What does a doula actually do?

A doula supports you through pregnancy, labour and the early days after birth, offering continuity, information and experienced support throughout.

In lots of ways, having a doula is a very old idea. It’s how women have always given birth — around other women who have had babies, who understand birth, and who know how to be there without making it something clinical or managed. Our modern maternity system has really lost sight of this, and that is one of the major reasons birth has become so medicalised. At its heart, birth is a physiological event, not a medical one.

One of the most important things a doula brings is that sense of confidence — that birth is something humans do, and have been doing for a very long time. We offer consistent support in a system where you might otherwise be seeing different people, hearing different opinions, and trying to piece it all together yourself.

During pregnancy

You can use me as much or as little as you want.

For some people that looks like lots of conversations, messages and questions as things come up. For others it’s quieter, and that’s completely fine too. You set the pace. I’m very available and quick to respond, so you’re not left sitting with questions.

What I notice with most of the families who choose to work with me is that they don’t just want to go along with everything automatically. They’re aware that maternity care is quite medicalised now, and they want to feel more in control of what’s happening. That doesn’t mean saying no to everything. It just means understanding your options properly. I have a health science background, so I’m very comfortable talking through evidence, risks and benefits where that information exists. But a lot of pregnancy and birth involves nuance. There is often no clear yes or no answer.

Birth also asks something more of us than just facts. At its heart, it is a deeply intuitive process. As quite a type-A, modern, slightly anxiety-driven woman, I’ve found that one of the biggest challenges of motherhood — but also one of the greatest gifts — is learning to trust that instinct. Fourteen years in, I know my gut is my superpower when it comes to my children, and I really enjoy helping you tap into that too.

“She helped us feel prepared, informed, and confident about the whole process.”
— SH

Getting ready for birth

When I come and spend time with you antenatally, we go into quite a lot of detail about what birth actually looks like.

If you’re hoping for a physiological birth, we’ll talk about how labour might unfold, how it can feel, what’s normal but intense, and what it might look like from the outside — because that can be quite different to what people expect.

We would have no idea what to expect otherwise, would we? We don’t live in communities anymore where we see birth or hear these stories in a natural, everyday way. I love the work of people like Rachel Reed and Natalie Meddings, who have helped put words to the great mystery that is labour and birth. I often say I did things the wrong way around — I had my babies physiologically, and only afterwards learned what my body had actually been doing from these wise women, among others.

By the end of that time together, I want us to feel really clear on your birth preferences. That does include thinking about what you might want if things change — not because we expect them to, but because it’s much easier to make decisions when you’ve already thought things through.

A lot of birth preparation is about getting to a point where you understand enough that you can then let go and trust the process.

When labour starts

Once I’m on call, you are my top priority. That means I’m available whenever things begin, even if that means dropping plans or stepping away from normal life. This is where a big part of the doula commitment lies.

With a first baby especially, there’s often quite a long period at the beginning where things are happening, but you’re not yet in established labour. This is also the stage where there isn’t really any support from the NHS. It’s why so many people end up going into hospital, being sent home, and feeling a bit unsettled by that. So we’ll be in close contact at this stage. You can expect a good pep talk as the night comes to help fortify you both.

You might be messaging, calling, checking in about what you’re feeling. Often you’re looking for reassurance — that what’s happening is normal, that you’re on the right track, that you’re not missing something.

I often say that a lot of labour is about stringing yourself out and just keeping going. If you can do that, a baby will eventually come out of your vagina!

Sometimes I say that a lot of my work on the day is done before I even arrive, and I do think that’s true. Then when you feel ready for me to come and be with you, I will. Usually we’ll spend some time at home first. That familiar environment can really help labour deepen before you go into hospital, and we know that going in later is often linked with fewer interventions. But it is always your choice.

“Without her expertise I would have arrived at the hospital far too early and, instead, was able to labour at home, making myself as comfortable as possible.”
— EL

During labour

When I’m with you during labour, I’m responding to what’s happening moment by moment.

Sometimes I’m in the background — making sure you’ve had a drink, noticing small things that might help, keeping the space calm and steady. Sometimes I’m more hands-on — supporting you physically, helping you move, offering touch or comfort, or showing your partner how to do this so they feel confident.

And sometimes there are decisions to be made. When they do come up, I help you slow things down enough to understand what’s being offered, what your options are, and how that fits with what you wanted.

The more preparation we’ve done beforehand, the less those moments tend to feel rushed or overwhelming.

Your birth partner

Your partner is a huge part of the birth experience, and often they feel a lot of pressure. Dare I say it — if your partner is male, birth is such a feminine process that it can feel quite unfamiliar territory.

As labour deepens, you’ll often go somewhere quite inward. You’re not really engaging with the room in the same way — you’re focused on what your body is doing. Your partner, though, is right there in it. Hearing everything, watching everything, trying to work out what’s going on and how best to support you. Having someone alongside them who understands birth can make a big difference. Someone who can quietly reassure them, explain what’s happening, and help them feel confident in what they’re doing. It’s really important to me — and I think to you as a family — that you come through this experience feeling strong together.

“She also gave my husband the strength and space he needed to take care of his own needs and be the best version of himself for me through it all.”
— OJ

After your baby is born

I stay with you until your baby is here, and if you’re planning to breastfeed, usually until that first feed is underway.

Those moments after birth can sometimes feel quite busy within the NHS, and it’s a priority for me that they feel steady and calm for you and your baby.

Then there’s usually a natural moment where things feel settled, and it feels right for me to leave you together as a new family.

Early postnatal time

We stay in touch after the birth. And in many ways, this is where I see the biggest difference.

Those early days can feel intense — physically, emotionally, just the adjustment of it all. Having someone you already know, who understands your birth and your baby, and who can offer calm, steady support, can make that feel much more manageable.

Compared to my own experiences, it’s one of the things I value most about this work — seeing families settle into life together feeling supported and confident, rather than overwhelmed.

What people often say

Women sometimes say to me that they couldn’t have done it without me. But that’s not really how I want you to feel.

I want you to look back and know that you did it — in your way, on your terms — and feel proud of that forever.

I often describe having a doula as being a bit like a Sherpa. You’re the one climbing the mountain, but it helps to have someone there who knows the way and can carry some of the load.

“Getting Lisa on board was the very best decision we made as we embarked on our journey to have our first baby.”
— MG

If you’re looking for this kind of support

I support families across Wimbledon, Merton, Kingston and South West London.

If you’re looking for a doula in London and this feels like the kind of support you want, you can find out more about working with me here.