Bea A Doula

"We do not 'come into' this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree. As the ocean 'waves,' the universe 'peoples.' Every individual is an expression of the whole realm of nature, a unique action of the total universe." Alan Watts

I'm Bea, a birth and postnatal doula based in Hammersmith, London. I offer a warm, earthy presence, practical comfort and evidence-based information, so you can feel confident and supported in whatever birth you choose.

Evidence based
Before becoming a doula, I spent many years as an anthropologist and researcher, and as a business and impact consultant. That work taught me to listen deeply, to put my clients first, and to dig into complex research and make sense of it. I bring all of this to my doula work: I know how to question and interpret research, and I can help you understand what it means for you. Unfortunately birth policy in the UK doesn't always keep up with the best and most recent evidence, and it's designed around the health of whole populations rather than the wellbeing of one unique mother and baby. My focus is on you.

Physically held
I've practised yoga and breathwork for over 20 years, and I'm a sensual Taurean at heart. For me, birth and parenting are among the most grounding and devotional practices there are. I want to create the best possible setting, with the right sights, sound, smells and touch as a way to support and hold mothers in their becoming, through birth preparation, birth itself and the postnatal weeks, offering tender, grounded support all the way. I'm also a singer, and I love using voice, humming and song whenever it's wanted. I run singing groups for expectant parents, and for parents and babies.

Soul focused
My long standing Buddhist practice, and my years exploring culture, ceremony and rites of passage as an anthropologist (living and researching in Sri Lanka, India, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Brazil and the US), have left me convinced that becoming a mother is a deeply spiritual transformation, and one that deserves to be honoured. Without imposing any uninvited spiritual perspectives into your process, I hold a reverence for your journey of matresence.