Doula recommendations South West/Central London

[Londonmamma22]

Dear mumsnet,
My first thread so hopefully I won’t break too many rules.

I am 6 months pregnant now looking to give birth privately in Portland in London. DH is planning to be there but generally is not really good with hospitals, seeing me in pain etc so i think he might need as much support as I will. As a result I am thinking of getting a doula do support us in early stages of labour (when both likely to be freaking out) and during the pushing stage (when planning to have hubby out of the room).

Would be really grateful for any doula recommendations in Central/South West London - i am “aiming” at natural birth if all goes well, will attempt active birth but open/flexible to an idea of epidural (so looking for a flexible/practical doula).

Thank you in advance

Unfortunately, I do not have any first hand experience of doulas but the good news is that in Portland there will be many people around you to offer help, advice and re-assurance. I thought I would be freaking out but I found my labour to be a calm and positive experience (even though I ended up with an induction and emergency c-section). I had an amazing dedicated midwife who helped me along the way. The whole c-section process was incredibly well coordinated. My consultant spent a lot of time with me before and after birth. In other words, there will be plenty of support available. I was really happy with Portland.

Good luck!

Thank you @wintertravel1980 for taking time to share and great to hear you had a positive experience at Portland :) - who was your consultant if I may ask?
Funnily enough my consultant has also implied that there will be a lot of support in the hospital and a dedicated midwife so not many people bring doulas as a result (he's very open for me to have one but says it might be less needed than in NHS hospital for example).
In our case I think its early labour at home is when we will need her the most + if things dont go perfect in the hospital as DH is very likely to pass out haha :)

Would you consider a private midwife?

If so look at intheclubmidwifery.co.uk/

She was my doula many years ago and has now trained as a midwife...hugely recommended!!!

I have had two of my babies at the Portland and I am also a doula. I can tell you that I had the most wonderful positive experience at The Portland with my husband, mum and sister all by my side.

I had so much support during my labour that I decided that I wanted to give back and give unconditional, emotional, physical, educational and continual one to one care to anyone who needed it.

Having a doula by your side supporting you, your other half and the medical staff has been proven to to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.

If you would like to speak to me for further information I would be happy to chat with you. My website is www.naturalborndoulas.co.uk

Very best wishes xxx Juliette x

Hypnobirthing