“If you’re considering a home birth and want someone who will wholeheartedly support and guide you with care and expertise, Rachel is the person you want by your side. She is a gift to any family embarking on this beautiful journey” Jess Kingsmith
Hi, I’m Rachel — Doula, Hypnobirthing Teacher & Placenta Specialist
Based in Merton I support families across South West London and Surrey
In early 2017 I didn’t know even what hypnobirthing was (let alone the doula role) but it was about to change my life in so many incredible and positive ways.
Why I do this work
Supporting families through pregnancy, birth and beyond is a true privilege and my full time work. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had two positive birth experiences, yet I’m deeply aware that this isn’t the reality for many – and that needs to change.
After a fertility journey, two empowering births, and two very different breastfeeding journeys, I felt a strong pull to understand more about how birth works, the powerful connection between mind and body, and help change the current birth culture.
Training in hypnobirthing, listening to stories, and meeting others in the birth world opened my eyes even further. I saw how powerful it can be when people feel heard, supported, and informed.
Now, as a doula and hypnobirthing teacher, I’m here to walk alongside you. To offer practical tools, emotional support, and a steady presence as you prepare to welcome your baby – in your own way.
Who I work with
I’m likely the right doula for you if:
- You’re not looking for someone to tell you all the answers, but you’re ready to explore your options, feel informed, and take the lead in what feels right for you.
- You believe in yourself and also know the value of a steady and experienced presence.
- You appreciate judgment-free, down-to-earth, conversation.
You won't regret having Rachel in your birth team! She is kind, considerate, compassionate and never pressurises her point of view - she always allows you to guide.Marissa Jade Whittle
Connection. Stories. Kindness
Every family, every birth, and every baby is different and your individual journey and experience deserves respect and understanding.
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Connection – I want to get to know you so I can support in a way that works for you. Whether we have obvious things in common, or the vibe is vibing. It makes a difference.
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Stories – what makes you, you. I’m all ears for whatever you’d like to share. Stories are powerful – they connect the dots, help you release, and help you create your future.
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Kindness – just kindness always. To yourself, to others. This is something I actively seek and give. Kindness can also mean truth-telling and boundary holding.
If you’re looking for someone who’ll walk alongside you with warmth, interest, honesty, and a sense of calm – you’re in the right place.
“When we tell our stories, we create connection; when we listen, we create belonging.’’unknown
Where I work
Based in Morden, I work with families seeking Hypnobirthing courses and Doula support across South West London and Surrey.
I regularly support clients in the following areas:
- Wimbledon
- Merton
- Mitcham
- Sutton
- Cheam
- Carshalton
- Wallington
- Worcester Park
- Epsom
- Ewell
- Banstead
- Raynes Park
- Tooting
- Balham
- Clapham
- Earlsfield
- Wandsworth
- Colliers Wood
- Coulsdon
- Purley
- Dulwich
For private antenatal courses and doula support, I typically travel up to 30 minutes from Morden, and can sometimes travel further depending on your circumstances.
Hospitals I cover
I regularly work with families registered at:
- St Helier Hospital
- Epsom Hospital
- St George’s Hospital
- Croydon University Hospital
- Kingston Hospital
- King’s College Hospital
- St Thomas’ Hospital
- Chelsea & Westminster Hospital
When Everything Changed
When the local ‘to makes friends’ antenatal class was cancelled it changed the projectory of my life in ways I could never imagine.
At 7 months pregnant I had to find another way to prepare for birth. So I messaged a friend who had just used Hypnobirthing for her second baby and was raving about how amazing it was.
When I was pregnant I thought ‘women do this everyday, I have a high pain threshold, I’ll just do what the midwife tells me, and get through it’.
Doing a Hypnobirthing course made me THINK again and opened my eyes. It completely flipped my understanding of birth and my choices.
It taught me what actually happens during birth – both physically, hormonally, and emotionally.
I realised I was incharge . It was on me to do this. Not the midwives.
Only after giving birth did I truly feel the power in what I did. And that’s when I made bold moves to learn more and share this knowledge and help other women and parents like you BELIEVE in themselves and understand birth again.
I left my corporate job in Property & Estates in 2020 and have never looked back!
Watch my FREE Mindful Hypnobirthing Masterclass
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Training Bio
After obtaining my Hypnobirthing Diploma in 2019 and teaching the KG Hypnobirthing Course for 2 years, in early 2021 I became a Mindful Birth Group teacher, and now offer the Mindful Natal® course packages. I believe in and have witnesssed the power of simple mindfulness tools combined with the incredibly effective Hypnobirthing theory and techniques, providing an all-eventualities birth education.
In late 2021 I did my Doula training and have been supporting families in the birth space and postnatally ever since.
I understand parents-to-be want to feel more prepared, calm, reassured and even excited for labour and birth. My experience, knowledge, and skills do just this. Whether it be a course or my doula support, I am someone who is there for you, and will walk with you on your unique journey.
- Diploma in Hypnobirthing, KG Hypnobirthing (Royal College of Midwives accredited)
- Teacher Affiliation, The Mindful Birth Group
- Birth & Postnatal Doula, Developing Doulas
- Biomechanics for birth, Optimal Birth
- Advanced Biomechanics for birth, Optimal Birth
- LGBTQ+ Competency Training, The Queer Birth Company
- Trauma Informed Hypnobirthing, Simply Natal
- Three Step Trauma Rewind
- BSc Social Psychology
- Placenta Remedies Provider, PRISM
See more about my services
Birth DoulaPostnatal DoulaBreatsfeeding SupportHypnobirthingPlacenta remedies
A bit more about me...
I met my husband Luke at Loughborough Uni, and we are parents to our inquisitive & theatrical daughter Abby (born April 2017) and energetic & cuddle-monster son Ellis (born Oct 2018). My pronouns are she/her.
As well as all things birth, I’m a lover of decaf lattes, dance music, Grey’s Anatomy, a tv murder mystery, my slow-growing art collection, any film with Leonardo DiCaprio, and cacao and essential oils which are part of my daily self-care.
What some of my clients have said
We attended Rachel’s group antenatal class. As a midwife myself I had a lot of knowledge already but really wanted some extra support for myself and my partner in preparing for birth with a calm mindset. Rachel’s approach is really relaxed and friendly, she gave information that was balanced and non judgemental. I’ve no doubt…Hannah McGinnes
We were so fortunate to have the support of Rachel and Sarah as our postpartum doulas in the first few weeks after our daughter, Winona, was born. They were an incredible help and gave us the opportunity to rest and recover, and we felt comfortable knowing that Winnie was in very capable and caring hands.…Lauren
We had the absolute privilege of working with Rachel as our home birth doula and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From our very first meeting, she exuded warmth, a calming presence and a deep understanding of the birthing process. Rachel was there for us every step of the way—providing reassurance, answering any questions and…Jess Kingsmith
Rachel is Amazing! Such a knowledgeable and thoughtful person. Her advice has been invaluable! I was really struggling with breastfeeding and Rachel had some really useful tips. I put into action straight away and half an hour later my daughter was latched on! She’s a genuinely lovely person to talk to and is very understanding.…Frankie (First-time Mum)
We couldn’t have asked for a kinder, more patient and informative Doula. Rachel truly made my first pregnancy more enjoyable and empowered me to advocate for myself throughout the final months. Overdue, Rachel went out of her way to reassure us, keep me positive and most importantly calm. I couldn’t have asked for a more…Matilda
We met late in my third trimester for our first child. I was looking for someone who could guide my partner and I through the process of birth and navigate the many scenarios that could impact our birth plan. Our sessions included two at home, a walk and zoom call, each covering different topics; birth,…Marissa Jade Whittle