Doula and Birth Support
A mother does not become pregnant in order to provide employment to medical people. Giving birth is an
ecstatic jubilant adventure not available to males. It is a woman’s crowning creative experience of a lifetime.
– John Stevenson
Welcome to my website! I greet you with an open heart and an eagerness to share how I can help you on your journey to motherhood.
Giving birth to my children inspired me to become a doula and help women like YOU to experience the joy of birth and motherhood in a way that ensures your voice is heard and respected. I am truly passionate about the idea that your birthing experience should have a positive and transformative impact on your life. I hold space to create the environment in which this can be achieved.
My approach to supporting you, my perspective client, is centered on understanding your individual and unique needs, meeting you at your level of experience. As your birthkeeper, I will help you prepare for birth, discuss your choices and listen to your concerns, previous experiences and wishes.
We will work together to develop practical tools and increase your confidence to go through labour. Among the methods I employ are active positioning (yoga and Spinning Babies), breathing exercises, meditative and visualisation practices, hypnosis and relaxation techniques and other holistic practices such as massage, shiatzu, acupressure, rebozo, Bach Flower remedies, homeopathy and aromatherapy.
More importantly, we will address your fears and anxieties related to labour and birth to build your mental strength and resilience.
I will be there to provide you and your partner with emotional and hands-on support before, during and after birth. I give every birth I attend my all, offering aid and encouragement without judgement or imposition in whatever decision you make.
What do I bring with me when I support you?
💜Years of experience in birth and postpartum space: I have started supporting women in 2008 and to-date I have been a direct birth companion to 151 births (as of Dec 2024) and indirectly to hundreds more through my work as pregnancy yoga teacher, antenatal educator and HypnoBirthing practitioner.
Having completed my formal recognition process with DoulaUK through mentorship with Naava Carman (birth) and Victoria Greenly (postnatal), in 2020 I have moved to the next stage on this journey by becoming Birth and Postpartum DoulaUK Mentor so that I can continue with the apprenticeship tradition and pass my knowledge to the new doulas.
Whilst I work primarily as a birth doula, from 2019 I also offer my services in postpartum space to my birth clients, who live within 3-4 miles radius from my home in Wandsworth, by sharing my expertise and years of practice as postpartum yoga and mindfulness teacher, postpartum recovery massage therapist, baby massage trainer as well as breastfeeding counsellor.
I support my clients through a carefully structured birth and postpartum programmes that has been honed over the years and I welcome all new enquiries.
💜Variety of settings and circumstances: As a mother of two children born naturally, I have direct knowledge of birth at a physiological level, which provides many women I work with a welcome reassurance that my skill and understanding come from a personal experience. However, I do not allow my own birth adventures to influence your unique journey.
As your doula, I will cherish the privilege and opportunity to bear witness to a homebirth – at home a woman truly comes into her own and those births feel really magical, undisturbed and precious. Given the publication of Birth Trauma Inquiry Report, I now focus even more on supporting homebirths, by holding a protective space for my clients.
I appreciate that circumstances may be different for YOU. Over the years, I have supported births in birthing centers, labour wards and at home (including freebirths) covering a wide range of scenarios such as straightforward physiological vaginal birth, water birth, VBAC and HBAC, IVF pregnancy, twins, high-risk pregnancies (gestational diabetes, cholestasis, SGA, pre-eclampsia), medical and postdates inductions, elective and emergency caesareans, premature babies, and instrumental interventions (episiotomy, ventouse and forceps). These births have been aided by a variety of relief methods from hypnosis, movement, water and massage to epidural and pethidine.
This was done in a variety of settings – women on their own, with their partners, or with other family members – things rarely faze me and I will make it work so that your wishes are respected.
I spend a lot of time going through your birth wishes, expectations and preferences covering different birth situations so that these options are processed early and on “the day” we can focus solely on your labour, your feelings and emotions in a flow that is unencumbered and free.
💜Cultural diversity and charitable work: Being bi-lingual and living in multicultural London, I thrive on supporting my very unique international clientele (English, Russian, Polish, Italian, German, Irish, Australian, Ukrainian, French, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Kazakh, American, Czech to name a few) and learning more about their cultures and how birth is viewed by them.
I appreciate that my life as a white person had some privileges in terms of access to education, work and services. I strongly believe that every woman should have a birth companion at her birth regardless of financial circumstances. Hence I have started pro bono support for women, who are unable to afford a doula, through DoulaUK Access Fund. In addition in 2020 I began working with Happy Baby Community Charity, which helps pregnant women and mothers that fled the war or conflict zones.
Whilst I respect individual choices in sexual orientation and gender diversity, I personally identify myself as a woman and will always be pro women, for women and with women. I value personal sovereignty and autonomy and I have always been open and inclusive but not at the expense of eradicating female identity, so words “woman, mother and motherhood” are very dear to me and used by me without desire to exclude but representing who I am.
Honouring traditions, cultural and religious background is very important to me and the diversity and richness continues to fascinate at every birth that I attend.
💜Solid and continuous education: To educate myself on this path I completed the Paramana Doula course in 2011, with the inspiring Dr Michel Odent and Doula Liliana Lammers. This was supplemented, among other things, with my Birthlight Diplomas under the tutelage of a wise woman Francoise Freedman (covering both ante and post-natal yoga support), a Well Woman course with Uma Tuli-Dilsmore, Advanced Doula Training with Red Tent Doulas, IAIM Baby Massage Course, HypnoBirthing in various guises, Bach Flower Remedies Therapy as well as Breastfeeding Counsellor certification (2020) to name a few (all my qualifications are listed here).
I never stop studying even after over 2,500 hours of training and I like to be kept up-to-date with the most recent findings so all of my advice and support is evidence-based (including almost forgotten ancient traditions like “la cerrada” and “encaderamiento” ceremonies and cutting edge scientific discoveries like microbiome).
💜Holistic approach: I have been teaching yoga since 2004, and its key philosophy tenant of combining strength and softness, when appropriate, permeates all aspects of my life and I bring it with me to every birth that I attend. In February 2016 I obtained a Yoga Therapy Diploma, with a graduating distinction, to ensure that I am equipped to deliver consistent individual care across my main specialisation. I focus now primarily on pregnancy, labour and postpartum recovery support as well as women’s health issues such as menstrual problems, fertility and menopause with particular interest on associated pain and stress management.
My aim is to use all this knowledge and experience in a calm and practical way so that you can make the best choices during pregnancy, labour and beyond. I strongly believe that birth can be empowering and beautiful, and my role as your doula is to create the environment where we honour your choices and create memories that are positive and rewarding regardless of circumstances. You already have the power and we work together to unlock it.
Are you open to have a conversation with me?
- What my services as a birth doula will cover
- What is a birth doula?
- What does a doula do?
- Why hire a doula?
- Initial introductory meeting: this meeting is normally held on non-committal basis and free of charge. I use this meeting to get to know you and understand your needs and wishes, and to see if I am the right fit for you as a doula.
- Antenatal meetings: I would recommend two to three meetings before birth (depending on your preference) where we discuss your concerns and wishes for the birth, and go through your birth plan, labour support positions and breathing techniques. We would also cover emotional and physiological changes during the birth process as well as use of pain relief. Finally, we would discuss your preparation for care after giving birth.
- On call period: I would usually be ‘on call’ for you ten days before your due date until you go into labour (38-42 weeks of pregnancy). During this time you can contact me at any time of the day or night if you think that you are going into labour.
- Birth: I will arrive at the point that you need me to be there, and when you are in established labour. I will travel with you to the hospital (if this is your preferred place of birth) and will be with you during labour until the baby is born and feeding. I will provide help and encouragement through the process and will make sure that your partner is kept informed so they don’t feel left out. I will stay with you until you feel settled and happy for me to leave.
- Postpartum visit: within the first 28 days after the birth I would, at a time convenient to you, arrange to come to your home for a visit to check how things are going and provide you with any support (like breastfeeding) or answer any other questions. I am also available on the phone and via email during this time.
- Birth and postpartum support programmes: From 2020 I have started offering my support as dedicated birth (12 weeks) and postpartum (3 weeks) dedicated programmes that include all of the above in addition to many other benefits all wrapped into a one-stop shop package. All details including the prices are under booking section of this website.
My current pattern of birth support is to take one/ two clients per month. On occasion I have taken additional requests with a back up doula, primarily for repeat clients or clients who attend my yoga for pregnancy classes as I have the familiarity and existing relationships. For all other additional bookings in each calendar month I will offer antenatal preparation and HypnoBirthing classes and online birth support (unless my booked clients have already given birth, which will make me free to attend in person).
Postnatally, I work primarily in my position as yoga and massage therapist and breastfeeding counsellor focusing on postpartum recovery of the mother in holistic way as well as supporting women with breastfeeding questions. From 2019, I have started providing postpartum doula support for families that live really locally to me (within 3-4 mile radius from my home). Please note that I do not offer overnight support.
The word ‘doula’ (δούλα, doúla, pronounced ‘doo-la’) comes from Greek and means “servant-woman” or “caregiver”. In a modern definition it has narrowed to “birth attendant” who offers physical and emotional support to a birthing mother, her partner and her family through pregnancy, labour, birth and immediately after the birth. Whilst being formally trained and experienced in childbirth, they are often mothers themselves. A doula tries to “mother the mother” in a bid to achieve the best experience during pregnancy and childbirth.
The services that a doula can offer will vary greatly and will depend on their personal experience and qualifications and can be tailored to the needs of each couple/family. It is important to understand that doulas do not take on medical or clinical roles in advisory or practical capacity, but they are supporting women in having informed choices and decisions about their maternity care through balanced presentation of information.
What makes a doula particularly valuable and unique is the continuity of care and complete dedication to a single client regardless of circumstances (from home birth to complications with c-section). She will act as part of a team both with the birthing mother, her family and midwifery team and doctors (if applicable) and will hold the space for you with your interests at heart. She is there for you to explain at any point what is happening with compassion and without prejudice or medical jargon so that everyone can make the best possible decision to ensure safe delivery for both mother and child.
- Birth preparation through discussion and education about labour and birth and assisting in birth planning (including creating a written birth plan/birth preferences document)
- Emotional support through de-briefing previous births (if applicable) or going through the “stories” that may have impacted your views on birthing process and encouragement, reassurance and supportive company during actual labour
- Physical assistance and comfort such as massage, reflexology, advice on optimal fetal positioning, providing water and offering food, suggesting more comfortable positions to help ease pain and facilitate a smoother, more effective labour
- Talking through emotional blockages which may come up during pregnancy and in labour
- Holding your space and physical environment through supporting of your partner, maintaining relationships with midwives and supporting your decisions
According to DoulaUK, research has shown that a constant supportive presence throughout labour results in:
- 50% reduction in Caesarean rates
- 25% shorter labour
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in synthetic oxytocin use (labour induction)
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
However, apart from statistics – why would you want to hire a doula when you already have doctors, midwives, your partner, friends and family that can be there for you? There are many reasons why to have a doula with you on your birth journey and I listed a few below that particularly resonate with me:
- Trust: Over a few meetings we will build a relationship and hence you will have somebody supporting you, at a very intimate moment in your life, who is not a stranger and whom you can trust which is particularly valuable if you are birthing alone or your partner is not able or willing to be there for you
- Continued support: I will provide you with emotional support to make the process more empowering and accessible and less overwhelming and intimidating and I will stay with you from the beginning until your baby is born, placenta is delivered and you are settled in the first breasfeeding routine.
- Birth professional: I will put all my previous experience and knowledge to work to provide you with valuable information and advice in weeks leading up to the birth and to help you navigate maternity system as well as provide balanced opinion on various options as labour progresses without using overcomplicated medical jargon. Moreover, I will act as a bridge between you and medical professionals to ensure that everybody works as a team and your wishes are respected.
Links to research showing the impact of having a doula at birth:
1. Impact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes, 2013, Journal of Perinatal Education
2. Evidence on: Doulas, 2017, Evidence based birth organisation
” Vera is so passionate about birth it’s infectious. She is always happy to help and answer questions and come up with solutions. Vera’s approach to pregnancy and birth is natural and intuitive which suited my husband and I perfectly. Her views and advice were always balanced which allowed us to make balanced decisions. We could not have done without her support throughout my pregnancy and birth. I would love Vera to be our doula if we have another child – I can’t image going through pregnancy and birth without her! “
” Vera has been a great support both as a doula during childbirth as well as for pregnancy yoga. I don”t know how I would have coped without her. Having her as a doula has been the best decision we took to prepare for childbirth and she went above and beyond to support me as well as my husband to experience this as a ritual, helping dealing with the physical and psychological aspects of it. She really showed compassion, care and support that helped me cope with the birth of our first child in the best way possible. We couldn’t have received better support and would really recommend her services. “
“I could not imagine having to give birth again without Vera’s support. Thanks to Vera my natural birth experience turned out even better than I had imagined it could be. She was there with me, present and supportive, every second of the process, as well as before and after. I felt protected, confident and optimistic thanks to Vera’s skillfull and gentle approach to faciliate the labour. I was able to relax as much as it is possible to be relaxed during the contractions thanks to Vera’s continuous guidance. Vera’s invaluable help during the pregnancy prepared me so well for the big day and her continuous postpartum support helped my baby and me to smoothly adapt to this new life. I am already looking forward to my next birth giving!“
“I have known Vera for over seven years, and used her services of a Yoga teacher and coach as well as a Doula with my first pregnancy. Vera gives her best in every session. Her presence, subtle connections and ability to hold space and heal are unparalleled. I come back to her time and again and am always surprised by personal approach, warmth and dedication which which she serves the humanity. Thanks to our cooperation I have tremendously progressed with my growth. Thank you Vera ”
“I wouldn’t have done it without you, I didn’t think it was possible, thank you again. Especially when as if by magic after your arrival I was able to get some sleep after 24 hours of start and stop of my early labour. ”
” Vera’s yoga classes were brilliant; especially as I got into the third trimester and had more aches and pains, yoga really helped relieve these. Her classes were much more than just yoga; she was a wealth of knowledge on all things pregnancy and birth and provided us with practical tips and advice which made me feel much calmer and more prepared for labour. Thank you Vera for all your support and care during my pregnancy! “
“Vera is very passionate, supportive, knowledgeable and resourceful doula. She gives way more than you initially agree. She is fun and easy to be around. Working with Vera was a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.“
“Mы вместе с Верой прошли весь процесс родов нашего сына. Я очень рада, что все прошло именно так, как прошло. Когда приехала Вера, мне стало значительно легче, потому что она смогла мне сделать массаж и в целом очень помогала расслабиться. В процессе родов Вера была на нашей стороне, oтвечала на все мои вопросы, разъясняла на каком мы этапе находимся. В самом главном процессе родов очень помогала правильно дышать и все время была рядом. Спасибо Вере большое за ее работу. Если мне еще случится рожать в Лондоне, обязательно обращусь к ней еще.“
“Throughout three of my pregnancies, Vera has been absolutely wonderful and has completely changed my experience of pregnancy and birth. Her involvement, before, during and after each birth has hugely helped my bonding with my two sons and daughter, and helped me remain calm and positive in the face of all the challenges and stresses that I have faced as a new mother.”
“Vera was supportive and discrete through my 30 hour labour supporting me with breathing techniques, positioning and massages – she was with me all the way”
“I have been attending Vera’s classes for over ten years and have enjoyed each and every single session throughout these years. Nothing helps the mid-week energy slump better. Vera is always flexible, positive, happy and considerate of the group’s and individuals’ needs and mood. Our sessions are never repetitive and there is always something new I learn there!
Vera’s support has taken me through two pregnancies and recovery after childbirth and has given me the confidence and most valuable techniques for labour. Doing pregnancy yoga practice with Vera has increased my awareness and confidence in my body throughout pregnancy as well as given me the tools to feel better, more energised and positive throughout.“
“Vera is simply the best yoga teacher! I attended pregnancy yoga classes run by her and I must say it was great. Helped me with my back pains and leg cramps. She is great listener and always gives fantastic advices and support that you need. I am a happy mum now and miss yoga classes with Vera. I can genuinely recommend pregnancy yoga classes with her. “
“ Can’t speak highly enough of all the staff at the Shala, what a great place! Amazing pregnancy yoga classes – my birthing experience would have been completely different had it not been for the guidance of Vera (Monday pregnancy yoga classes). I put all the months of yoga moves into practice during the birth and it really worked 🙂 “