Antenatal preparation
We gather the information you need so you can make decisions that are genuinely yours — not decisions made for you. We talk through your hopes, your worries and your options, at whatever pace suits you.
Doula UK recognised since 2013
Birth & postnatal doula support across London, Essex & East Anglia
I’m Ali. I’ve supported over 300 families through pregnancy, birth and those first weeks at home. However your birth unfolds, you shouldn’t have to go through it without someone calm, experienced and completely on your side.
The first conversation is free and there’s no obligation — by Zoom, WhatsApp or in person, whenever suits you.
- 300+ Families supported
- Since 2013 Doula UK recognised
- 30 Hospitals worked in
- Free Introductory meeting
How I can support you
Support shaped around your family, not a package
I tailor what I bring to each family depending on what they actually need — before, during and after birth.
Birth support — home or hospital
Continuous emotional and physical support wherever you give birth. A hand to hold, a calm presence, and practical help — I have birth pools, TENS machines, a rebozo and a birth stool, plus homeopathic remedies for childbirth.
Postnatal support at home
Sometimes families simply want emotional and practical help once baby is here. I’m a non-judgemental presence in your home, and a Barnardo’s infant feeding volunteer, so feeding support is part of what I bring.
Specialist experience
Whatever your route to this baby, I’ve walked it with someone before
I bring the doula model of care across the full spectrum of pregnancy and birth experiences.
VBAC & birth after caesarean
Preparing for a vaginal birth after caesarean, and support if a repeat caesarean becomes the right choice.
IVF, fertility journeys & surrogacy
For families who have travelled a long, hard road to get here — including surrogacy and adoption.
Birth after trauma or loss
Support through miscarriage, stillbirth, termination and previous difficult births, informed by training in When Survivors Give Birth.
Twins, triplets & multiples
I’ve supported families expecting twins and triplets through pregnancy, birth and the busy weeks that follow.
Breech & premature birth
Including PPROM, premature birth and time in SCBU, with specialist training in supporting breech-presenting babies.
LGBTQ+ & single parents
Same-sex couples, trans men and women, and single parents are all warmly welcome here.
Perinatal mental health
Experience of postnatal depression, of surviving abuse, and of supporting families through the mental health side of new parenthood.
First-time parents
If all of this is completely new, that’s often exactly when a doula makes the biggest difference.
How it works
Three simple steps
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Get in touch
Call, text, WhatsApp or email me. Tell me roughly when you’re due and where you’re thinking of giving birth — that’s enough to start.
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We meet, free of charge
A free, no obligation introductory meeting by Zoom, WhatsApp or in person, at your convenience. It’s simply about whether we feel right for each other.
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We plan it together
If it feels like a good fit, we shape the support around what your family actually needs — antenatally, at the birth, postnatally, or all three.
About Ali
The person who’ll be at your side
I’m an experienced birth and postnatal doula, recognised with Doula UK since 2013, and I cover all London areas and the South East of England. I have four children of my own, two step children raised as my own (all adults now) and two grandchildren so I have a large, diverse family of which I am very proud.
Having supported over 300 families, life has taught me that despite being the organised control freak that I am, not all things are meant to be controlled. Pregnancy, childbirth and the journey of parenthood are among them.
I believe that everyone should be empowered to make each birth experience their own, and should have the emotional and physical support they need — whether they are geographically close to their family or not; married or single; younger or older than “average”; first or fifth baby; living a comfortable lifestyle or on a budget. It really doesn’t matter, and my rates reflect this.
A doula is not a luxury, and you don’t need a fortune to hire one.
Normally, a few kind words and plenty of laughter are the way forward. Outside of doula work I love fundraising, food, music and dancing. I play the clarinet, have a green belt in Judo, and can run like the wind. I also have A levels in French and Spanish, and I’m a very tiny 4ft 9″ — much to my children’s delight, as they are all over 6ft.
Roles & volunteering
- Doula UK Leadership Team member
- Doula UK mentor
- Chair of Governors
- Barnardo’s infant feeding volunteer
- Volunteer support for refugees & survivors of abuse and trafficking
Training & qualifications
- Child Protection training — Level 2
- Safeguarding Adults training — Level 2
- Biomechanics for Birth
- Supporting Every Birth — Michelle Every
- Third Stage and Beyond — Amanda Dixon
- The Art of Doula Listening — Ashley MacDonald
- Confident Birth Workshop — Susanna Heli
- When Survivors Give Birth — Penny Simkin
- Supporting Women with Breech-Presenting Babies — Shawn Walker
- Tongue Tie Workshop — Maddie MacMahon
Recognised Doula UK member — view my profile
Doula UKLeadership Team Directors & Leadership Team member
Member of The Doula Club
Areas covered
Where I work
I support home births and hospital births across London, the South East and East of England.
Greater London
All London boroughs, central and outer.
Essex
From Basildon and Chelmsford to Colchester and Maldon.
Hertfordshire
Including families birthing at Harlow and across the county.
Suffolk
Including Ipswich and the surrounding towns and villages.
Norfolk
Home and hospital births across the county.
Cambridgeshire
Including Hinchingbrooke and the surrounding area.
Hospitals I have worked in — 30 and counting
As well as supporting home births, I have worked alongside families in:
- Basildon Hospital
- Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
- Colchester General Hospital
- Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford
- Hinchingbrooke Hospital
- Homerton Hospital
- Ipswich Hospital
- King’s College Hospital
- Lewisham Hospital
- The Lindo Wing
- Newham University Hospital
- North Middlesex Hospital
- The Portland Hospital
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow
- Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Guernsey
- Queen Charlotte’s Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich
- Queen’s Hospital, Romford
- Royal Free Hospital
- Royal London Hospital
- St George’s Hospital, Tooting
- St Helier Hospital, Sutton
- St Mary’s, Paddington
- St Peter’s, Maldon
- St Thomas’ Hospital
- University College Hospital
- Whipps Cross Hospital
- Whittington Hospital
- William Julien Courtauld Hospital, Braintree
Testimonials
What families have said
Alison was an energetic bundle of positivity from the moment we met her, and she gives wonderful massages.
Having Alison’s support was invaluable to us both. She was an unobtrusive but reassuring and constantly supportive presence.
Would hope that all women… had an amazing doula like you.
Ali was fantastic — a huge help, a lovely woman. Exactly what was needed.
Thank you so much for your support along the way. You’re an amazing person and I’m so glad to have met you.
Many families find me through recommendation.
Get in touch
Let’s arrange a free, no obligation chat
Whether you’re six weeks pregnant, six days from your due date, or already home with your baby — it’s always worth asking. Zoom, WhatsApp or in person, whichever you prefer.
A glimpse of the work
