Bespoke Doula Support before, during, and after birth
When parents are nurtured, families can thrive
Birth isn't just a single day in your life. It's a time that changes you forever, physically, biologically, mentally and emotionally, however you experience it. When a baby is born, so is a mother.
As a birth doula, I'm here to walk alongside you. To reassure you when you’re about to Google “is this normal?”. To help you explore your feelings around birth in a relaxed, judgment-free environment so you can feel calmer, more confident and able to advocate for your wants and needs.
I build close relationships with doula clients to become a trusted part of your support system, and to remind you of the choices you have and the power you hold in pregnancy, birth and parenting. I'm your personal birthy hype woman!
The time at the end of pregnancy and in early labour can feel vulnerable and uncertain. It can be loud with voices from friends, family, social media, and the maternity system.
Having the right care and support in place during birth matters, not only to your pregnancy and birth experience, but to your breastfeeding experience and your postpartum mental health. I'm here, by your side supporting you to feel nurtured and empowered along your journey. This sh*t matters and so do you!
“I honestly don’t believe we could have had the birth experience we did without Charlotte. She was supportive, encouraging, knowledgeable, friendly, warm, and truly willing to go above and beyond.” Andy, birth doula client
Working with me as your birth doula
As your birth doula, I’m here to support you before, during, and after birth. I give you the space to feel seen and held, physically and emotionally.
I’m an on-call support system, building a relationship from day one, offering emotional, practical, physical and informational support so that you and your partner (if you have one) can:
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Know you have a reassuring voice at the end of the phone during pregnancy and early labour, supporting you without judgement, if you have a wobble
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Feel educated about physiological birth and navigate the NHS maternity system with confidence
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Feel prepared for feeding and the postpartum period and get off to the best start
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Feel confident in the choices you make for your birth and able to have conversations advocating for your needs, without feeling like a diva.
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Support you as a trusted voice postpartum to help you thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.
From the very first interview, we immediately connected with Charlotte’s warm personality, vast knowledge of Hypnobirthing, and her approach to supportive, evidence-based care during the birthing process.
Charlotte came prepared for every one of our three prenatal sessions and worked with us to thoughtfully craft our birthing preferences, making sure we felt informed and confident about every decision along the way. When our pregnancy went all the way to 42 weeks + 2 days, Charlotte was there for us with research, resources, and encouragement that gave us the ability to make informed decisions and to find some peace of mind during what was a stressful time.
During labor itself, Charlotte was simply incredible. She kept us grounded and focused by gently reminding us about breathing, movement, and hydration which (speaking from my perspective as the partner) allowed me to be fully present for supporting my wife during the birthing process. Her presence was calm, reassuring, and genuinely uplifting. Thanks to her support, we successfully delivered our 9 lbs. 14 oz. baby boy via water birth — with no interventions and no complications.
I honestly don’t believe we could have had the birth experience we did without Charlotte. She was supportive, encouraging, knowledgeable, friendly, warm, and truly willing to go above and beyond. If you are considering a doula, Charlotte is the person you want by your side.
Andy, birth doula client.
Your bespoke birth support system
They say “mother the mother.” By nurturing women, mums and parents, their babies (and the whole family unit) have everything they need to thrive.
I offer three birth doula support packages so you can decide on the level of support that suits your unique needs.
Book a free discovery call today to chat about which level of support works for you.
Essential Support
The “I’ve got this” package
This package is for you if you've worked with me before (e.g. completed a hypnobirthing course or received doula support), and you're looking for continued support throughout your pregnancy and birth.
Because we've worked together before we'll have done much of the leg work involved in building a strong doula client relationship. You'll already know my vibe and I'll already be familiar with your unique needs and understand how you want supporting. Saving you the time and energy of explaining things again to someone new.
Essential doula support gives you the piece of mind that you've got me in your corner, literally and at the end of the phone, when you need supporting most.
I'm a safe place for you to share all your honest thoughts and feelings, knowing you won't be judged. If you need more information to help you decide what to do in a given situation, I've got plenty of evidence based information to sign post you too.
Essentially, I've got your back, and I'm here to support you with compassion and enthusiasm so you feel informed, heard and like the powerful birth boss you are.
Pregnancy and preparation support
You receive two bespoke in-person support and preparation sessions in pregnancy, as well as virtual support (me at the end of a WhatsApp) from 30 weeks in pregnancy to 2 weeks postpartum. I’m available to answer any nagging questions, signpost to helpful evidence-based information, and listen for your feelings about birth so you feel less overwhelmed and isolated and more confident and calm.
During the in-person antenatal sessions where we can cover (but not limited to):
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Understanding your birth choices, writing your birth plan, and preparing to make decisions during birth
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Postnatal planning and feeding preparation
You are also able to access my personal birth book library and use my Rebozo scarf, if not already in use.
Birth support
With all birth doula support packages, I’m on-call to attend your birth and offer support when you need it (day or night). I’ll be in your corner for everything from emotional reassurance (for you and your partner) to advocating and reminding you of the choices you have, to being your personal snack butler and iPhone photographer.
All the practical things your partner (if you have one) would be doing, I'm there to do them, meaning they can be fully focused on supporting you in your most vulnerable moments.
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Practical, emotional, and physical support during your birth
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On call from 38 weeks until birth, or 42 weeks
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Virtual birth attendance in early labour
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In-person birth attendance when you feel ready
Postnatal support
The postnatal period can feel particularly vulnerable and lonely. In-person doula support cares for your emotional and physical needs, helping you feel fully supported, rested, and nurtured so you can focus on you and your baby. I’m also here at the other end of the phone to answer questions, reassure you, and listen without judgement for whatever emotions you might be feeling.
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One two-hour in-person postnatal doula support session
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Virtual postnatal support to 2 weeks postpartum
Total investment: £1995
Payment plans available
Advanced Support
The “tell-me-everything” package
Advanced doula support is suitable for first or subsequent births. With the Advanced support you get everything included in Essential support, plus plenty of in-person support and reassurance and hypnobirthing education (if you want it) build in from the start.
Pregnancy and preparation support
This is the time to get to know one another, building a trusting client-doula relationship in preparation for birth support. During your pregnancy, we have three bespoke in-person antenatal sessions, virtual support (at the end of a WhatsApp) from the moment you book so you don't have to worry about Googling things and getting lost in a scary doom scroll.
At the end of your pregnancy, when you're waiting for your labour to start, this can be a stressful time. I'm available to meet you for an informal ‘waiting brew’ where we can chat, I can answer any nagging questions, signpost to helpful information, and you can offload your feelings about pregnancy and birth. All this is designed to help you feel calmer, more confident and like the birth boss you are in your pregnancy experience.
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Virtual support from booking to 4 weeks postpartum
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Welcome bag, including Hypnobirthing workbook, affirmation cards, and MP3 relaxation audios
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Three bespoke in-person antenatal sessions that can cover:
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Previous birth debrief, birth physiology, and biomechanics
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Condensed hypnobirthing antenatal course, including breathwork, relaxation tools, and mindset
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Understanding your birth choices, writing your birth plan, and preparing to make decisions that feel right for you during pregnancy and birth
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Postnatal planning and feeding preparation
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Loans on birth books from my personal library, and on my Rebozo, if not already in use
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One antenatal waiting brew in a cafe during the on-call period to help you feel calm and supported
Birth support
With all birth doula support packages, I’m on-call to support you at your birth when you need me. Helping you feel relaxed, calm, confident and empowered during labour and birth.
Postnatal support
During the wild early days and weeks of parenting you get even more in-person postnatal doula support - six hours in total - so your emotional and physical needs are nurtured, helping you feel fully supported, rested, so you can focus on you and your baby. I’m also here at the other end of the phone to answer questions, offer reassurance or signposting, listen to how you are feeling and cheerlead you along during the postnatal rollercoaster for four weeks postpartum.
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Six hours in-person postnatal doula support (three two-hour sessions OR two three-hour sessions)
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Virtual postnatal support to 4 weeks postpartum
Total investment: £2495
Payment plans available
Elite Support
The “hold-my-hand” package
With Elite Doula support more is more. You have everything included in Essential and Advanced support, plus me in your corner every step of the way. Elite support is ideal for you if you have a limited existing support system or know they want that extra Elite support during this time. I'm available to attend midwife and antenatal appointments with you in-person and you also get additional in-person support in the pre- and postnatal periods to help you feel fully supported, confident and empowered during pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Pregnancy and preparation support
You get me at the end of WhatsApp as soon as you book, answering your burning questions with evidence-based information and listening to your emotional breakdowns with compassion and understanding (no more panic Googling or taking advice from Great Aunt June cos "In my day we blah blah blah.."
just genuine support that centres you, your wants, your needs and that sees you as the undeniable boss of your birth (even if you don't feel it just yet)
You receive an extra personalised antenatal session, an extra antenatal brew meet up - for the time you're feeling like your labour may never start and you might just be the first human who is pregnant forever.
What's more you get me by your side in up to four of your antenatal appointments. No feeling bamboozled by medical speak, I'm by you side to listen, explain things you don't understand, talk through your choices and help you ask questions and advocate for your needs, if you need. I'm not here to tell you what to do or save you (you don't need saving) I'm here to help you navigate the NHS maternity system, if you choose to access it.
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Virtual support from booking to 6 weeks postpartum
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Welcome bag, including Hypnobirthing workbook, affirmation cards, and MP3 relaxation audios
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Four bespoke in-person antenatal sessions
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Loans on birth books from my personal library, and on my Rebozo, if not already in use
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Two antenatal waiting brews in a cafe during the on-call period
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In-person support at up to four midwife and antenatal appointments
Birth support
With all birth doula support packages, I’m on-call to attend your birth and offer practical, emotional, and physical support when you need it most. Helping you feel relaxed, calm, confident and empowered during labour and birth.
Postnatal support
During the vulnerable postnatal period you receive even more in-person postnatal doula support - twelve hours in total. I prioritise your emotional and physical needs helping you feel nurtured, supported and rested, so you can focus on your gorgeous new baby. I’m also here at the other end of the phone to answer questions, reassure you, and hold space for whatever emotions you might be feeling for longer.
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Twelve hours in-person postnatal doula support (six two-hour sessions OR four three-hour sessions)
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Virtual postnatal support to 6 weeks postpartum
Total investment: £3595
Payment plans available
“Charlotte is a professional, kind and warm person who made us feel at ease. Her practice is neither information overload nor touchy-feely nonsense but is a balanced mix of science and statistics where necessary sprinkled over a base of skills and information on empowerment, self-care and preparing us for the arrival or our baby.
While we both arrived feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect, we have both completed our course feeling knowledgeable and confident to deal with everything from unexpected changes to conversations with our medical team.
It has been invaluable."
Dick, hypnobirthing client
"I'm so glad we attended this course with Charlotte. I feel much more at ease with the idea of birth-dare I say it, even a little bit excited.
Charlotte has such a warmth about her and instantly made my husband and I feel at ease. All the resources and information provided were very accessible and presented well and there was also plenty of time to ask questions and have discussions about our own feelings around birth and labour. After attending the course, both of us feel much more confident at managing the whole experience.
Thanks so much Charlotte x"
Kathryn, hypnobirthing client
“Charlotte's guidance throughout our Hypnobirthing sessions was nothing short of exceptional. Our experience with her classes was beyond delightful.
Her expertise and holistic approach to not only the birthing process but the entire journey of pregnancy are truly remarkable.
This philosophy seamlessly extends to life in its entirety.”
Ben, hypnobirthing client
FAQ's
What is a Doula?
A doula is a person (like me!) who provides nurturing emotional, practical and informational support to you and your partner (if you have one) during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. They support you while you navigate an intense transformational period in your life. Postnatally, a doula’s job is to “mother the mother” and make you feel like a goddess, no matter where or how you give birth. The word 'doula' originates from the ancient Greek language and means 'a woman who serves'. As a birth doula, I have no agenda other than offering options, information, and support. I want you to feel empowered and to thrive physically, emotionally and mentally during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey.
Can a doula support a planned caesarean birth?
Yes! Support, information, and care from a trusted source are just as important during a planned C-section as when planning for a vaginal birth. I recommend the Essentials or Advanced doula support package for most parents preparing for a cesarean birth. During your antenatal sessions, we discuss your wants and needs, and any worries you might have about your upcoming birth. You have far more control in a planned caesarean birth than you might realise, and I’m here to show you just how much power you have so that you feel heard, understood and centred in your birth experience. On the day, I offer emotional reassurance and information to support you while you are waiting to be called for your caesarean, I help you remain calm during what can sometimes be an anxious waiting time. I’m there to support you when having conversations with your healthcare providers, so you feel empowered and confident that your unique wants and needs are being met. When you come out of the theatre after your baby is born, I will be waiting for you, ready to offer you any feeding support you might need, however you wish to feed your baby, helping you and your beautiful new baby get off to the best start. Postnatally, a doula’s job is to “mother the mother” and make you feel like a goddess, no matter where or how you give birth. The word 'doula' originates from the ancient Greek language and means 'a woman who serves'. As a birth doula, I have no agenda other than offering options, information, and support. I want you to feel empowered and to thrive physically, emotionally and mentally during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey.
Can a doula attend a hospital birth?
Yes, absolutely! I would argue that someone giving birth in a hospital would benefit from doula support at least as much, if not more than, someone giving birth at home. This is true whether you plan to give birth in hospital or are transferred there from a home birth. Having someone you can trust in your corner, who understands birth, the maternity system, and the unique choices you’ve discussed, can be empowering in a moment which can feel quite vulnerable.
What is virtual doula support?
I offer all clients virtual support during the antenatal and postpartum period. Virtual support is available 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday, via WhatsApp. This includes video calls, voice calls, text messages, photos, and/or voicenotes. I will be on the other end of the phone with space to vent, validate your feelings, and seek reassurance, so you don’t have to Google “is this normal?” every time you have a question.
What happens in a bespoke in-person antenatal session?
All clients get bespoke in-person private antenatal sessions. Sessions cover structured topics related to pregnancy support, birth and postnatal prep. Each antenatal session lasts 2.5 hours. Antenatal sessions allow you to feel heard, validated, and fully supported. They give you a safe space to ask all the questions you need without fear of judgment, so you can: Build a strong relationship with your birth doula (me!) Fully understand and express your unique wants and needs for birth Work through any worries or fears Your antenatal sessions are private and 1:1 (or 1:2, if you include a partner or other parent).They can be completely tailored to your unique situation. We can discuss: - Previous birth debrief - Birth physiology and hormones - Biomechanics - Birth environment - Pain relief and comfort measures - NHS maternity system - Informed decision making - Information signposting - Birth plan writing - Postnatal preparation - Breastfeeding / infant feeding support
What is an antenatal waiting brew?
The end of pregnancy is no joke. When you’re waiting for your baby to be born or labour to start, every day can feel a week long, so I’m here during your “on call” period from 38 weeks to have an informal, unstructured, brew in a cafe. These catch-ups give you space to breathe during what can feel like a tense time. During these brew meet-ups, we can: - Coach, cheerlead, and boost morale - Debrief from any appointments you have attended - Discuss information and your birth choices - Build a strong client-doula relationship I’ve got your back with reassurance, information and emotional support when you’re feeling pressure, doubt and like you might actually be pregnant forever—spoiler you won’t be!
What does in-person attendance at midwife and antenatal appointments look like?
For Elite support package clients, I will also attend four midwife and/or antenatal appointments with you. By accompanying you to appointments, I act as an extra pair of ears to process and talk through information. You have the reassurance of support from someone who understands your unique wants and needs. I also have experience navigating the NHS maternity system and can help make complex information more accessible. Helping you feel less overwhelmed, confused and able to have your voice and wishes heard.
What does it mean to be on-call in the waiting period?
For all birth doula clients, I am on-call from 38 weeks until birth, or 42 weeks. I do everything in my power to be available to attend your birth, whenever it happens, day or night, during this time. This includes making sure I stay local to home and have back up plans in place to cover my own family’s care and other personal and work commitments. During this period I offer you virtual support in early labour (whatever time of the day or night it happens), and in-person attendance for practical, emotional, and physical support when you feel the time is right. During the on-call period, I am available to: - Provide emotional support for any wobbles - Signpost you to helpful information - Help you understand and navigate the maternity system.
What is included in birth attendance?
I aim to attend the birth for all birth doula clients (which is why I am always on-call during the waiting period, with backup plans arranged to cover my own family’s care and other personal or work commitments). During early labour, I am always available for virtual support. This includes video calls, voice calls, text messages, photos, and/or voice notes via WhatsApp for emotional support, cheerleading, and support with information and decision-making. When you feel the time is right, I will attend your birth in-person to provide practical, emotional, and physical support during your labour, birth and transition to parenthood. This could include: - Setting up your birth environment - Supporting your decision-making with information - Advocating for your needs if needed - Taking photographs and videos on your phone - Being your drinks and snack butler to ensure you are properly fuelled during labour - Offering emotional reassurance and helping you feel safe and looked after - Supporting with the first feed (however you wish to feed) - Staying with you after birth until you and your baby are settled - Draining and packing away the birth pool, if at home. Trusting me to do all this helps your birth partner be completely present emotionally and physically with you during your birth. They aren’t busy doing these jobs because I am, and you are an amazing birth team.
What happens if two births happen on the same day?
I prioritise bookings based on a first-come basis. You will be made aware when booking if I am already "on call" for another birth at that time, and I can arrange for a backup doula, if you wish, - who you can meet beforehand - who is available to support you if I am otherwise engaged. The likelihood of babies being born at the same time is pretty slim, even with the same due dates.
What is a Rebozo?
A Rebozo is a traditional hand-woven Mexican scarf used for comfort, relaxation, and to assist with biomechanical techniques during pregnancy and labour. Specific biomechanical manoeuvres can help relax muscles and optimise the pelvic capacity, aiding the progression of your labour.
What happens in an in-person postnatal doula support session?
In-person postnatal doula support sessions are typically 2-3 hours long. I come into your home to support you in anything you may need during the postpartum period. Postnatal doula support is a time for me to care for your emotional and physical needs, helping you feel fully supported, rested, and thriving so you can focus on yours and your baby's needs. All doula support I offer is bespoke to your unique wants and needs, and postnatal doula support is no different. You might use your postnatal hours for: - A thorough birth debrief to help you reflect and process your experience - Emotional support and reassurance by listening, validating, and holding space so you feel fully supported and less overwhelmed or alone - Breastfeeding support with positioning, latch, milk supply, newborn behaviour and signposting where necessary, so you can feel confident you are getting off to the best start on your breastfeeding journey. - Newborn support with sleep, understanding normal newborn behaviour - Practical support, such as washing and sterilising bottles, light housework such as wiping down kitchen counters, helping with older children or holding the baby while you shower or nap. - Postnatal appointment attendance Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm - Discussing and signposting to any further support you might want
What is included in virtual postnatal support?
Depending on the support package you choose, I offer doula clients virtual support up to six weeks postpartum. Virtual support is available 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday, via WhatsApp. This includes video calls, voice calls, text messages, photos, and/or voicenotes. Whether you need space to vent, someone to validate your experiences, or a trusted friend to ask ‘is this normal?’, I am on the other end of the phone to support you.
What if I have complications during pregnancy or labour?
As an experienced doula and birthworker, I have a good knowledge and experience with many pregnancy and labour complications. Depending on your exact situation, I may also be able to signpost you to helpful information, studies, or more specialised support.
What happens if my baby comes early?
If you go into labour before the on-call period has started, I will endeavour to attend the birth as I would during the on-call period, though this may not always be possible due to other commitments. If I cannot attend in person, I will endeavour to be available for virtual support. Depending on your exact situation, I may be able to pivot your support to postnatal doula support and offer emotional and informational signpost support for premature labour, premature baby care, and the NICU. Should you give birth before you have used your bespoke antenatal sessions or pre-natal brews, we may be able to arrange for those hours to be used for additional postnatal support.
Can I bring other people along to our sessions?
Yes! I encourage you to bring your birthing partner (if you have one), whether that is the father/other parent, or a trusted friend/support person. This way, you can learn and prepare for birth as a team.
Can you just attend the birth, with no pre- or post- natal support?
This is not a service I offer. Birth doula support is based on a foundation of a trusting relationship, which I cannot offer without multiple sessions together.
How can I reach you to ask more?
If I haven’t answered all your questions here, you can always email hello@positivebirthleeds.co.uk or book a free, no-obligation discovery call.
Locations served
I offer doula support within an approximately 1 hour drive of Leeds LS8 including, but not limited to:
Leeds City Centre, North Leeds, South Leeds, East Leeds, West Leeds
Aberford, Adel, Alwoodley, Batley, Bingley, Boroughbridge, Boston Spa, Bradford, Bramham, Brighouse, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Castleford, Chapel Allerton, Collingham, Cross Gates, Dewsbury, Eccup, Esholt, Garforth, Guiseley, Garforth, Halifax, Harewood, Harrogate, Headingley, Horsforth, Huddersfield, Ilkley, Keighley, Kirkstall, Kippax, Knaresborough, Linton, Meanwood, Morley, Ossett, Otley, Pateley Bridge, Pannal, Pontefract, Pudsey, Ripon, Rothwell, Roundhay, Scarcroft, Shadwell, Shipley, Sicklinghall, Skipton, Tadcaster, Temple Newsam, Thorner, Wakefield, Wetherby, Yeadon, York
This list is not exhaustive, if you would like to work with me and don’t see your location listed, please get in touch and we can have a chat.