St Albans Doulas

We feel so lucky to have had Lucy and Julia as our doulas for the birth of our second baby. I would recommend them to everyone. My second birth was an amazing empowering experience that i will remember and enjoy recounting forever - and I really think having Julia and Lucy’s support in the few weeks beforehand and having Lucy with me on the day is what made the difference. I was very nervous about it as my first labour was difficult with having to be induced. I didn’t want to think about my first birth/having to go through labour again until a year had passed. This time I immediately wanted to look at the photos, tell everyone about it and watch positive birth videos.I laboured a lot at home with Lucy and my husband’s support and managed to make it in to hospital and in to the birthing pool with 4 minutes to spare.It was the dream birth! Thank you both so much xx

We had an absolutely fantastic experience with Julia and Lucy as our doulas and could not have asked for more from them.As part of their package we received antenatal visits in which we received valuable antenatal education, information and signposting, support during our birth, postnatal visits and a whole lot of encouragement and help along the way.In our antenatal visits they really got to know us and our birth preferences and gave us valuable information to serve us during the whole process. They used their experience to help me navigate the maternity system and make the best choices for me, they were always there to offer information and support. When I was suggested a certain course of action by my midwife that didn’t sit right they researched the recommendations and helped me come to an informed decision.During our birth we received unwavering support from Lucy. Without her I don’t think we would have achieved the birth that we did. She got me through the contractions, was my advocate and gave my husband the courage to speak up as well for my preferences when I couldn’t do so.I believe it is so important to have a doula in todays maternity system. It is worth every penny because despite what people say, it’s not one day, your birth experience stays with you for a long time. With their help we had an amazing experience (I want to do it all again!) and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again in the future.

From the minute I googled and came across Julia's profile, I knew I wanted her at our birth. She came across warm, experienced, kind and birth wise,  everything we were wanting to surround ourselves with.Meeting Julia and Lucy was wonderful. Initially my husband wasn't too sure why I felt so strongly about having a Doula at our Homebirth 'against medical advice' but being supportive from the off, between hypnobirthing and meeting Julia and Lucy, Alex became an even bigger natural birth advocate then me.Not sure I have the words to express how integral having Julia with us through labour and birth was but we became a beautiful trio and between Alex & Julia, I felt protected and supported, cared for and encouraged. In an environment that was heavily leant on by the midwives to go to hospital from almost the word go. (We did go in the end but when we were ready, at no time was there a medical emergency.) In moments when I lost my way, Julia had the right words to help calm and ground me. To help me focus and bring me back to myself and my baby.Julia was a safe space & held space for me and Alex. A wonderful interpreter between what medical professionals were asking & saying, aiding Alex and I make informed choices and decisions every step of the way.Another strong motivation to have a doula was having support for Alex during the birth process and Julia was that for him.It was a special little trio and I would have felt so content could it have been just us 3!Julia was right there with us for 3 days!!You get to know not one but 2 lovely lovely doulas in the lead up to your birth. That way whoever is on call when the time comes you feel.confident ans comfortable with. Lucy brought me beautiful delicious date balls when I was pregnant and to have as those little nuggets of energy during labour.Lucy was volunyeering and doing the rounds at the hospital and came to see us when Leila was admitted to NICU with jaundice just to check in.I hold a special place in my heart for Julia & Lucy and always will.  The work they do, advocating for birthing people is so so very important particularly at this time when the maternity sector is struggling and under so much pressure. They do the work I'm sure many midwives going into the job dream of... supporting women and families in this way at their most vunerable time. (Don't get me wrong, midwives are incredible!!! But so caught up in protocols and having to notate everything when I'm sure they'd rather not be doing admin).Forever grateful to these ladies. Worth their weight in gold.Sashi Foster

I feel so lucky to have had Joan and Julia as our Doula’s. After attending Hypnobirthing classes my husband and I knew it was the right decision for us and the whole experience of having them by our side every step of the way was amazing. Their approach and manner with each meeting or call put us at ease and we had lots of laughs along the way! Our WhatsApp group was constantly active with many questions from us and complete support from them, I couldn’t have asked for anything more! Every time we spoke we felt more empowered for the labour and they always ensured our preparation was the top priority. I would recommend to all women/couples to provide them with great knowledge and support for the birth of their babies. I truly believe this management of your own pregnancy is what will keep you calm and relaxed leading up to, during and after birth. In the current situation we are facing with Coronavirus, we had to to do some sessions virtually using Zoom which was equally as valuable. There should be no reason this should put you off having a Doula by your (virtual) side as they will absolutely ensure you gain all the tools and techniques you will need for a wonderful birth. We had to get used to the idea that once the hospital guidelines changed we wouldn’t be able to have our Doula with us in the room, but they were so encouraging that they would always be available by phone, message, FaceTime and that was all we needed...I’ll never forget the bond and relationship formed with Joan and Julia, forever grateful x x

Lucy was absolutely amazing. she went over and above to make sure we had the perfect home birth. She was very present and hands on with giving my wife the support she needed and I honestly don't know how we would have done it without her. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking an experienced doula.