Doula & Hypnobirthing Teacher in West Yorkshire
I'm Julia and I am a 5 STAR rated Doula & Hypnobirthing Teacher, from West Yorkshire. I offer continuity of care, through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I am also the Co-Chair for Leeds Maternity Voices Partnership and I work closely with Leeds maternity team and local families, to improve maternity services across Leeds.
Whether you are looking for Hypnobirthing courses, Antenatal Classes or Doula support near Leeds or online, I can teach you how to feel calm, confident, supported and informed about your pregnancy, birth and as a new parent.
"We decided to have a Doula, because I was very nervous about pregnancy, birth and also the transition to motherhood and I wanted a bit of extra support. We had a bit of up and down support from our midwife and I wanted someone on hand, that I could trust throughout the process. Julia was a wonderful support" - V.A, Harrogate Mummy
I am so happy I found Julia. This is my second baby and although I had a relatively text book birth first time, I remember feeling out of control and scared. Many friends told me about hypnobirthing and at first I dismissed the idea, but once I looked into it, it makes total sense. It’s not about been put into a state of being 'out of it', you are still very much in control and it’s about understanding how the brain works, feeding it with positive affirmations, knowing your body knows what to do and knowing your options. I’m now feeling more excited than scared and anxious, like I was before starting this. I know I can do this, I can’t thank Julia enough. - Kirsty, Leeds Mummy
BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing - Leeds
BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing create positive birth experiences that are right for you and your family. Helping you to enjoy parenthood, make informed decisions and support you with whatever decisions you make. I can help you to go from feeling anxious to excited about your birth and about life as a new parent.
“Julia very subtly empowered us through the whole process and this led to a great birth experience, that I will always look back on with positivity."
"I would recommend Julia to parents wishing to have a Doula support them."
"I would recommend a doula to any or my friends or family that are planning to have children. I believe the birth experience is completely different with a doula by your side, guiding you through, step by step."
"Whenever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life."
Ina May Gaskin
Get to know me...
Hello, I'm Julia!
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I am a fully qualified and Recognised Birth and Postnatal Doula.
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A member of Doula UK.
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Fully certified and FEDANT (Federation of Antenatal Educators) accredited Antenatal Hypnobirthing Teacher.
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Trained in supporting Neurodivergent Birth.
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The Co-Chair for Leeds Maternity Voices Partnership.​
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Trained in Aromatherapy for Childbirth.​​
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I live with my family, in Leeds, near Wakefield. I have two children, both born at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust - at St James's University Hospital. My first baby was delivered via an unplanned caesarean section and my second baby was a beautiful, positive virginal birth (VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean). I feel honoured to be able to work with women and families and to be able to share my expertise.
As a highly trained, expert in my field, I can help you to feel calm, supported, informed and in control during your birth. My doula support, antenatal classes and hypnobirthing courses can help families to make informed decisions, increase their odds of a positive birthing experience and learn how to navigate parenthood.​​
What do you get on a hypnobirthing course with me?
On a hypnobirthing course with me, not only will you learn some amazing techniques and skills that will help you to feel calm, confident and in control during your birth, but you will also learn some skills for life.
You will receive:
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Some beautiful handouts for you to keep.
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A gorgeous hypnobirthing workbook, which includes all of the information that you will need to help you to have the birth that you desire. The workbook includes all of the topics that we will go through on the hypnobirthing course and means that if you forget anything from the course, you can refer back to it at a later date.
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Hypnobirthing relaxation MP3's (all recorded in my voice), for you to listen to regularly, helping your mind prepare positively for birth.
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A free pack of birth and postnatal affirmation cards. On one side of the card is a positive birth affirmation and on the other side, you will find a positive postnatal affirmation for you to use after your baby has been born.
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Free samples
Private 1-1 & Group Hypnobirthing Courses - Leeds & Surrounding Area
I offer group hypnobirthing courses in Oulton, Leeds and I also offer private 1-1 hypnobirthing courses in the comfort of your own home, anywhere in Leeds or within the West Yorkshire area. It is personal choice on whether you do a group hypnobirthing course or a private hypnobirthing course with me.
Is Hypnobirthing for me?
If you are wondering what hypnobirthing is all about, check out my page on what is hypnobirthing. Maybe you have heard about hypnobirthing and wondering whether it is for you or whether it is for the kind of birth that you are planning? Maybe you are wondering whether it is just for hippies or a bit woo woo. Well, I can assure you that it is not and that hypnobirthing is for everyone and for all births. Even Kate Middleton used hypnobirthing for the birth of her children.
"I really quite liked labour, thanks to hypnobirthing. I saw the power of it really — the meditation and the deep breathing that they teach you in hypnobirthing. It really helped me with severe morning sickness too." - Kate Middleton.
Hypnobirthing techniques can be applied if you are:
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Considered high risk
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Planning a home birth
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Preparing for IVF
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Planning a hospital birth
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Planning a vaginal birth
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Wanting a natural birth
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Considering an epidural
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Would like a water birth
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Have an assisted birth
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Have an induced birth
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Have a caesarean section​
Hypnobirthing can assist you and your partner, regardless of what type of birth you are planning for or need. Hypnobirthing is not about mind control, but more about mindset. Creating a positive mindset, helping you to have the positive birth that you desire.
Is an Antenatal Class Different to a Hypnobirthing Course?
Sometimes people ask me whether they should do a hypnobirthing course, even when they are already doing an antenatal course, such as a NCT antenatal class. The answer to this is absolutely YES! Antenatal courses and hypnobirthing courses are different and they have different content. Some of the topics do overlap, but hypnobirthing courses focuses on the mind, which has a massive impact on the body during birth and can effect the level of pain that you feel, length of labour and how you feel during labour and birth. Hypnobirthing tools and techniques can help to reduce fear, change your mindset about birth and help you to have a more positive experience.
There are a number of things that a hypnobirthing course will teach you, that an antenatal class will not.
A hypnobirthing course will teach you:
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How to feel calm, confident, comfortable and relaxed during birth
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How to cope with a change of plan and still have a positive experience
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How to make informed decisions that are right for you.
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How to feel less scared and anxious about birth and more excited​​
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Antenatal classes cover topics such as;
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Safe sleeping
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How to care for your baby
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Preparing for the postnatal period
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A Hypnobirthing course and an Antenatal class will cover similar topics such as:
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What happens during labour
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Different pain relief options
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Induction of labour and intervention
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The role of the birth partner
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Both courses are important when preparing for birth and compliment each other really well. This is why I recommend doing an antenatal class and a hypnobirthing course if you can and why many of my clients have found doing both courses so beneficial.
"Since starting Hypnobirthing, I am now feeling more excited than anxious about my birth. I know I can do this. I can't thank Julia enough!" - Kirsty
Beautiful visual handouts & hypnobirthing workbook.
Hypnobirthing Group Course Venue, in Oulton, Leeds
"Fantastic experience with Julia! We did the 1-2-1 hypnobirthing course and gained so much knowledge, but most of all I gained confidence in my body’s ability to birth my baby and advocate for myself throughout the process. Our birth experience would not have been such a positive one if it wasn’t for Julia’s input and we are eternally grateful. Thank you so much again Julia you are wonderful and highly recommended!" - Sarah
Difference between a Hypnobirthing Course & An Antenatal Class
What do you get when you hire me as your doula?
Antenatal, Birth & Postnatal Doula Support - Leeds, Surrounding Area & Online
When you hire me as your doula, whether that is for antenatal, birth or postnatal doula support, I will listen without judgement, supporting you with whatever decisions you make and all of our conversations and all correspondence will be kept strictly confidential. I will be guided by you and can help you and your partner (if applicable), prepare for birth, support you during labour and birth if you wish and postnatally too if required. I offer emotional and/or physical support to you and your family. Having the support of a Doula has statistically proven to improve the outcome of birth and the postnatal period.
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I offer a variety of Doula packages, from 1 hour power hour birth preparation, to full continuity of care, throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum.
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You can choose virtual Doula support or face to face Doula support.
My face to face Doula packages include a free, little gift from me and if you choose a birth Doula support package, you will also receive a lovely, free, little keepsake for your baby too.
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My Doula packages give you the opportunity to join a closed Facebook group, where you can give or receive support from other group members and build a community with other parents, who are on the same pregnancy or parenting journey as you. Ask me for the details when you book a package with me.
"If you are at all anxious about having a baby, then a Doula can be invaluable to help you to make decisions, advocate for you during birth and manage your anxieties and fears " - Alison, Leeds Mum
FREEBIES!
Want some FREE birth preparation, labour and birth resources?
Download my free video on how to use a birth ball during pregnancy, labour, birth & postpartum.
Download a free video Guide for Birth Partner's
Download a free video on labour tips for a better birth experience.
Download a free video on An Introduction to Hypnobirthing.
Download a free PDF document containing a birth plan template and tips on writing birth plans.
Download a free PDF document containing a postnatal planning template.
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