All about me

Swindon’s Doula - Certified Doula - Holistic Maternity Care

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.

While I now live in Swindon, Wiltshire, my heart, and roots are firmly planted in London, where I spent most of my life.
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 mamma.

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.i

Book in a free discovery call

Ok, so what’s a doula ?

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.

Book in a free discovery call

Advocacy as a When Push Comes To Shove Certified Doula

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.

When Push Comes To Shove

Book a free 1/2 hour discovery call

Let’s chat and get to know each other first

I invite you to a free 30-minute phone or Zoom chat, where you can ask any questions about your birth journey, and we can discuss how I might support you. This initial conversation is an essential part of the process, as it gives us both a chance to connect and understand each other. It allows you to get a sense of who I am, my approach, and how I may help make your experience as positive and empowering as possible.

Choosing a doula is a deeply personal decision. You want someone you feel comfortable with, who brings calm and reassurance, and who you can trust to support you during one of life’s most intimate and transformative moments. This first chat is designed to help you feel confident in that choice.

In our chat, we might cover topics such as:

• Your vision and preferences for birth, and how I can support them
• The specific ways a doula can provide comfort and reassurance during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
• Any questions or concerns you may have about the birth process
• How we can work together to create a calm, positive birthing environment
• Practicalities, like my availability, services offered, and any next steps

This chat is a relaxed, no-pressure opportunity for us to connect, so feel free to bring any questions or ideas you may have.

Book in a free discovery call

Power Hour

Empower yourself

A power hour call can be empowering at any stage of pregnancy, especially when it comes to understanding and asserting your rights in birth choices and care:

• Early Pregnancy: This stage can feel overwhelming, and a doula can help you navigate options, from prenatal care to understanding your rights in choosing care providers. You can ask questions about what kind of birth experience you envision and the choices available to make it happen.

• Mid-Pregnancy: As you start considering a birth plan, a doula can guide you in making informed choices and understanding your rights, whether that involves pain management, types of monitoring, or deciding who will be present. It’s a great way to explore your options and feel confident in the choices you make.

• Late Pregnancy: This is often when many questions about labour and delivery arise. A power hour call can ensure you know your rights in the birthing space, including choices around interventions, the freedom to move, and methods for advocating for the experience you want.

Throughout, a power hour call can also help partners understand these rights, allowing them to be supportive advocates. It’s all about ensuring you feel knowledgeable, confident, and empowered—whatever your choices may be.

60 minutes £45 - Zoom or call
30 minutes £30 - Zoom or call

Book your Power Hour with me 💪🏽

Services and packages - Birth support

Standard Birth Companion Package - £900

A comprehensive package for parents who want full support, guidance, and reassurance every step of the way.

Here’s what’s included:

Antenatal Visits:
We’ll have two visits together, either in the comfort of your home or virtually if you prefer. These visits are our time to get to know each other better, talk about any concerns or questions you have, and explore what you envision for your birth experience.

We’ll cover:
Debriefing any worries you might have, including addressing past birth trauma.

Writing and discussing your birth preferences to ensure your wishes are clear and supported.
-Exploring comfort techniques and pain relief options so you feel confident about your choices.
-Understanding the hormones of labour and learning ways to encourage their natural flow for a smoother experience.
-Preparing for the postpartum period, including baby care and feeding to help you feel ready and supported.
-I’m there to listen, support, and provide evidence-based information to help you feel confident and prepared.

Birth Plan Creation at 36 Weeks:

Around 36 weeks, we’ll work together to create a birth plan that reflects your preferences, hopes, and any specific wishes you have.
This plan can be as flexible or detailed as you like, serving as a guide to make sure your voice is at the heart of your birth experience.

On-Call Support:

Starting 10 days before your due date, I’ll be on call for you, 24/7. This means you can reach out to me any time, day or night, if you have a question, need reassurance, or if things begin to progress. I’ll be ready to join you whenever you feel you need me by your side.

Hospital Support:

If you have appointments or consultations at the hospital and would like a familiar face there, I’m happy to accompany you and offer emotional and informational support.
It can be a comfort to have someone there just for you.
It may also help you to feel safe and able to communicate your concerns or question to the midwife, consultant etc.

Continuous Presence at Birth:

I’ll be there when you’re ready for me, offering calm, grounded support for you and your partner.
I’ll stay by your side for as long as you need throughout labour and birth, and up to 4 hours after, to ensure a smooth transition into this beautiful new chapter.

Golden Hour Support:

The precious first hour after birth, often called the “golden hour,” is a unique bonding time.
I’ll help support you with skin-to-skin contact, guiding you through your baby’s first feed if you’d like, and creating a gentle, peaceful atmosphere to welcome your little one.

Postnatal Visits:

In the early days at home, I’ll visit twice, with each visit lasting up to 2 hours.

During these visits, my support will include:
-Feeding Support: Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, I’ll be there to help with feeding progress, offering guidance, tips, and any reassurance you may need.
-Answering Questions: We can discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your baby, your postpartum recovery, or your overall well-being.
-Birth Debriefing: I’ll listen as you share your birth experience, providing a safe space to reflect and process the journey.
-Light Housework & Tidying: I can assist with small tasks to help keep your environment calm and comfortable.
-Baby Care While You Rest: If you need a break, I can care for your baby while you take a nap or shower.
-Support with General Baby Care: I’ll assist with nappy changes, winding, and soothing techniques to support you in the early days of caring for your baby.

Open Communication:

I’m here for you at every stage of your journey. Throughout your pregnancy and after your baby arrives, you can reach out by phone, Zoom, WhatsApp, or text.
We can chat whenever you need a listening ear or reassuring advice.

Payment Terms

Full Birth Attendance Package: £900
Choose from three payment options to best suit your needs:

Option 1: Payment in Full
Total: £900 (non-refundable)
Secures your booking and includes a dedicated on-call period starting 10 days before your due date.
During this period, I won’t take on any other clients with due dates that overlap with yours, so my focus remains fully on you and your birth.

Option 2: Deposit + Instalments
Deposit: £450 (non-refundable)
Secures your booking and includes a dedicated on-call period starting 10 days before your due date, with my full attention on you during this time.
Remaining Balance: £450, payable in 3 monthly instalments of £150, with the final instalment due by 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Option 3: Deposit + Final Payment
Deposit: £450 (non-refundable)
Final Payment: £450, due by 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Birth Attendance Only - £400

For those who want focused support during labour and birth, this package offers my presence for the birth only:

In-Labour Support:

I’ll be there to provide calm, dedicated support from the time you need me through to the birth itself.
My role is to offer gentle guidance, comfort, and encouragement so that you feel fully supported as you bring your baby into the world.

Option to Add On-Call Support:

If you’d like the extra reassurance of knowing I’ll be available on-call, you can add a guaranteed on-call period beginning 10 days before your due date for £150.
This means I’ll be available 24/7, ready to join you as soon as you need me.
(Note: The on-call fee needs to be paid before the on-call period begins.)

Birth only payment terms

£400
Payment in Full due by 28 weeks unless it is a late booking.

Birth only on call period
£150
Payment in full at least 10 days before due date. Unless a late booking.
Secures your booking and includes a dedicated on-call period starting 10 days before your due date.
During this period, I won’t take on any other clients with due dates that overlap with yours, so my focus remains fully on you and your birth.

Additional Services:

All other services, whether antenatal or postnatal, are to be paid in full at the time of booking.

Financial Assistance:

I understand that every family’s financial situation is unique, and I’m committed to supporting you where I can. If finances are a concern, please let me know. I may be able to offer alternative payment options to make my services accessible to you.

I hope this gives you peace of mind and flexibility when it comes to payment. My goal is to provide support that’s accessible and focused on meeting your needs. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss a specific plan!

Book in a free discovery call

Services and packages - Antenatal & Postnatal

Antenatal & Postnatal Support

Antenatal Birth Preparation Package
Designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your upcoming birth, this package includes:

-3 x 2-hour sessions, either in your home or via Zoom
-Discussions about your birth plan, your ideal birth experience, past births or pregnancy traumas, and education on physiological birth.

Cost: £90 (or £70 on Zoom)

Individual Antenatal Visit

If you’re looking for a one-time session, this option provides a 2-hour visit where we can cover any aspect of your birth plan, dreams for your birth experience, past pregnancy or birth traumas, or learn more about physiological birth.

Cost: £40 (or £30 on Zoom)

Postnatal Doula Support Package

This package is designed to support you through those precious first weeks after birth.
I’m here to help you feel nourished, rested, and confident as you adjust to life with your new baby.
My focus is on "mothering the mother" during the critical 40-day postpartum period.

Services include:
-Emotional and practical support for you and your family
-Feeding support, babywearing guidance, or just being a listening ear
-Help with light housework, caring for other children, pet care, grocery shopping, or collecting prescriptions
-I’ll be there to provide whatever support you need to focus on you and your baby.

This package includes:
-12 hours of visits over a 6-week period, with flexibility for additional hours if desired

Cost: £300 for 12 hours, with additional 2-hour visits available at £60 each.

Free Consultation: I offer a complimentary visit before the birth to discuss how I can best support you and your family.

Book in a free discovery call

Services and Packages: Childcare for Labour, Birth, and Postpartum

Welcoming a new baby can bring excitement but also the challenge of arranging childcare for your other children.
If you're planning a hospital birth, taking your little ones along isn’t usually possible. And for a home birth, you may worry about how they’ll handle the experience or if they might unintentionally disrupt your birthing space.

I offer flexible, reliable childcare during your labour, giving you the peace of mind that your children are well cared for by someone they know and trust.

Getting to Know Your Children

To help your child(ren) feel comfortable, I’ll meet with you and them once or twice before the birth. This lets me get to know their personalities, ease any worries, and help them feel more at ease with me.

If you think it would help, I can also bring along my 7-year-old daughter. Like me, she’s passionate about birth and has attended births herself—she’s a wonderful companion for younger children and can help them feel less nervous or confused about what’s happening.

Fees & On-Call Support

Non-Refundable On-Call Fee: £150
This covers a 10-day on-call period starting 10 days before your estimated due date or planned caesarean. This fee allows me to keep my schedule clear for your family, as I won’t take on other clients or attend births during this time.
Hourly Rate: £20 per hour during labour
When the time comes, I can either meet you and your child(ren) at your home or at the hospital, providing care as needed.

Supporting Your Child with Age-Appropriate Conversations

If you’d like, I can also gently talk with your child about what to expect when the baby arrives. These conversations can be part of our initial meeting to help them feel prepared and excited.

With this service, my goal is to make sure you feel fully supported, knowing that your child is in capable, caring hands as you focus on welcoming your new baby.

Book in a free discovery call

Services and packages - Virtual support

Not every expectant parent will feel the need to have a doula in person whether that’s for the antenatal and postnatal visits or even the birth.

I can be available for any part of your pregnancy and birth virtually, that includes calls, video and WhatsApp.

When you go into labour I will be available to support you and your family 24/7 from 10 days before your due date and until you give birth.

Virtual birth support is £300 for as many hours as you need me.

Antenatal and Postnatal support can be purchased as a package or individually.

Book in a free discovery call

What am I currently reading ?

As a lifelong learner, I’m always staying up to date, especially in the ever-evolving world of pregnancy and birth. With new advice, guidelines, and, let’s not forget, frequent changes in recommendations—like the ‘correct’ sleeping position for a baby—there’s always something to keep up with.

Reading is my go-to way of learning, so here are a few books I’m currently reading and highly recommend.

Click on the images below to see what they cover.

Did you know? All of these books, and more, are available for you to borrow at any time during your pregnancy and birth journey. Whether you want to read them for yourself or need guidance on your rights and choices, feel free to reach out and borrow them to help you along the way.

Testimonials

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.

Policies and scope of practice

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.

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