Laura Berkeley

More about me

Get to know me…  Hi I’m Laura, welcome to my profile. I’m a mum of 2 girls & live with my partner of 10 years in Surrey where I grew up. My 1st daughter was born in 2016 at my local hospital trust (East Surrey) & my care was provided by the NHS from start to finish. I had been fearful about giving birth most of my life but she was almost born at home in the bath as I was so relaxed & confident using my hypnobirthing techniques. I suffered with HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) with my 2nd daughter, which led to a very challenging pregnancy both emotionally & physically. This is when I chose to have a doula alongside my partner for support. She was breech & born at home in the 1st lockdown of 2020, which faced many challenges. With home births being suspended there was a lot of hard navigation, but with the support of 2 incredible independent midwives & my doula, I had an empowering & life changing birth

Both of my births were hugely different & teaching over several years supporting ALL types of births, families & situations, has taught me SO much, which drives me to be extremely passionate about supporting people on their journeys. Every person, their pregnancy & birth are so beautifully unique. I truly believe that everyone deserves to be listened to, heard, respected & supported regardless of where or how they choose to give birth or parent. I love running antenatal sessions, helping parents navigate ‘guidelines’, complex journeys, looking at the evidence & making informed choices, especially if they wish to birth outside of guidelines or are finding the current maternity system challenging to navigate.

After a life changing birth with my 1st daughter in 2016 I knew I was called to birth work which is when I began teaching. I then went on to qualify as an international antenatal educator & created my own antenatal programme as I felt expectant parents deserved & needed more. After struggling to breastfeed my 1st daughter I experienced 1st hand how much education & support was needed, so I qualified as a peer supporter, Mindful Breastfeeding practitioner & am currently studying as a breastfeeding counsellor. Part of my job that I love is providing antenatal breastfeeding classes & supporting parents once their babies have arrived with feeding however they choose to feed their baby. 

As a doula I’m dedicated to support mothers/parents in the ways they need. For some people that might be more in pregnancy, more specifically the birth, the postnatal period, or the whole journey, emotionally, physically & practically. It’s vital to be provided with evidence based information during pregnancy to help you release any fears, build your confidence, know your rights, choices & help you feel relaxed & excited for birth. Some would say I’m a little bit obsessed with this work, I am, The Lemon Tree is my 3rd baby. It’s not work, it’s a calling & I’m truly passionate about guiding & supporting parents. I regularly continue to expand my knowledge & skills, attending courses such as biomechanics for birth, safer sleep training etc. This journey is so much more than birthing your baby. The emotional & physical shifts that take place are huge, it’s a sacred time where you deserve to be held & nurtured.

I’m calm, positive & calm but fierce & protective when needed. Whether you need a loving gentle massage or someone to be your wall or protection, I’m here in whatever way you need me. I’m not there to replace a birth partner or a be a birth partner (unless that is the reason you wish to have a doula, as your birth partner). I am there to walk alongside you and your family on this journey, listening, holding space, protecting & nurturing you as you navigate the paths YOUR way. Much of the work we do together will be in your antenatal sessions where we can really get to know each other, build trust & work on specific areas of birth prep that are important to you. I have supported a huge range of births, including many home births, free births, c sections & even through loss. 

You should be cherished, feel loved & safe as you walk this path. It’s a complete privilege to witness a new little life come into the world, I truly believe your experience should be empowering & beautiful in every way so that you have memories to cherish. I believe in you, you have the power within you & I believe in your ability to birth your baby with power & happiness. If you feel I might be the right doula for you please don’t hesitate to pop me an e mail or pick up the phone if you have questions or would like to know more

Laura

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