Watch my Mindful Hypnobirthing Masterclass

Birth & Postnatal Doula

Mindful Natal® Teacher

Placenta Specialist

South West London

Supporting You In Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond

Welcome to Barefoot Birthing!

Here you’ll find Mindful Birth courses and Birth & Postnatal Doula support in London/Surrey, all provided by Rachel Cunliffe DipHB(KGH).

Are you feeling anxious and nervous about birth and becoming a parent? Or perhaps you feel good but know you want to feel even more prepared? Has someone mentioned this strange term Hypnobirthing and you want to know more? Or perhaps you’re intrigued about hiring a doula? Then you’re in the right place!

Giving birth to your baby/babies and becoming a parent (whether for the first or fifth time) is one of the most pivotal, intense, and amazing times of your life. The course options and personalised support Rachel can provide will ensure that you and your partner (if you have one) feel informed, prepared, empowered, and excited.

Whether you’re in early pregnancy, the final few weeks, or have already had your baby/babies, whoever you are, whatever your birth/parenting choices are, you’re welcome here, and I look forward to hearing your story and supporting you on this unique journey. Rachel xxx

Headshot of the Hypnobirthing teacher

Doula support

Emotional, practical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postnatally. Rachel provides both birth and/or postnatal Doula support.

Enjoy a bespoke private course

Prepare for birth with a private 1:1 course, either in-person at your home in South West London, or online via Zoom from anywhere in the world. Course options include the award-winning Mindful Natal® course package, or a bespoke course.

Placenta remedies

Placenta encapsulation and other remedies to support your postpartum. Available across London and parts of Surrey

Breastfeeding support

Planned and immediate in-person breastfeeding support, for pregnancy and the early weeks. Available in Merton and Kingston areas only.

Kym Beggs
19:23 27 Feb 24
Hiring Rachel as our post-natal doula was hands down the best investment I made for myself and my family following the birth of my second child. Whilst the practical support was hugely beneficial, including working through breastfeeding challenges, it was the emotional support Rachel provided that made all the difference in helping us navigate parenthood with two. Rachel brings with her an air of calmness, kindness and reassurance - always looking to support in a way that built confidence in my own judgement and abilities. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Rachel, and do so to all my friends!
Grant
10:08 17 Feb 24
After the arrival of our first baby, Rachel provided postnatal support.

It was such a comfort having support lined up for the postnatal period, and it took a lot of the worry out of this uncertain time.

After the birth of our baby we had lots of questions and Rachel was on hand to provide advice and help on everything from breastfeeding to recovery from birth, and sleeping to routines!

It was also so heartening knowing that two mornings a week Rachel would arrive to help us process the previous few days, provide reassurance and help with baby. Our baby was always so soothed by Rachel and her calming presence!

Throughout Rachel ensured that we managed to eat well helping prepare evening meals and allowed us time to ourselves which was very restorative.

Rachel was so easy to have in our home and we will never forget Rachel’s kindness and support during those early weeks and months of our baby’s life!
Aine Molloy
09:54 17 Feb 24
My husband and I met Rachel when I was approximately 2 months pregnant. From then onwards, Rachel was the most amazing support to both of us during my pregnancy and the birth of our first baby.

Rachel has a vast knowledge of pregnancy and birth, and was on hand to answer any questions we had or point us to useful resources. We also had several antenatal prep sessions with Rachel. These were exceptionally beneficial in helping us prepare for the birth of our baby. During these sessions we went through our birth preferences to understand fully what each decision entailed and also covered some relaxation techniques.

Rachel was on hand throughout my long labour, providing advice and keeping me calm and relaxed. Rachel knew our birth preferences, could advocate for us and provided vital support when we made the decision to deliver our baby by caesarean section. Afterwards Rachel continued to provide sound advice and tips for my recovery.

In addition to Rachel’s exceptional knowledge of pregnancy and birth, she is the kindest and most supportive person you could hope to have beside you as you navigate the arrival of a new baby.

I couldn’t recommend Rachel any more highly, and I know that my husband found Rachel’s support just as important for him as it was for me.

Thank you Rachel for being there for us during the most exceptional time in our lives!
melissa mould
16:59 01 Feb 24
When somebody recommended Rachel, we thought it was worth meeting her as we’d had a whirlwind birth experience with our twins and wanted a different experience this time around.
We immediately felt at ease with Rachel and were able to share our experience with her of the last birth. We released a lot of bottled up emotions and knew we wanted her to be part of our next birth.
She made us feel empowered and armed us with all the knowledge and choices we would have along the way.
During the birth she helped to keep the situation calm and for us to remain in control (as much as you can be during labour!) throughout.
We navigated the twists and turns of an early induction with her support and our third son was born into a calm and relaxed environment. She protected our space and ensured we had the perfect golden hour.
The birth was a totally different experience to the first one which is exactly what we wanted.
If you are considering a doula, speak to Rachel! We could never thank her enough.
Hannah Baker
14:57 31 Jan 24
So grateful to have met Rachel at The Baby Show, she has been a huge support throughout the pregnancy and births of both of our babies. We had a private Mindful Birth Group course in the comfort of our own home which could be adapted to our personal circumstances with plenty of time for questions and discussion. I was incredibly anxious about my births but thanks to Rachel’s knowledge, experience and advice I felt more positive and empowered in my birthing journey and was able to weigh up different options and make decisions I was happy with. Rachel is incredibly generous with her time and such a compassionate and special person who I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for support in pregnancy and birth, but especially those who have had difficult past experiences xx
Carey Deane Perry
14:48 16 Oct 23
I am so grateful to Rachel for her guidance and support during our two private sessions in the comfort of our home. I gave birth at 42+2 so really needed her gentle reassurance and someone to help work through all my questions on hypnobirthing. It was a game changer for me and really gave me the confidence to be assertive in the delivery room and be clear with my preferences. I had a really beautiful pool birth in hospital without any pain relief, largely due to some powerful breathing techniques. Thank you, Rachel!

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