Hiring a Birth Doula in Hampshire or West Sussex: what you need to know in 2025

If you're expecting a baby in Hampshire or West Sussex, you might be wondering whether hiring a birth doula is right for you. Whether you're planning to give birth at the hospital, at a midwife-led birth centre, or at home — having a doula can offer calm, confident support through the entire journey.

In this guide, I’ll share what a doula does, how I support births across this region, and why so many families are choosing doula care.

What is a role of a Birth Doula?

A birth doula is a trained companion who offers emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and just after birth. Unlike a midwife, a doula doesn’t provide clinical care — instead, they focus entirely on supporting you and your experience.

A doula can help by:

• Explore what you want for your birth — without pressure or judgment

• Prepare for the realities of the NHS maternity system so you feel more informed, grounded, and confident in your choices

• Approach birth in a calm and intuitive way, rather than being overwhelmed by fear-based or clinical information

• Offering comfort techniques during labour

• Providing emotional reassurance and calm presence

• Supporting your birth partner

• Helping you feel informed, confident, and heard

• Support those precious first hours after birth, when the right environment and guidance can help with bonding, skin-to-skin contact, and establishing breastfeeding gently and calmly

Why more families are hiring Doulas in 2025

Giving birth is a deeply personal experience, and having continuous, dedicated support can make all the difference. In today’s NHS maternity services, you may meet your midwife for the first time during labour, experience multiple midwives changing shifts, or find that one midwife is caring for several families simultaneously. This means hospitals are working incredibly hard to provide safe care despite significant staffing challenges.

This is where doulas come in. They offer an unbiased perspective to help personalise your birth preparation, explain the reasons behind hospital protocols, and explore options that truly feel right for you. Unlike hospital staff who often must divide their attention, doulas offer continuous emotional, physical and informational care, letting midwives focus on medical emergencies.

With doula's continuous care throughout labour and in those precious first hours after birth, you gain the confidence to make informed choices, supported by clear information and emotional reassurance, and if you're hoping for a calm, grounded birth — whether at home, in hospital, or at a birth centre — a doula can help you feel safe and supported.

Where I support births in Hampshire and West Sussex

I attend births at hospitals, homes, and midwife-led birth centres across the region.

Hospitals

• Princess Anne Hospital – Southampton

• Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA) – Portsmouth

• St. Richard’s Hospital – Chichester

Birth Centres

• New Forest Birth Centre – Ashurst (near Southampton)

• Blake Maternity Centre – Gosport

• Chichester Birth Centre – located at St. Richard’s Hospitals

• Portsmouth Birth Centre – located at St Mary’s Hospital

Home Births

I also support home births throughout Hampshire and West Sussex, including more rural and coastal areas. Home births can be a deeply personal and powerful experience — and I’m here to help you feel prepared and confident every step of the way.

My Approach as a Doula

I offer calm, intuitive, culturally-aware support to help you connect with your own inner strength. I hold space for your unique story and honour your instincts and choices.

When you work with me, you can expect:

• A free initial consultation

• Antenatal visit/s to prepare for labour

• On-call availability around your due date

• Continuous support during birth

• Postnatal visit/s to reflect and support your transition

I support all kinds of births — from water births at home to planned hospital deliveries. My role is to walk alongside you with trust, presence, and deep respect. You can find out more about my services here.

Is a Doula Right for Me?

If you’re looking for:

• A calm, grounded birth experience

• More clarity and confidence in your choices

• Consistent support before, during and after birth

• Support for your birth partner

• An advocate who sees and values you…

…then a doula may be the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book a doula?

Ideally, as early as your second trimester — this gives us time to build a strong relationship and prepare together. That said, I sometimes take on last-minute bookings depending on availability.

What if my birth plan changes — can my doula still help?

Absolutely. Whether your labour unfolds differently than expected or you need to pivot to a different setting or type of birth, I remain a calm, supportive presence to help you navigate each step.

Do doulas support all types of birth — including inductions or planned caesareans?

Yes. My role is to support you — not a particular kind of birth. I’ve supported families through inductions, unplanned and planned caesareans, and everything in between. We’ll talk through your preferences so you feel informed and emotionally prepared, no matter the path.

What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?

Midwives are responsible for clinical safety. A doula supports your emotional wellbeing, comfort, and informed decision-making — we work together to support you as a whole person.

Will a doula replace my partner?

Not at all. I enhance their role by helping them feel confident and involved. Many partners say they feel more connected and supported with a doula present.

Can you help with postpartum support and breastfeeding?

Yes — I offer a postnatal visit/s where we can reflect on the birth and talk through feeding, recovery, or emotional wellbeing. You can also book postnatal support if needed. I can also signpost to trusted lactation consultants, support groups, and local resources.

Do you work with first-time parents and those who've had difficult past births?

Yes. The families I support are usually either preparing for birth for the first time or hoping to rewrite their previous birth experience. I create a space where you feel heard, respected, and guided — no matter your history.

Ready to Talk About Birth Support?

If you're pregnant and looking for personal, steady support in Hampshire or West Sussex, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're planning to give birth in Southampton, Portsmouth, Chichester, or surrounded areas — I’m here to walk with you.

Let’s connect for a free, no-pressure chat.

You deserve to feel empowered, informed, and supported — wherever and however you give birth. Hiring a doula in 2025 isn’t about having one more person on your team. It’s about having the right person: someone who believes in your power, your body, and your voice.