Supporting Your Journey: Birth & Postpartum Doula Care, near Retford - with Helen

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." - Osho.

Hello and Congratulations! I’m Helen, and I’m thrilled you’re here. As a Birth & Traditional Postpartum Doula (affiliated with Red Tent Doulas) based near Retford, serving North Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, I’m committed to walking alongside you through the incredible transition of welcoming a new life into the world.

A Little About Me

For nearly a decade, I’ve been immersed in the birth world—supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and those first few weeks at home. Before becoming a mum myself, I worked as a senior school leader and early years’ specialist across a federation of primary schools in East London. I believed that motherhood would change me…but I never imagined it would completely transform the trajectory of my life!

Now, in my 46th year, I live in a village just outside the market town of Retford in North Nottinghamshire. My husband, our two children (ages 9 and 7), and our magical black cat, Pumpkin, keep life joyful and busy. We moved here from East London last July, and my only regret is not making the switch sooner—there’s something special about waking up to green fields and quiet mornings. Having said that, I do still enjoy the occasional trip back to London—usually to collect a placenta or two!

Why Choose Me As Your Birth and Postpartum Doula?

• Experience and Expertise: Twenty-five years of supporting women and families—educating, empowering, and guiding through every twist and turn.

• Holistic, Tailored Care: I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. From our very first conversation, we’ll shape a care plan that aligns with your values, preferences, and unique circumstances.

• Trauma-Informed Support: I specialise in supporting parents who have experienced birth trauma or births that didn’t go as planned. You deserve compassion, understanding, and tools to process any previous experiences.

• Additional Credentials: Beyond my doula work, I’m also an Anxiety Breakthrough Coach, Placenta Remedies Specialist, Reiki Practitioner, Aromatherapist for childbirth, Antenatal Teacher, and Hypnobirthing Instructor. These extra modalities allow me to offer truly individualised support—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

  
  

Your Birth Doula Package

This essential package is designed to ensure you feel seen, heard, and empowered from early pregnancy right through to those precious moments after your baby is born. You can add in extra services (hypnobirthing, additional coaching, placenta remedies, and more) to create a perfect fit for your needs.

1. Virtual Cuppa (Complimentary Initial Consultation)

   • A 40-minute Zoom session—no obligation. This is our opportunity to meet, chat, and see if we’re the right match.

2. Antenatal Care

   • Two home visits (approx. 90 minutes each): We’ll build rapport, discuss your ideal birth scenario, and create a birth plan that reflects your wishes.

   • Ongoing messaging support (text, WhatsApp, or email) from 38 weeks onward—because questions and reassurance can pop up at any time.

   • On-call (24/7) from 14 days before your estimated due date until your baby arrives. At any point during labour, I’m just a phone call away.

3. Birth Attendance

   • Practical support for setting up your birth space: Mood lighting, music, essential oils—anything to help you feel in your zone.

   • Emotional & physical comfort measures during labour: massage, positioning cues, relaxation techniques, and advocacy as you communicate with your birth team.

   • Two hours of postpartum care immediately after birth: Helping with your baby’s first feed, tidying up your space, and ensuring you feel comfortable and supported.

   • Partner/older sibling support (if appropriate): I can care for them, offer guidance, or simply be a listening ear so you can focus on bonding with your newborn.

4. Additional Antenatal Options (Heavily Discounted for Doula Clients)

   • Antenatal & Birth Preparation Sessions, inc. Hypnobirthing

   • Anxiety Breakthrough Coaching to release any unwanted fears or thoughts

   • Placenta Remedies & Keepsakes

     
     

Postpartum Care

Navigating the early days with a newborn can be beautiful—and exhausting. My goal is to ease your transition so you can focus on healing, bonding, and restoring your energy.

1. Two Home Visits in Your First Week Postpartum (approx. 2 hours each)

   • Birth debrief & emotional support: Process your experience in a safe, nonjudgmental space.

   • Feeding guidance: Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combination feeding, I’ll share evidence-based tips and hands-on support.

   • Nourishing meals & snacks: I’ll prepare homemade soups, broths, and healthy snacks (just reimburse me for ingredients).

   • Light household help: A quick load of laundry, washing bottles, or tidying the kitchen—whatever frees you up to rest.

   • Baby-wearing or baby-holding: So you and your partner can nap, shower, or simply take a moment to breathe.

2. Extras to Personalise Your Postpartum Care (available at discounted rates for doula clients)

   • Placenta Remedies & Keepsakes: Encapsulation, tinctures, or placenta prints—whatever you choose, I handle the placental preparation safely and respectfully.

   • Reiki (including Womb Reiki & Baby Reiki): Gentle energy work to promote emotional balance and physical healing.

   • “Mother Warming” with Moxa (Moxibustion): A traditional Chinese Medicine practice to support postpartum recovery, relieve urinary retention, and restore vitality.

   • Light Massage with Essential Oils: Hands, feet, legs, and belly—gentle, soothing massage to help you relax and recharge.

   • Sitz Bath Preparation: I’ll set you up with a warm, healing sitz bath to soothe your perineum and reduce inflammation.

3. Additional Postpartum Visits

   • Available in 2-hour minimum blocks.

   • Save when you book multiple visits at once.

   • Travel is included for the first 5 miles; 45p per mile thereafter.

     
     

Investment & Logistics

• Deposit/Retainer: Required at booking to confirm your spot.

• Balance Due by Week 38 of pregnancy.

• Payment Plans & Vouchers Available: Spread the cost, or gift a voucher as the perfect baby shower present!

  
  

Let’s Connect Over a Virtual Cuppa

If you’re seeking compassionate, evidence-based doula care—for birth, postpartum, or both—let’s meet over Zoom! My complimentary Virtual Cuppa is a relaxed, no-pressure chance to see if we’re a good fit to work together.

👉 Book Your Virtual Cuppa Here

I can’t wait to get to know you, learn about your hopes and fears, and support you as you embark on (or expand) your parenting journey.

With love,

Helen x