Hi, I’m Laureen and I’m a birth and postnatal doula in Southgate.
I am married with five lovely grown-up children and eight gorgeous grandchildren. I am a qualified infant teacher. I taught until my first baby came along and subsequently became a supervisor at the local playgroup, where I was involved for many years. I took a change in direction and trained to teach E.S.O.L. (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and Literacy. I was an Adult Education tutor for about ten years after which I taught for six years on a voluntary basis.
I have been very fortunate to have given birth to all my children naturally and consider each one as an amazing miracle. I believe passionately in the ability of a woman to birth her baby. Whilst there is a place for medical interventions, most women, with loving support and care, can give birth without them. I became a doula because, after having the privilege of being at the birth of one of my grandchildren, the midwife asked me whether I had thought of becoming a doula. Because I wanted to help other women to have a positive birth experience and be able to look back on it as being a fulfilling, joyful memory I decided in 2007 to train to become a birth and postnatal doula. I am very calm and will bring a calming presence into the birthing room, which can be an asset to you as you labour and birth your baby. I bring with me knowledge and experience gathered over the years as a doula, attending nearly 50 births and also as a mum and grandmother. I can provide you with the knowledge and information to help you navigate your way through all the decisions and choices that you are faced with along your journey to parenthood. I am very well informed about women’s choices and rights in childbirth.
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
I am a recognised birth doula with Doula UK October 2009. I am a Certified birth doula with Nurturing Birth – July 2009
I am a recognised postnatal doula with Doula UK and Certified post natal doula with Nurturing Birth 2012
I am a Doula Mentor with Doula UK, which means I support, help, guide and supervise trainee doulas through the recognition process.
Nurturing Birth doula and postnatal doula training course – April 2008,
Experienced Birth Doula Workshop – Level 2 – May 2009,
Michel Odent Study day – March – 2009,
Waterbirth study day with Dianne Garland – October 2010,
Twins course with Naomi Kenemy – Sept 2011,
Spinning Babies Study Day with Gail Tully June 2013,
Breastfeeding Study Day – Developing Doulas – 2014,
Robozo Workshop with Stacia Smates Hill – Oct 2014,
Supporting Every Birth workshop, focusing on pregnancy and infant loss – Nov 201
I have attended the Surrey and Sussex Annual Breastfeeding Conference with speakers Dr Coleman Greenway – neonatal consultant at ESH and Mark Harris RMD – September 2017
I have attended the Homebirth Conference – ‘Inspiring Women’, with speakers Ina May Gaskin and Sheena Byron – March 2016
Trained as a therapist - BA Three Step Rewind for birth trauma April 2021
Evidence Based birth Webinaire - Failure to Progress April 2022
Laureen was a pillar of strength and support for me during the birth of my second son. Having had a traumatic emergency cesarean birth for my first son, I was very keen to have a vaginal birth for my second son. My first baby was posterior. Laureen's suggestions and exercises during my second pregnancy helped maintain my baby in the proper position. On the day when I was in labour, she arrived at my home very quickly once I messaged her. She was highly professional and helped my husband and me remain calm throughout. She massaged my back during every contraction for almost 9 hrs. She reminded me to breathe throughout labour and helped me have the water birth that I wanted, constantly encouraging me at times when I was almost about to give up.
After the birth she even helped me have a shower and was more like a mom. I don't think the birth would have gone so smooth without her guidance and help. She was a guardian angel. Her experience and professionalism is worth having. I could not have done it without you, Laureen.
Having Laureen as our doula prepared us so well for the birth and immediate aftermath. Pre-birth, Laureen was calm, gave us lots of info and guided us when we asked for it. She also recommended we prepared a few birth plans to cover different scenarios which was a great way to prepare us for the fact that labour and birth does not always go to plan! It was very fortunate we did this.
During the labour, she supported me brilliantly, massaging my back and told me a wonderful breathing technique to help me during the most intense contractions. Having her there also meant I knew my husband wasn't having to do it all himself, I could be as demanding as I needed to be without it stressing him out!
When I had to have a c-section, Laureen reassured me that I had done all I could in the circumstances. Because I was feeling so vulnerable at that time, her reassurance was vital to my mental well being. This really helped me feel positive. When the baby was born, she helped the baby find the breast and I really do think this very early intervention has been the reason breast feeding has been so natural, straight forward and easy for me and baby.
Laureen was very gentle in her approach and I would not hesitate to use her again.
I would also thoroughly recommend the placenta smoothie! My recovery was swift, my energy was high and I had no baby Blues- all of which I attribute in the main to the placenta smoothie. And no, you can't taste it! It is refreshing and just what you need after birth!
Laureen came to me when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. I was exhausted. She was so helpful, she asked me for an upfront lesson in all my appliances so that she could get on with them, the oven, dishwasher, washing machine etc, which meant I could throw anything at her so to speak and she could handle it. She was amazing with my little boy, she often took him to the park, he really warmed to her which was a relief because he was normally quite clingy. When my baby was born, Laureen was great at winding the baby whilst I was with my older boy, and looked after them both at times, so that I could have a bath! It was a real break and she felt like a friend rather than someone I was employing.
I am forever very grateful for how Laureen helped me achieve this precious gift. She made me and my husband feel relaxed and made him feel empowered to make good decisions.
Laureen was respectful and supportive of my choices in childbirth. She ensured that my physical needs were taken care of, such as regular drinks, changes of clothing, cleaning up, and packing bags. I can't thank her enough for the back massages when the contractions were so intense.
Laureen stayed throughout the labour, and ensured I remained calm. Her help didn't stop at childbirth, she continued to be there and help when baby wasn't feeding well, referred us to a lactation consultant, and followed through. Her support, tireless dedication and strength at this important time will never be forgotten by me and my family. She is an amazing person with such a wonderful spirit. I would recommend Laureen's doula services to anyone looking for a positive birth experience.