Annabelle Atkins

About Me

Hello and welcome to my Doula UK page! Congratulations on your pregnancy if you are visiting antenatally, or the birth of your baby if he/she has arrived!

As doulas, we are incredibly privileged to be present in the the some of the most special times of your lives. Matrescence (the process of becoming a mother/parent) can bring monumental changes to a person and their life, and whilst the early days can be a wonderful time, they can also be a real struggle for some, and this is not talked about enough. Similarly, the lack of postnatal support available is not widely known, and the myriad of symptoms and questions that mothers can have in the early days, weeks and months is just not common knowledge. We don’t grow up in villages anymore, where the older generations nurture you on your new journey- we instead have far too little awareness and support. It would really benefit us to learn from past years and other cultures.

Research has shown that support and care for mothers can hugely improve your postnatal experience, including helping to achieve breastfeeding goals and having an impact on maternal emotional wellbeing. The early weeks are so critical and set the birthing person up for the rest of their journey. It is extremely important that your needs are met so that you can look after your baby the best that you can.

I am here to ‘mother’ you and help you to have an empowering and enjoyable fourth trimester and beyond with your new baby. Examples of how I can help you physically include breast or bottle feeding support, baby care, holding baby whilst you nap or wash, looking after older children, cooking you nutritious meals and more. I can also help you emotionally by simply sitting and having a cup or tea with you, or listening to your birth story. Informationally I can answer any of your questions to the best of my knowledge, and signpost you to further information sources, or services in the local area. I also offer night support, to ensure that you get that much needed and longed-for rest. Having a mentor means that I am always supported, and her knowledge and experience will also benefit you.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to have a chat 🙂

About Me:

After graduating from a degree in Early Childhood Studies and Education Studies in 2014 I fell into nannying. I have some really special relationships from those years, and a real understanding of the day-to-day life of what being a mother/parent entails, and that no one has it easy.

2018 then took my husband and I on an international move to Singapore and some exciting training to become a swimming teacher, and from there I set up my own successful business teaching babies through to adults. 2021 brought us back home, and I now teach for a company called Swimkidz. I love the parent and baby classes the most, and have a very baby-centred approach.

In my own time I love to travel and I’m a keen artistic swimmer and yogi.

Training & Workshops:

• Early Childhood Studies & Education Studies- Canterbury Christ Church University- 2014.

• Postnatal Doula Initial Preparation Course- Younique Postnatal- November 2022-January 2023.  

• Normal Infant Sleep- Basis- March 2023.

• SIDS and Sleep Safety- Basis- March 2023. 

• Twins & More workshop- Younique Postnatal- April 2023

• Understanding Newborns workshop- Younique Postnatal- May 2023.

• Understanding Reflux workshop- Younique Postnatal- June 2023.

• Sensational Solids workshop- Younique Postnatal- July 2023.

• Intuitive Infant Feeding Course- Younique Postnatal- April-August 2023.

• Singapore Red Cross- CPR & AED Provider Course – Valid through January 2024.

• Lyndsey Hookway Holistic Sleep Coaching (mini) Course- September 2023.

• Child Matters Paediatric First Aid- September 2023.

I aim to keep my continual professional development frequent and up to date, and am keen to learn more about holistic sleep coaching and perinatal mental health.

I am a member of Doula UK, DBS checked and fully insured.