Lina Duncan

About Me

Hi, my name is Lina (as in liner) I’m colourful and creative. For 18 years I trained and worked as a midwife abroad. Every birth teaches me something and after welcoming more than a thousand babies, I’m still fascinated. I never lose the sense of wonder of a new baby.

The first time I was a doula, before I knew what it was called was in Juarez, Mexico in 1997. Since then I’ve supported families from all over the world from at least 45 countries. Connecting culture in childbirth is one of my passion topics in preparation for birth and early parenting, drawing from your family heritage, traditions and cultural practices.

When I lived and worked in the Philippines (1998-2002) I discovered that being a breech-born baby myself qualifies me as a ‘hilot’ which translates as a community healer and a traditional birth worker . I met many ‘hilots’ in my time in the Philippines who affirmed and confirmed this. I’m still growing into my calling and developing my knowledge of the Fourth Trimester.

I love sharing information and I offer Childbirth Classes in preparation for birth.

Fourth trimester postnatal services is another service I offer, regardless of if I’m your birth doulas or not.

Depending on availability I offer Night doula packages which can include:

First night support for cesarean in hospital

First night back home to help you settle, providing emotional support add guidance as you find your feet

Regular night support according to your needs and my availability

I left England from 1996-2016 and lived in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Mumbai, India working with the local and International communities. I have found to my delight, that being back in the UK is a continuation of working amongst many  cultures and backgrounds, and my language skills have remained intact. I speak English, Hindi, Urdu, Cantonese and some Cebuano/Visayan.  Your cultural heritage and ancestors are an important factor of your pregnancy, birthing and postnatal journey. I like to facilitate a respect for cultural traditions that are important to you and integrated in our work together.

I could be the right doula for you if you like someone who is confident, yet easy-going. I usually have shades of blue hair, love swimming in the sea and the open air. I also sing in a gospel choir, love drinking good coffee, Italian style and enjoy watching films and listening to music. I love eating together as we get to know each other, although I’ve recently been diagnosed with Coeliac disease so we will see how that goes- no pressure!

Recognised Birth Doula

I am a networker and therefore can sign-post resources that you may ask me about. I have witnessed many times over, that when a woman/birthing person feels safe, she/they report their birth experience to be a happy one. This may be in her own home or in an operating theatre. The venue is not as important as how they felt and how they were protected in their space. I am there to build that safe birthing space together with you and whoever you choose as a companion, inform you of your choices and to be an advocate as you welcome your baby/babies. I have trained to provide trauma-informed care.

Your birth and start to early parenting is about you and your needs. I will bring my ears, a rebozo, my prayers,  my crochet needle, some colourful wool and some tic-tacs! I’m ready to step in, yet sensitive to step out when you want privacy. I’ll be there to protect and support you from when you feel you need me there and generally leave when you are snuggled up and ready for some rest and quiet. Sometimes that’s an hour after birth and sometimes more.

A doula is there to be with you and your partner/chosen support person if you have one. A doula does not replace anyone, a doula is a birth keeper, protecting the birthing woman/person from unnecessary interference and distraction.  Having spent nine years in India I would say that having a doula nearby (or even outside the room) is like the masala in a curry or a good cup of hot chai on a cold day. Doulas make a difference!

I work as a Director and Coordinator with Neighbourhood doulas (London) who provide a free doula for birthing people with no birth partner and who cannot afford a doula.

Whatever your personal or family set up and culture looks like for you I am looking forward to being part of your story.

“You are a safe haven for us” Postnatal support 2023

“Lina’s incredible experience with birth and babies gained all around the world and across cultures combined to give us the most grounded and amazing support we could have asked for. Seeking the confidence for a super low intervention birth in such tricky times (Covid). Lina was able to give us the support, confidence and care to stay at home until the very last minute, and ensured we were prepared to do things our way regardless of any distraction. Lina’s presence is somehow both invisible when it needs to be while somehow intensely comforting. Amazing kindness and little touches of care made everything even more special.” Love and thanks from D, P and little KB April 2020

“Many many thanks. You greatly helped me at home and in hospital. I didn’t feel that I was alone. You supported me like a mother. I can never forget that time. No matter how much I thank you, it will never be enough” December 2019

“Such loving energy, generous with her time and wisdom and many years of experience. Lina supported our whole family – even our 3yr old still talks about her! Thank you Lina” Anna  March 2018

“Lina is such a lovely person.She has a wealth of knowledge and experience and she is very kind natured. She is very easy to talk to, listens well and is totally non-judgemental. She is a great doula” (Roxy, 2018) Postnatal

“For our first baby we decided to birth in a nursing home. It was not a special place but Lina helped me to stay in my birthing energy zone, undisturbed. For our second we chose a homebirth with the same team. Lina is sweet, relaxed and funny. She supports the mother’s wishes completely”. (Dinaz 2012 + 2016)

“I will always cherish the moment of Lina being present at the birth of our first baby boy. It was just her, my husband and I in a little zone (and the Indian doctor). She was utterly fantastic, calm and supportive and nothing was ever too much to ask” (Samantha 2013)

“Having Lina by the side of my bed made the birth of my second (a VBAC) a lot more manageable. She gave me confidence and solace….” (Emma 2011)

Continuing Personal Development

Advanced Birth Worker Retreat Eat Pray Doula with Ibu Robin Lim, Debra Pascali-Bonaro, Jennie Joseph, Dr Sarah Buckley, Mala Landt in Bali  May 2023

Through The Dark Lens Conference February 2023

Community Outreach Perinatal Educator with Jennie Joseph’s JJ Way, Common Sense Childbirth February 2022

Through The Dark Lens Conference November 2021

LGBT+ Competency in Birth and Beyond- AJ Silver September 2020

Anti-racism course – Nova Reid Completed August 2020

We Need to Talk about Race – RCOG conference February 2020

Black Mothers and Childbirth- A Reproductive Sankofa September 2019

Abuela Doula Course 2019 with Mars Lord

Radical Childbirth Educators Course with Nicola Goodall 2019

Essential Oils workshop with Nicola Goodall 2019

Motherwarming workshop with Nicola Goodall 2018

Reproductive Justice Retreat with Mars Lord 2018

Black Breastfeeding One Day event Ruth Dennison August 2018

Emergency First Aid at Work with First Aid For Life 2018

Birthing and Breastfeeding while Black with Mars Lord and Kimberly Seals Allers 2018

Paramana Doula Course with Liliana Lammers and Michel Odent 2018

Doula UK Conference 2018

Advanced DBS check as of December 2017

Developing Doulas Preparation Course 2017

Loving the Multiple Mamas Workshop with Mars Lord 2017

Birth Companions Workshop 2017

First Aid for Life 2017

Mama Conference 2017

Waterbirth Workshop with Dianne Garland 2017

Be the Change Positive Birth Movement Conference 2016

Perinatal Mental Health Study Day 2016

Womens Voices Conference 2016

Making and Breaking the Maternity Experience: The Power of Speech (UCLH) 2016

Waterbirth and Skin to Skin with Barbara Harper and Dianne Garland 2015

Birth is A Human Rights Issue – Midwifery Today Conference 2010

Lamaze Certified childbirth Educator 2010 – current

Midwifery Diploma USA 1999