I'm Joelle, a birth and postnatal doula and antenatal educator based in South Devon passionate about supporting you through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. My doula approach is holistic, combining my experience in massage, yoga & biomechanics to ease the flow of labour alongside my experience working on a postnatal ward as an NCT infant feeding supporter.
I believe in empowering you to make informed choices that align with your values and needs. My role is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support, ensuring you feel confident and cared for throughout your journey. I am committed to inclusive support for all family structures, including LGBTQI+ families, neurodivergence and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. Alongside my private work, I spent my first year volunteering in NE London with the Bridge Birth Doula project at Homerton Hospital, offering free support to families who might not otherwise have access to a doula. An initiative ensuring that holistic, continuous care is available to more people, regardless of income or background.
Doulas are not medical professionals, but we work alongside midwives and doctors to help you feel safe, informed, and emotionally held throughout pregnancy, labour, and the early days of parenthood. Evidence shows that continuous doula support can lead to: Shorter labours Fewer interventions (such as inductions or caesareans) A more positive birth experience overall Many families also choose to have a postnatal doula to help them navigate the early days — not with rigid advice, but with reassurance, nourishment, massage and practical care that puts you at the centre.
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 presence 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.”
Shared Care - If I’m unavailable for your due window, or you would feel more at ease with two doulas, I also offer shared care packages. This means you get to know two doulas during your pregnancy, and either of us may attend your birth. Payment - I work on a sliding scale because I believe everyone deserves support -regardless of income. When we choose your fee, I invite you to consider your current income, but also broader factors such as: Generational or inherited wealth Access to family financial support Home ownership or housing stability Debt or chronic illness Caregiving responsibilities Structural inequalities (race, LGBTQI+ & disability) I’m happy to have an open, compassionate conversation.
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Yoga practices, birth plan templates, recipes and further reading — all in one private place.