Hello! I’m Natalie, a 45-year-old mother of two wonderful daughters, aged 7 and 26, and I’ve recently been blessed with the incredible joy of becoming a grandmother too.

I home educate my 7 year old daughter which has been the most wonderful, empowering experience. Depending on the family, my daughter has come along to antenatal and postnatal visits, even home births. She’s a bit of a birth geek like her mama.

I am a certified doula (accredited by IPHM) and trained with When Push Comes To Shove, a global and decentralised maternity structure specialising in non-clinical and holistic maternity care and education.

My passion for pregnancy and birth runs deep, and I am continually amazed by the miracle of bringing new life into the world.

As a dedicated doula, my foremost commitment is to support and nurture women throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Women have been giving birth long before the advent of hospitals, guided by their natural instincts. I believe wholeheartedly that every woman has the right to choose how to bring her baby into the world in a way that feels most empowering and right for her.

I was called to become a doula firstly after having two traumatic births that left me physically and mentally wounded, but also because of a profound respect and love for women and a desire to help them discover and embrace their inner strength. My mission is to provide you with the care, support, and information you need to make the best choices for yourself and your baby.

Here are some ways I can support you:

• In-Person Antenatal Meetings: Personalised sessions in the comfort of your home.
• Virtual Consultations: Convenient video calls to offer connection and support.
• Reassuring Telephone Chats: A kind, listening ear whenever you need guidance.

During labour, I offer unwavering companionship, ensuring you feel supported and empowered throughout the entire process. My support does not end with the birth—I continue to be there for you with postpartum visits and calls, helping you navigate the early days of motherhood with compassion and care.

Staying informed is essential in my role, and I am committed to continuous learning so that I can provide you with the most current and supportive information. Whether you have questions about your rights, need help creating a birth plan, or simply want someone to listen, I am here for you every step of the way. My only goal is to support you to have the birthing experience you want and a beautiful
and empowering journey.

Areas I cover in person support include but are not limited to;

South West England
SN
BA
BS
GL

South East England
OX
RG
SL

Greater London
NW
SW

If you are outside of these postcode areas, still get in touch. I am very flexible and may still be able to support you.

Virtual support available globally.

What is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to mothers and their families before, during, and after birth.

The word doula comes from ancient Greek, meaning "a woman who serves," reflecting the role of offering nurturing care and guidance.
Over time, the role has evolved into one of holistic support, empowering families to navigate their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences with confidence and clarity.
A doula’s primary role is to support the mother and her partner, offering reassurance and calm in what can be an overwhelming experience.
Unlike medical professionals, a doula does not perform clinical tasks but instead provides emotional and practical assistance to help parents feel empowered in making informed decisions about their care.

How a Doula Supports Parents and Mothers

Throughout the pregnancy journey, a doula offers a wealth of knowledge, from explaining the stages of labour to discussing options for birth plans and pain management.
Doulas are there to listen, provide guidance, and ensure that parents’ wishes are respected within the maternity system.
During labour, a doula helps create a calm and supportive environment.
By offering physical comfort through massage, breathing techniques, and position suggestions, a doula helps alleviate tension and ensure the mother feels supported every step of the way.
This physical presence, combined with emotional encouragement, can make a significant difference in the birth experience.

Postpartum, a doula continues to offer support, whether through helping the family adjust to their new routines, offering breastfeeding guidance, or simply being there to listen and offer reassurance during the early days of motherhood.
The presence of a doula is not only about providing practical help but also about empowering families to trust their instincts and make the choices that feel right for them.
A doula’s goal is to ensure that every family feels confident, supported, and cared for, no matter where their journey leads them.

Ok. Sounds great but where’s the stats?

There’s is substantial research showing that having a doula present during childbirth can have a positive impact on birth outcomes.

Here are some key statistics from studies that highlight the benefits of having a doula:

Reduced Rates of Intervention

-25% reduction in the likelihood of having a C-section (Source: Cochrane Review, 2017).
-41% reduction in the use of forceps or vacuum extraction.
-28% reduction in the use of pain medication.
-60% reduction in epidural requests (Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2013).

Shorter Labours

Doulas have been shown to shorten the duration of labour, with some studies showing a 25% shorter labour on average (Source: Cochrane Review, 2017).

Increased Satisfaction with Birth Experience

Doula-supported mothers report higher satisfaction with their birth experience.

Studies show that women with doula support are more likely to feel in control and positive about their birth, regardless of the outcome (Source: Journal of Perinatal Education, 2013).

Improved Maternal and Infant Health.

Doulas help reduce maternal stress and increase feelings of security and comfort, leading to improved overall maternal well-being (Source: Birth, 2001).

Babies born to mothers with doula support have been found to have higher Apgar scores, which measure a newborn’s health, particularly in terms of their heart rate, breathing, and muscle tone (Source: Cochrane Review, 2017).

Emotional and Psychological Support

Research suggests that doula support provides higher levels of emotional and psychological support, leading to less postpartum depression and better long-term emotional health for mothers (Source: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 2008).

These studies consistently show that the presence of a doula during childbirth can positively influence the birth experience, reduce the need for interventions, and improve both maternal and infant outcomes.

How I Can Support You with Advocacy as a When Push Comes To Shove Certified Doula.

Navigating the maternity system can often feel overwhelming, but I am here to help you through it.

As a certified doula with When Push Comes To Shove, I have received specialized training in holistic maternity care and advocacy, allowing me to provide the support you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

Advocacy is about ensuring your voice is heard and your wishes are respected, especially when it comes to medical decisions and your birth plan.

When Push Comes To Shove is the world’s first holistic maternity care organisation, founded by Nikita Stark. Their focus is on empowering women and supporting them to advocate for themselves, ensuring they have access to the information and support they need throughout their journey.

This approach is integrated into my work as a doula, where I guide you to become empowered in your birth choices—whether you're working alongside maternity services or choosing a different path.

As a certified doula with When Push Comes To Shove, I am equipped to support you in various scenarios where advocacy may be needed.
Here are a few examples of how I can help:

1. Birth Plan Preferences
If you have a vision for your birth, whether it’s opting for a natural or drug-free birth, or avoiding certain interventions, I can help ensure your preferences are respected and communicated to your medical team. I’ll assist you in advocating for your choices, even when the hospital’s protocols might not align with your birth plan.

2. Interventions During Labour
If you're offered or pressured to accept interventions like an epidural, induction, or cesarean section, I will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your birth goals. I’ll assist in asking the right questions to understand why a certain intervention is being recommended and if it’s truly necessary for your health and the health of your baby.

3. Pain Management Options
I can help you explore all your pain management options—whether you prefer natural techniques or medical pain relief—and ensure you feel confident and informed in your choice. I will advocate for your needs, ensuring you’re not pressured into making a decision you're not comfortable with.

4. Postpartum Care
If you feel that your postpartum care, such as breastfeeding support or mental health care, is not being addressed, I’ll advocate on your behalf to ensure your concerns are heard and that you receive the care and support you need during the early days of motherhood.

5. Respect for Cultural or Religious Beliefs
If you have cultural or religious preferences that influence your care, I will help ensure they are respected by the medical team and incorporate them into your birth plan where possible.

6. Unexpected Medical Complications
Should complications arise during labour or birth, I will help you understand the options presented to you, ensuring you’re making informed decisions that are in line with your values. I’ll be there to advocate for you in times when you need extra support to process complex medical information.

7. Communication Barriers
If you face language barriers or difficulty communicating your needs or understanding the information being shared with you, I can bridge that gap, ensuring your wishes are understood and respected.

8. Support During Hospital or Birth Centre Procedures
During routine procedures, I’ll ensure you’re informed about what’s happening, that your consent is obtained, and that your autonomy is respected at every stage of the process.

By being trained through When Push Comes To Shove, I am equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide this level of advocacy. I am here to ensure that you feel confident, supported, and empowered in your choices, whether you are in a hospital, birthing centre, or at home.
My goal is to make sure that your voice is heard, your needs are met, and that you have the birth experience you deserve.

I believe every woman has the inherent right to make informed decisions about her birth experience, including the choice to freebirth—birthing without the assistance of medical professionals.
This deeply personal decision is rooted in trust, autonomy, and the belief in the body’s natural ability to birth.

Freebirth is entirely legal in the UK, and no woman should feel pressured, judged, or coerced when considering this option.

Empowered Choices Start with Knowledge

Freebirth is not a decision to be made lightly. It requires thoughtful consideration, research, and an honest understanding of your motivations. If your choice stems from fear—whether of hospitals, medical interventions, or past experiences—it’s important to explore and address those feelings first. A decision made from love, trust, and confidence in your body is one rooted in empowerment, not fear or desperation.

I encourage women to reflect deeply on their needs, feelings, and desires for their birth. Birth is not only a physical event but also a profound emotional and spiritual journey. Regardless of your choice—freebirth, homebirth with a midwife, or a hospital birth—it’s about creating the experience that feels safest and most aligned with you.

Supporting Vulnerable Mothers

As someone who supports women in their birthing journeys, I recognize that some may choose freebirth under challenging circumstances. If you are in a vulnerable situation—whether facing domestic pressures, mental health challenges, or simply feeling unsupported—I urge you to seek out additional resources or support. No one should face birth feeling unsafe or unsure.

Understanding Legalities and Support

Freebirth in the UK is fully within the law, but only registered midwives or doctors can legally provide clinical care during birth. As a doula, my role is to support, guide, and nurture—not to perform clinical tasks. This ensures that your birth remains your own, with me as a trusted companion rather than a medical authority.
For women choosing freebirth, understanding your rights within the healthcare system is essential. Resources such as Birthrights and the Royal College of Midwives can provide valuable insights into navigating these decisions confidently.

My Commitment to You

Whether you choose to freebirth or pursue another path, my commitment is unwavering: to respect your choices, provide evidence-based information, and support you in crafting a birth experience that feels right for you. Birth is a powerful act, and you deserve to feel safe, informed, and in control every step of the way.

Blessed to Support Amazing Families

I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to have supported some truly amazing families throughout their pregnancy and birth journeys. Every time I receive such wonderful feedback, it melts my heart. Here are a few of the kind words shared by the families I've worked with:

Baby born October 2024
"Thanks so much Nat! 😊 Having your backing, support, and advice was so helpful. Even after doing all my research and preparation, having that boost and reassurance when the pressure got real was invaluable. I had the natural, intervention-free, and drug-free birth I planned!
You're an inspiration Nat ✨️ I'll be forever grateful we connected before the birth of my beautiful daughter ❤️"

Baby born September 2024
"Hi Nat, sorry it’s taken a while to reply. It's been 3 exhausting weeks, but I’m loving it. We’re settling into a routine I guess, kind of 🤣🤣
Every time I told them no, I could hear your voice saying, 'Go on girl' 😂
Thank you so much—you were really helpful, and it made such a difference to how I felt. Definitely helped Lloyd too. xxxx Definitely come and meet her tho xx"

I’ll be updating this page with new testimonials soon, if you’d like to leave a review please feel free to send it to me on any of my contact options below 🫶🏽

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of these incredible journeys, and I’ll always be here to offer support, guidance, and encouragement for every family I have the privilege of working with.

By using any of the services provided by Natalie Abouchai, swindonsdoula, including Doula services , 1-1 consultations, and Antenatal and Postnatal support, you acknowledge and accept the following terms and conditions:

You are solely responsible for how you navigate your medical care.

I will not provide any clinical care, including listening to the baby during pregnancy and birth, providing medications, or resuscitation equipment.

I will only provide information to help you make informed decisions and will not advise you in any medical capacity.

I will provide emotional and practical support during your pregnancy and birth.

In case of an emergency, you should take appropriate action and seek medical attention.
I am not liable for any adverse outcome.

If you have chosen not to engage with the NHS for maternity care, you take full responsibility for your pregnancy and birth.

You have the right to decline care from the NHS and to have a medically unassisted birth, which is legal.

If you need to transfer to a hospital, the NHS cannot refuse care and you are entitled to treatment.

If you have made the decision to have a medically unassisted birth, the decision was made of your own free will, without any coercion or pressure from anyone.

You acknowledge and accept the risks associated with your birth plans.

I cannot provide legal advice regarding your rights in childbirth.

By using any of the services provided by Natalie Abouchai, you release them from any liability related to your medical care and acknowledge that they do not teach any clinical practice.

You have carefully read and understand these terms and conditions, and you have signed this document of your own free will as a release of liability.

By engaging in any of these services you agree to the above mentioned.