Hi, I’m Esme – welcome!

I’m a warm, down-to-earth birth and postnatal doula working in East and North London.

I’ve always found myself drawn to roles where I’m looking after people. From waitressing, to dressing actors in the West End, to treatment rooms and teaching massage. I’ve spent years working closely with people, tuning into what they need, and helping them feel comfortable, seen and cared for. Supporting people in this way feels very natural to me and is something I genuinely love.

Outside of work, my life is pretty simple and cosy. I love reading, knitting something inevitably slightly wonky, and I think a midweek daytime cinema trip is one of life's greatest treats! I adore being outdoors and I'm perhaps a country girl at heart - camping trips, long walks in the woods (ideally ending with a pub lunch), and any excuse to spend time in nature. At the end of the day, I'm happiest curled up at home with a good book or whatever series I'm currently working my way through. I recently discovered Twin Peaks and I'm completely obsessed. 

Birth Support:

I don’t have a fixed idea of what birth should look like. 

I really believe it’s your experience - your body and your baby - and my role is to support you in whatever feels right for you. Whether that’s a home birth, hospital birth, caesarean, pain relief or no pain relief… I’m there with you, I'm not leading the way, but walking alongside you.

For me, it’s about making sure you feel heard, informed and supported in your choices. The three antenatal sessions we would have together are so vital to allow me to get to know you and your preferences so I can best support you through this journey, and for you to get to know me and feel truly comfortable. 

I’m naturally quite a tactile person, and my background in massage and bodywork feeds into how I support you offering calm, hands-on care when it’s needed. 

 Postpartum: 

I care deeply about the postpartum period.

I’ve heard so many people say they wish they’d planned for and had more support during that time, and it’s something I really want to offer properly. 

Someone to listen, to sit with you, to help you rest or just give you a bit of space to feel like yourself again.

Sometimes that looks like folding washing and keeping things ticking over, sometimes it’s making sure you’ve eaten something warm, and sometimes it’s just sitting beside you while you talk things through.

I don’t think we’re meant to do those early weeks alone. I place a big emphasis on rest, slowing things down, and helping you feel more held during that time.

What I offer:

• Birth preparation 
• Birth support 
• Postpartum care 
• Overnight support (so you can get some proper sleep) 
• In-home massage and reflexology treatments 

My background in bodywork means I can also support you physically - helping your body relax, soften and feel more balanced, without you having to go anywhere!

A little note:

I’m currently working as a mentored doula, which means I have ongoing support and supervision as I support families. I really value this way of working - it keeps my care reflective, considered, and well supported.

If you’re feeling unsure about hiring a doula, that’s completely okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out -we can just start with a conversation and take it from there. I’ll meet you exactly where you are. As your doula, I’ll be there in the practical moments, the emotional ones, and everything in between.

If you’d like to find out more about how we could work together, you can visit my website or book a free discovery call - I’d love to hear from you!

The contact form often doesn’t work so to be on the safe side, please email me at hello@esmekirkdoula.com