Kathryn Stutely (Optimum Doula)

About Me

I am a birth and postnatal doula working in and around Devizes. I run a free antenatal support group called ‘Optimum Bumps’ and a homebirth support group called ‘North Wiltshire HomeBirthers’. I have TENS machines and birthpools, which doula clients are able to use as an inclusive part of my doula service, and which I also hire out to non-clients. I am a qualified both as a breastfeeding counsellor and babywearing consultant, and run Swindon and Devizes Sling Library.

As your birth doula I will support you during your pregnancy, labour and birth as well as the first days after your baby is born. I will assist you in achieving your desired birth experience and prepare you for your new arrival.

I am there to make you aware of the options available, enabling you to make your own informed choices, to listen to your concerns and to provide a calm and reassuring presence for you and your partner during labour.

As your postnatal doula I will offer both practical and emotional support, as well as information and advice on caring for your new baby.

I am a mum of two. My first daughter was born in Swindon’s Great Western Hospital, in 2008, and my second was born at home, in 2010.

I didn’t even consider birth options until a few months into my first pregnancy. I was initially rather nervous about the prospect of giving birth and decided that the more I knew about birth, the better prepared I would be. So I researched every aspect of birth, from birth hypnosis and waterbirths to inductions, epidurals and caesarean section. By the time I went on maternity leave, I felt very relaxed about the fast approaching birth and was actually really looking forward to it. My midwife even commented on what a chilled out mum-to-be I was. Unfortunately, despite all my preparations, my birth was not the experience I was hoping for and although it didn’t put me off childbirth altogether, it did leave me feeling quite apprehensive about my next.

Two years and three days after giving birth for the first time, I gave birth to my second daughter, in my own home after a short and very calm labour. It was the most amazing experience of my life, which I believe is how everyone should feel about their births.

I decided I wanted to be a doula, so that I could help others achieve the births they wanted too. When my second daughter was seven months old, I started my doula training with Nuturing Birth and joined Doula UK.

I then went on to train as a breastfeeding peer supporter and began volunteering at several breastfeeding support groups, including one for those breastfeeding children over 12 months of age. I trained as a maternity and nursing bra fitter and now run my own nursing bra fitting and sales service, called Optimum Nursing Bras. In 2018 I completed training to become a breastfeeding counsellor. I have really enjoyed breastfeeding both my daughters and want to offer new parents the support they need to overcome any difficulties and enjoy what can be a very rewarding experience.

I became a qualified babywearing consultant and started Swindon Sling Library, which has now become Swindon and Devizes Sling Library and has a selection of over 90 slings available for hire, via slingmeets and individual consultations. If you hire me as your doula, then the option to borrow from the library is an inclusive part of the service.

If you want to know more, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am happy to discuss my services in detail, answer any questions you may have or to set up a free, no-obligation, face-to-face meeting.