So, exactly what is a doula?
The word 'doula' comes from a Greek word meaning 'helper'.
Doulas provide information. advocacy and practical and emotional support in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The role of the doula is not to advise, but to provide information so that you can make an informed decision about your maternity care.
As a birth and postnatal doula, I support women who decide to have any kinds of birth, from a planned C-Section to a home water birth, and everything in between! Postnatally, I can work with women from the first few days to the first few months, to support them in whichever way they need.
My Mission
Supporting women through birth is more than just my work—it’s my passion. Birth is a deeply instinctual process, and every woman holds the innate wisdom and strength to bring her baby into the world. Yet, too often, this trust in the body’s natural ability is diminished, leaving women feeling disconnected, fearful, and unheard. This loss of confidence can contribute to birth trauma, which is sadly becoming more common. It’s time to change the narrative. Women deserve to feel empowered, informed, and supported, with the space to tune into their bodies and birth in a way that feels right for them. My role as a doula is to help you reclaim that power—so you can step into birth with confidence, trust, and the knowledge that you are in control of your own experience.
What I can do for you
The way you give birth is your decision—no one else’s.
Imagine stepping into labour feeling fully prepared—understanding not just the beautiful moments, but also the challenges that may arise. Knowing exactly what you want, what you don’t, and feeling confident in your choices.
What would it mean to feel completely safe as you bring your baby into the world? To be surrounded by people who respect and support you, who help you trust in your body’s ability to birth?
I’m here to give you the knowledge and reassurance to navigate birth with confidence. When you truly understand what’s happening in your body, you gain the power to make informed choices, to advocate for yourself, and to embrace birth on your own terms. Knowledge is power—and you deserve to own yours.
Some doula stats....
Doulas help shorten labours by up to 1.5 hours, and there is a 30% increase in birth satisfaction
Postnatal doula support reduces cases of postnatal depression by up to 57%
Women who have doula support are 52% less likely to have caesarean sections
Doula support is associated with higher breastfeeding rates and more confident new mums
melissa@barefootdoula.co.uk
07894454287
Worthing, Shoreham, Brighton, Hove, Chichester, Portsmouth, Southampton, Midhurst, Crawley, Horsham, Lewes, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead and many more locations in West Sussex, East Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey...!
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.