This time in our interview with a doula series we meet Julia. Julia is a birth and postnatal doula based in Hayling Island and working in, Hampshire and West Sussex.
Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed Julia. Let’s chat about what motivates you as a doula and what challenges and inspires you.
Where did you hear about doulas and what made you want to be a doula?
Doulas were mentioned in a book I was reading in preparation for birth when I was pregnant. But I didn’t think much about it then. After having beautifully calm and empowering births, I realised the birth stories I heard from others were complete opposite – full of fear and drama. So I wanted to show women the different possibility, but I pushed the idea aside for a while, feeling hesitant to share my own positive experiences in case they made others feel like they had failed.
But after navigating the challenges of motherhood—especially as an immigrant, without family nearby, and at a young age (I realise now how immature I was mentally/emotionally)—I began to rediscover myself through therapy and personal growth. That’s when I came back to the idea of supporting others through one of life’s greatest transformations: motherhood. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful and helpful tuning into your true self can be and the earlier this will happen in motherhood the better! So I wanted to be there for others to encourage them and protect their space from those moments that might slow or confuse this path. I wanted to be a real life example of a beautiful birth, of an honest path to connection with oneself, of accepting oneself for who we truly are. You might be surprised – but all this is incredibly important to achieve physiological and calm birth!
What did your friends and family say when they heard you were thinking about becoming a doula?
When I first decided to become a doula, I didn’t get much support. My post-Soviet Union parents were understandably worried, unsure about the concept of non-medical birth support. My friends were respectful and happy for me, but I had a sense they thought it was a bit too ‘woo woo.’ The one person who was 100% behind me, as always, was my husband. He saw it as the most natural path for an empath like me and fully supported my dream from the start.
What’s your favourite thing about being a doula? Is there anything you find challenging?
My favourite thing about being a doula is the deep, meaningful connections I get to build with couples—and sometimes even their extended families! I’m not one for light chit-chat; when I engage with someone, I want to open up and dive into that authentic energy exchange. It’s truly rewarding to be part of such an intimate experience, especially when my clients are open to that depth.
As for the challenges, the toughest part is probably accepting my limitations and emotional recovery after the birth. I have a tendency to give more than I physically can because I want to deliver 100%. I’ve heard that more experienced doulas bounce back quicker, so I’m hopeful that with time and experience, recovery will get easier!
What’s your top tip for anyone who is trying to decide if a doula is right for them?
My top tip would be to take a moment to really think about what kind of support you feel you need. Be honest with yourself and share those needs openly when you interview doulas. You’ll quickly get a gut feeling—either you’ll connect with one, or you’ll realize you’re ready to experience birth without one. That connection, or lack thereof, is often the answer to a lot of the deeper questions we have in life!
What’s the best and worst things about being on call for you?
The best part of being on call is definitely getting to be there for families during such an important, life-changing moment. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of knowing you’re about to help bring a new life into the world. The hardest part? Definitely the unpredictability! It can feel like you’re living on the edge—canceling plans or making sure the phone’s always charged. But hey, it’s all worth it when you get that call, and the excitement quickly outweighs any inconvenience!
What’s the longest you’ve ever been with someone in labour? What’s the shortest time?
The longest I’ve been with someone in labour was 18 hours of active support, plus about 3 hours on the phone before I arrived. On the other hand, the shortest labour was a whirlwind—my client called me for a ride to the hospital, and by the time I parked the car and made it to the labour ward, the baby was already born just 10 minutes after I joined her!
What’s your top tip for your clients for working with their body in labour?
It really is very individual. The most universal top tip for clients when working with their body in labour is to trust their instincts and let go of overthinking. While every labour is unique, the key to allowing the natural process to unfold is for a woman to shift into a more intuitive state of mind, where she can surrender to the experience and be fully present in the moment. To do this, it’s important that she feels safe, unobserved, and free to move and express herself without distraction or pressure.
What’s your top tip for birth partners for during labour or birth?
Protect their partners space.. This means being her safe space—offering reassurance, support, and calm—or acting as her advocate by understanding her preferences and wishes and communicating them to the outside world on her behalf. Creating and maintaining this protective space allows her to focus fully on the process of birthing with confidence and ease.
What do you always remember to keep in your doula bag?
Like my inspiration, Liliana Lammers, said—slippers (for me as a doula :)! Over time, I’ve come to truly understand that everything a birthing woman needs is already within her. My role is to support her, not to rely on tools, gadgets, or potions to guide her journey. That said, I do carry a bag (which some clients lovingly call ‘Mary Poppins bag’) with a few items to provide physical and emotional comfort—but these are often more for the birth partners than the birthing mother herself.
If you’re booked before baby is born what do you like to do to prepare for working with a family?
I like to spend time getting to know the family’s values, preferences, and any concerns they may have about birth or the postpartum period. This involves open conversations about their expectations, past experiences, and what support would feel most meaningful to them.
What’s one task that you enjoy when you’re working with a family?
One task I really enjoy is helping families establish routines or strategies that make their daily lives easier, especially during the postpartum period. Whether it’s supporting breastfeeding, organising a restful sleep setup, or simply being a calming presence while they adjust to life with a new baby, it’s fulfilling to see them gain confidence and find a sense of balance.
What gives you the most job satisfaction when you’re working with a family?
Witnessing the transformation in families as their confidence grows. I love seeing parents relax and thrive as they realise they are truly heard, supported, and valued. Knowing that my presence has helped them feel more empowered and at ease during such a important time in their lives is incredibly fulfilling.
How do you know when it’s time to finish working with a family? Do you have a set number of hours or weeks or is there something less tangible?
I work with families until they feel confident and ready to navigate parenthood on their own. While I remain flexible to their evolving needs, I may suggest gradually reducing hours to give them more opportunities to practice independently while still providing support as needed. Ultimately, the decision is guided by the family, ensuring they feel empowered and prepared to transition to this next stage with confidence. For some it means supporting for 3 weeks several afternoons a week, for others it’s 3 months of night and morning support and then continue as and when needed!
Do you work a set number of hours a day or week? Do you work days, evenings, nights, do you offer live in care?
My schedule is very much guided by the family’s needs. I’ve worked a variety of hours, including days, evenings, and nights, but most often during weekdays, as families typically prefer to manage on their own over the weekend. While I haven’t provided live-in care before, I would happily consider it if it aligns with the family’s requirements.
Are there any tasks you’ve done before that you wouldn’t do again? Or any tasks you’ve already said no that’s not in my remit as a doula?
There’s nothing I’ve done in my role that I wouldn’t do again. However, I do have one clear boundary when it comes to postnatal care: I don’t support cry-it-out methods, as they don’t align with my beliefs or approach. I make sure to discuss this with clients upfront so they’re fully aware of my stance and we can ensure our values are aligned.
If Julia sounds like someone you would love to have alongside you through your pregnancy and postnatal journey you can contact her through her Hampshire Doulas listing.
Hampshire Doulas 