Joanne Edwards

About Me

You can make your birth experience the most empowering and self-defining moment of your life. This is the start on a fresh path that you can lead with a confidence you may never have known you had. This is defining.

Like any adventure, this one can go best with a little planning and a little experience from others who have walked the path before.

My goal is to give you that guidance so you’re empowered to have the confidence that only a mother knows. You can have a positive birth experience. It’s your right to claim.

The NHS has changed a lot in recent years, and it’s likely you’ll meet a different midwife at each appointment. I will be the continuity of care that you deserve, making sure you feel safe in this unfamiliar environment.

I want to give you an outlook on what’s ahead so you know what can happen and understand your choices along the way. We can plan what you want, what you don’t and what you’re flexible on. 

You’ll have the confidence to know that in some circumstances you don’t need to take what hospital staff tell you at face value. You’re not an average, you’re an individual and your specific needs will be met. This is your birth, your memory to create and I want to protect that freedom.

Whether you have a water birth, caesarean (planned or unplanned), birth on the labour ward, at home, or in a birth centre, these can all be positive experiences. Every birth matters!

As a mother of two and passionate doula I realise that every birth is different and while it doesn’t always go as planned, if you remain calm, positive and focused, this is all you need.

I give you the tools to feel ready for birth. From breathing techniques and nutrition to exercises and relaxation, I will help you take as much control of your birth as possible. And for any part, where you don’t feel as in control, I will guide you to the space within so you stay present and marvel at the power of the female body as you let it do the work for you.

Be one of the new wave of women that tell a positive birth story. Be a positive force in helping women take their power back from any negative stories that have made this magical experience anything less than miraculous.

My job is to make you feel positive after your birth, helping you bond with your child. I want to give that baby the best start in life possible.

A bit about me

Hello, I’m Jo. I live in Chalfont St Peter with my husband and our two young children, Ivy and Max. My first was born on a birth centre within a hospital (Queen Charlottes) and second at home supported by NHS midwives.

Since becoming a mother, I feel inspired to help families have the best possible start welcoming their babies into this world, as birth experiences can have a huge effect on both parents.

I volunteer with Neighbourhood Doulas supporting refugees and victims of abuse. If you are unable to afford a doula and would like to be referred (subject to meeting criteria), please contact me for further information.

How I can assist you

I’m a birth and postnatal doula. 

I am here to support both parents during this special time in your lives. I will provide you with helpful information and your options so that you are totally informed, but I won’t overload you. We will discuss any concerns you may have, and make sure your voice is heard.

It is inspiring that so many women have positive birth experiences. Until quite recently, you would only read/hear about bad experiences and how painful labour is, but as a society we are changing for the better and people sharing their positive birth experiences can only have a positive impact on others.

Doula services I offer

Birth package:

• Free no obligation meet and chat where I will explain my role as a doula
• 2 antenatal sessions to include:
  • The path to birth 
  • Putting together your birth preferences
  • Types of birth available 
  • Ways to help you through labour
• Telephone/messaging/email support throughout pregnancy 
• My clients have access to my various books relating to birth and life with a newborn
• On call for 10 days before your due date, up to week 42 (flexible)
• Present at the birth supporting you and your birth partner (if any) throughout
• Help and support for first feed
• Access to the various books I have about pregnancy, exercising during pregnancy, care for baby and feeding, along with the use of an Elle TENS machine.
• A follow up debrief at your home once you are settled after the birth

Postnatal services:

• Help, support and guidance with your newborn (feeding, changing, settling, bathing etc)
• Assisting with feeding (breast or formula)
• Telephone/messaging/email support
• Looking after the baby while you get some well needed rest/spend time with other children
• Recommendations of local support, classes etc

Overnight support will consist of:

• Feeding baby (or bringing baby to you if you are breastfeeding), winding, changing and settling baby back to sleep until the next feed.