Bara Gostwick Stastna

I’m from Prague and I have lived in England since 2000, now based in Dartington, South Devon. I’ve worked in a variety of childcare settings throughout my life with children of all ages.

My journey as a doula evolved through my massage practice and friendships with pregnant women. Increasingly my friends and clients began requesting my presence at their births, and I was unknowingly initiated as a Birth helper. I realized I had naturally begun following in the footsteps of my grandmother who was a midwife.

I have since trained as a doula and I have been attending births for clients and friends since 2012. I feel honoured to provide my support throughout one of the most transformative experiences of a family’s life.

I’m a member of Doula UK and a fully recognised birth doula. I had the privilege of studying with Paramana Doulas (Michel Odent & Liliana Lammers) and Janet Balaskas (Active Birth) and continue to be inspired by the work of Ina May Gaskin, Penny Simkin, Sheila Kitzinger and many of my dear doula colleagues. Much gratitude to all my treasured clients with whom I have learnt the most.

My wish is for every mother and father to experience a beautiful birth of their baby. I offer calming, gentle, nurturing presence and non-judgemental support in all your birthing choices.

Drawing from my broad naturopathic experience I employ various tools such as massage, rebozo, movement, breathing techniques, EFT, visualization and nutrition during each stage of pregnancy, birth and postnatally.

My approach to supporting parents also adjusted since I became a mother myself. The experience of birth itself and the following period opened new horizons and deepened my understanding of this delicate yet extremely powerful and wonderful life-changing time for new parents.

I encourage women to fully trust their bodies as I believe we have an inner knowledge and intuitive power to grow and birth babies. If women feel loved cared for and celebrated during their pregnancy then they can enter motherhood feeling confident. I am committed to helping parents throughout this incredible journey so that their child’s birth & beyond is a physically, emotionally and spiritually fulfilling experience.

I am looking forward to meeting you and your growing family!

Bara