Natalya Morris – Russian speaking Doula

About Me

I am originally from Odessa, Ukraine and have been living in London since 2006 . I have two lovely girls 21 and 13 years old. In Odessa I was a qualified nurse, working in a neonatal surgery ward. I have always been passionate caring for babies and mums in their early times of motherhood sharing my knowledge and  providing emotional and practical support .My work in hospital put me in a good stead for handling babies confidently.As you could see my journey to become a doula started very long time ago.😊

I believe in a woman’s natural ability to birth her baby given the right support and safe environment. That one of the most important things for a labouring woman and her partner is to be treated with empathy, kindness and respect.

I help the mother to be and their partner to gain the confidence and knowledge to make an informed decision about the birth, and provide the support needed so that whatever type of birth is chosen they will have a positive experience.

Childbirth is something that all parents remember for a life time and my aim is to make the experience happy and satisfying.

Having gained much practical experience as a nurse working with babies and helping mothers to be, in 2014 I decided to formalise my role as a Doula and obtain recognition with the leading UK doula organisation Doula UK. As part of the recognition process I attended an approved training course and completed their mentoring phase, becoming a recognised Doula in 2015. I have also qualified as a holistic massage therapist and in pregancy and labour massage.I continue to expand and update my skills and have attended the following courses and workshops:

2014 completed birth and postnatal course with Birth Bliss Inspiring Doulas. It covered all aspects of birth, postnatal care and breastfeeding.

2014 completed antenatal course with Birth Bliss Inspiring Doulas.

2014 attended talk by renowned obstetrician and childbirth specialist Michel Odent at the Microbirth premier in London.

2014 University of Greenwich Mindfull Midwifery conference

2014 Home Birth workshop with Marie Coveney

2014 Homeopathy and Reflexology for childbirth workshop

2014 ITEC Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Massage with London School of Massage

2015 Twins and More workshop with Unique Postnatal

2015 Pregnancy and Labour Massage with London School of Massage

2015 Closing the Bones workshop with Sophie Messager and Maddy McMahon

2016 Penny Simkin two day workshop – When survivors give birth

2016 Sexuality, Birth and Life five day workshop with Naoli Vinaver

2016 Rebozo workshop with Naoli Vinaver

2016 Closing the Bones workshop with Naoli Vinaver

2016 Thai Abdominal Massage and Postnatal Recovery workshop with Anna Gedre

2017 Aromatherapy for childbirth

2017  London Maternity & Midwifery festival

2018 “Closing the bones “postnatal recovery tradition 24 hours workshop with Natidoula

2018 Psychotherapy for perinatal period 82 hours workshop

2018 Breastfeeding supporter course 150 hours

2019 Spinning babies workshop 14 hours

2020 Antenatal educator course with Doula.ru

2020 Maternity & Midwifery  online festival

As a birth doula I have attended births at a variety of London hospitals including, Royal Free Hampstead, Whittington, Chelsea and Westminster (Kensington wing and NHS), St. Mary’s Paddington (NHS and Lindo Wing), Portland hospital,Barnet Hospital, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Charlotte, Lewisham Hospital, Royal London, Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospital, West Suffolk Hospital, UCH Hospital ,St. Thomas , Queens hospital, Homerton hospital  and lots more.

I have supported couples and single mothers in natural and instrumental deliveries in labour wards and birth centres and  have been present in theatre during emergency and planned c-section births.   I have also supported many home births including water births and successful home VBAC.

Testimonials
Father’s point of view:
Doula is an absolute must if your wife is expecting, and Natalia is a true professional. Before our first meeting I was sitting on a fence about whole doula thing but it’s obvious from the start that Natalia 100% devoted to the job she does.
Her knowledge about pregnancy and labour is even greater then midwife’s in my eyes, because she will tell you not only “official statements” NHS employees tend to give but also lots and lots small advices of what’s is good for you personally in your exact circumstances.
When my wife were in labour (and it lasted for two days) she was always on a phone and checking on us at least every two hours and when we finally got to the hospital she was there and didn’t leave my wife even for a second!
The most important part is that doctors ask you many questions and tell you many things. When your wife is in labour and you haven’t slept for a couple of days you can’t think very good. Natalia helped us to filter what’s important, and arranged what needed to be arranged.
Our delivery was 100% natural. She guided us through the first weeks answering all questions we had. After the birth my wife had problems with breast feeding and Natalia helped even with that. I honestly believe that big part of my daughter’s well being I owe to Natalia.
Michael

We are very thankful to Natalya for her help and kind support on our way to be together with our son Michael. Her support and persistence helped me to manage hard moments during my labour. She understood me from half word and she was my most important person during the labour. I’m not sure I would have had such unproblematic delivery without her support. She made me feel safe during my whole 27 hours of my labour.
Antonina

Natalya absolutely and even more exceeded my expectation during labour. She can use her knowledge not only to explain but to provide practical support. Very delicately offering alternatives and explaining possible consequences. She helped me with her positive attitude, calmness and practical support.
Eva

Natalya is very committed to her role as doula. She is always willing to take extra steps to ensure mother is happy and comfortable with her support. Example, Natalya travelled to Brighton to learn acupuncture and massage during labour and birth and also took extra workshop about home birth to better support me in my home birth wishes. She is very responsible and enthusiastic person. Natalya has been great support throughout and I strongly believe she will deliver many babies going forward. She has met and exceeded our expectation.
Milana & Petr

Natalya is not only a professional but also a great and kind person. She understands other people very well, knows how to support and what and when to say. She is able to answer all your questions, advice on different options as a doula and a mum. When you talk to her it feels like you talk to a good and close friend. You can trust her and she is kind of person you want to have next to you. She has very strong medical knowledge. She is very reliable and trustworthy. I think this is a key feature when you select somebody to be next to you during such an intimate moment.
Julia

For our first child in 2015, we opted for a private maternity experience in a central London hospital. All went more or less to plan until the two weeks leading up to the birth. Our consultant had planned a holiday for that time and we had not met her replacement. We felt let down after prolonged complications eventually led to an emergency caesarean.

Fast forward to our second child in 2021. This time we opted for the standard NHS maternity experience but this time with a doula to prepare us properly. We were fortunate to find Natalia Morris. She provided both my partner and I with much needed antenatal support and guidance. From phone calls to text messages to in person visits, Natalia was with us every step of the way. Her advice proved invaluable and was pivotal to keeping us calm and centred. On the day of the birth, Natalia was a proper rockstar from theatre to recovery room to postnatal recovery. Even the hospital staff commented on how professional and excellent her care was. We give our highest regard and recommendation to Natalia.

David & Ekaterina