Laura Draper (she/her)

About Me

Thank you for choosing to take a look at my profile.  Unfortunately, at the present time, I am unable to offer my birth package, but I would be happy to discuss your requirements for postnatal support, if this is what you are looking for.

A little something about me – I am married and have three grown-up children, plus five wonderful grandchildren, all living nearby.  We live in Winnersh near Wokingham, and we have also lived in New Zealand (where our first son was born) and in Greece.  My own birth experiences were all very different and I faced the challenges of postnatal depression following our second son’s birth.  Now, with experience and life-skills, I believe that I can make a positive difference in the lives of expectant and new parents by giving both practical and emotional support specifically tailored to your individual requirements.

When I first heard of doulas, I was immediately attracted to the whole concept of supporting parents-to-be during this exciting time of preparation.  My work has shown me that having a doula can make a huge difference to labour, birth and the busy time that follows.  As your birth doula, I offer antenatal sessions for you to share your birth preferences and wishes, with ample time to prepare you (and your partner) for the birth of your baby.  When your labour starts, I will join you when you ask me to, whether this is at home and moving on to hospital with you, or wherever you may be, or may wish to birth.  I will stay with you until you are happy for me to leave, however long this may be.  I will listen and respect your views at all times, and support you in any way I can.  I won’t advise you but I will help you to learn all you wish to know in order to make informed decisions.  I firmly believe that each woman and each birth is completely different and the experience will be totally personal to you.  I believe that when a woman is well-informed and well-prepared for labour, she will be more able to trust her instincts and her belief in her ability to birth her baby.  In practical terms, I can be contacted by telephone and email to offer support to you and your partner at all times during our contract.  I have many books available for you to borrow, plus birthing aids you may find helpful.

Postnatally, during those vital first weeks when mum and dad are getting to know their little one, time is very precious and there always seems to be so much to do.  I believe that when new parents are well supported, both in practical and emotional terms, they will feel more relaxed and confident as they care for their baby.  For instance I will encourage you to learn your baby’s cues and suggest ways to feed, wind, bath, hold and settle your baby.  As your postnatal doula, I will endeavour to help in such a way that you will have more time to spend with your new baby and each other, and other children if you have them.  As far as possible, I will visit at times and on days to suit you.  I will do whatever I can to make your life easier (different things in different households) plus offer a listening ear if you need to share anything. Sometimes spending time debriefing the birth can be very helpful. You may wish to rest, shower or spend time with other children while I care for your baby (be assured I will always follow your instructions and wishes).  My aim is to be as flexible as possible so that you will feel rested and relaxed and more able to enjoy the changes and challenges a new baby brings to your lives.

Choosing the right doula for you is an important decision and my initial visit to you (or telephone/video call) is simply an opportunity to have an informal chat with no obligation to book me.  I can come to your home or meet somewhere else to suit you.  During my time with you, I seek to offer unconditional, non-judgemental reassurance and practical care.  I recognise what a privilege it is to be asked to share this precious time with you.

I usually travel within a 20 mile radius of Wokingham, but I warmly welcome all enquiries.  I have worked with many couples for whom English is not their first language, and I enjoy learning about, appreciating and respecting different aspects of other nationalities and cultures. I learn something new with each new client, especially as my clients have ranged in age from 21 to 51.  If I can help you in any way, I will be pleased to do so.

Courses and workshops I have completed over the years include:

“Nurturing Birth” doula training course led by Kicki Hansard of Birth Bliss in November 2011.

“Paediatric First Aid” with First Steps Training

“When Survivors Give Birth” with Penny Simkin

“Practical Skills to Prevent and Resolve Malpresentation” with Selina Wallis from Magical Birth – ‘spinning babies’ techniques, positions, exercises, use of rebozo

“Better Birth Positions” with Sheena Byrom and Cass McNamara from BirthSparks

“Supporting Every Birth” supporting parents through baby loss with Michelle Every

“Supporting the Birthing Mother Introduction to Hypnotherapy and EFT” with Sure Life

“Perinatal Mental Health Awareness” with PMH Training

“Tongue Tie workshop” with Developing Doulas

“Introduction to LGBTQIA+ Inclusion” with Sarah Taylor Coaching

“Support for gender identity” with Lee Clulow

“Mental Health First Aider” training with MHFA England

“Anti-Racism Workshop” with Jamie Schearer and Clementine Burnley

Comments from some of my previous clients:

“The labour was everything I wanted and I feel that Laura played a big part in this. There were definitely times when I could have lost control but Laura was always there to keep me in check. I feel that she is passionate about the job and will do very well in this role and will make a difference to anyone who’s having a baby. I feel a strong connection with her.”  Denise

“Thanks so much for all your support. I really couldn’t have done it without you. You were always so caring and always could see just what to do to make a big difference. We will all miss having you around.”  Sarah

“Thank you so much for everything you have done for us, especially all those unsociable hours. We couldn’t have managed without you and feel very lucky to have met you and to have your help for such a long time.”  Alison

“Laura’s calm presence and emotional support was what got us through the birth. Laura helped us to understand the birthing/delivery phase and we now look back more fondly than before.”  Lakshmi and Karthick

“…making a difference to birthing women, one birth at a time.”  Deepa and Murali

“…a source of calm and friendly reassurance…”  Kasmira and Giles

“…courteous and professional, caring and approachable…”  Catharine

“…just like having our own fairy godmother!”  Claire and Brad

“Thank you for your support and participation in such an incredible experience of birthing our son.  Without you, it would not be so joyful, truly safe, comfortable and satisfying.”  Olga and Slav

“Just a note to express our thankfulness for your amazing support.  There are no words to describe the incredible support you gave us having our baby.  You gave Tibi the confidence to deliver our baby naturally which for her was something impossible in her mind.  Even when family couldn’t be there at the baby’s delivery, you were very close to Tibi, giving her reassurance, love and confidence.”  Rogelio and Tibi

“We will always be grateful for your calm presence and encouragement.  You made becoming parents an absolute pleasure – thank you so much.”  Corinne and Scherrit

“Laura has been an incredible help to us during our preparation for labour, and during the labour itself.  She is very understanding and caring and without her, I wouldn’t have had such a great experience.  Laura knew my birth plan and ensured that the midwives followed it.  She was there for me when I nearly gave up during the later stages of the birth, helping to bring me back on track and find my inner strength to carry on without any drugs.  My husband was also fully involved during the labour thanks to Laura’s guidance and support.  We cannot thank her enough for all her efforts in welcoming our son, Jake, into the world.”  Olga and Simon

“Laura is everything a birth doula should be:  kind, caring, dedicated, calm and compassionate, with a wealth of good suggestions and experience.  She helped us prepare for the birth of our baby and was there for us every step of the way through a full 24 hours of labour.  Having Laura with us through the childbirth left us with good memories of a positive experience.  Now we can fully concentrate on the next chapter with raising our baby.”  Ilona and David

“Your presence at Eliza’s birth was everything.  You were more than a birth support – you lived and breathed it – literally!  I trusted you 100% and I had a delivery so perfect I never could have dreamed of achieving, especially with the long induction and my fears.  Thank you, I will remember it forever.”  Abbie

“It never crossed my mind that I could deliver our baby at home, especially with hospital intervention and during Covid 19. Laura’s skilful approach helped me find myself and have the home birth I had dreamt of for the last five years. Laura has had a positive and constructive impact on me and my family, she is worth a lot more than meets the eye.”  Masuma and Ali February 21

I can offer references from postnatal clients if required.

I look forward to hearing from you …