Welcome! I'm Joelle, a birth and postnatal doula, antenatal educator, yoga teacher and massage therapist based in South Devon. I support families through pregnancy, birth and the 4th trimester with a holistic, evidence-based and deeply personalised approach. My work brings together movement, massage, biomechanics, infant feeding support, nutrition and continuous doula care to help you feel informed, connected to your body and supported throughout your journey. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, caesarean or VBAC, my role is to be alongside you, empowering you in your choices and supporting you whatever path your birth takes.
I was incredibly fortunate to have both my initial doula training with Side by Side Doulas and my Doula UK mentorship, funded by the NHS through the Bridge Birth Doula Project, an initiative recognising the positive impact doulas can have on birth outcomes and the postnatal experience. In return, I provided free support to families who might not otherwise have had access to a doula. Since then I've been working privately, continuing to deepen my practice through specialist training in biomechanics for birth (Optimal Birth), further massage trainings and Free From Harm, a trauma-informed course exploring how we can reduce birth trauma and the harm that can occur within an overstretched maternity system.
Sadly, around one in three women and birthing people describe their birth as traumatic. At the same time, birth has the potential to be one of life's most empowering experiences and a profound gateway into matrescence. Whether your birth is physiological, assisted or by caesarean section, my role is to help you feel informed, respected and empowered throughout your journey.
Unhurried sessions to explore your birth preferences, practise comfort techniques and prepare emotionally and physically. I can also attend appointments with you if needed and help communicate with midwives, birth options teams & obstetricians.
On-call from 38 weeks, until the birthday. Continuous support during labour, offering massage, hypnobirthing techniques, biomechanics to ease the flow of labour, documenting (photography/film) and advocacy.
Emotional Support: Space to process your experience and find your own rhythm as a new parent. Practical Care: Help with newborn feeding and sleep. Cooking and light housework. Healing & Restorative Touch: abdominal wrapping and core reintegration, massage and gentle bodywork to aid recovery respectfully inspired by Closing of the bones - read more here: https://www.innatetraditions.com/blog/Closing-of-the-bones-rebozo
“Joelle was there by our side with serene and gentle warmth. She used her skills to be a phenomenal birth support - a really special mix of emotional intelligence, kind touch and practical proactivity. ”
“After a previous traumatic birth, Joelle helped me feel informed, empowered and confident throughout my pregnancy and birth journey. Her calm support, advocacy and deep knowledge gave me the strength to stand firm in my choices and achieve the trauma-free birth I had hoped for. I felt completely safe, supported and listened to every step of the way. We honestly wish we'd found her sooner.”
“My birth experience accompanied by Joelle was incredibly empowering. Not only was it an unmedicated VBAC but I felt uplifted and healed by the experience. Joelle was a strong but discreet presence who gave me confidence at key moments. I would 100% recommend to any pregnant mother that she get a doula to accompany her birth journey as a way to provide physical and moral support.”
I believe every family deserves compassionate, respectful support, and I know that no two situations are the same. For that reason, I offer flexible packages, payment plans where needed, and a small number of reduced-fee places each year for families who might not otherwise be able to access doula care.
The best place to start is with a free, no-obligation conversation. We'll talk about your hopes for birth, explore the different ways we can work together and find a level of support that feels right for both your family and your budget.
Reach out
Yoga practices, birth plan templates, hypnobirthing recordings, recipes and further reading — all in one place.