Do doulas only support home births?
Not at all. I support births in hospitals, birth centres, and at home – wherever you choose. My role is to support you in making the choices that feel right for you.
What if I’m having a planned Caesarean birth?
I can help you prepare for a planned Caesarean birth by explaining what to expect, supporting you through your choices, and helping you plan ways to create a calm, connected experience. I can also support you during the birth itself, depending on hospital policy, or be there for you afterwards to help you recover and bond with your baby.
What will it be like having you there?
My priority is to help you feel safe, calm, and confident. Some families want me by their side throughout, while others like to know I’m nearby. We’ll have plenty of time to build trust and figure out what feels best for you.
What doesn’t a doula do?
I’m not a medical professional and won’t do any clinical tasks or make decisions for you. I don’t replace your birth partner or take over – I’m there as your continuous support throughout your birth journey.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re looking for a birth doula in London who will champion your choices, respect your instincts, and support you wholeheartedly, I’d love to chat. Let’s book a free introductory meeting to see if we’re a good fit. You’re welcome to send me a message on WhatsApp, give me a call, or use the contact form below – whatever feels most comfortable for you. I can’t wait to hear from you.
