Olivia Southey

About Me

Hi, I’m Olivia.

I work with mothers-to-be who are looking for someone who will be there to put them first through the new journey through pregnancy, birth and their baby’s early months.

I focus on giving my clients the tools to trust themselves, their bodies and their babies so that they gain confidence and find enjoyment in the pregnancy, birth and postnatal process.  I listen and provide calm emotional support that helps new parents flourish through what can feel like a roller-coaster.  I believe that you know best about your body, birth and baby and I serve my clients with practical help, information where asked for and always a big dose of love and understanding.  All new mothers deserve to feel safe, heard and cherished so that they are able to focus on themselves and their baby.

I am an experienced hypnobirthing teacher, initially trained in hypnotherapy for childbirth by Maggie Howell and now delivering my own courses that I tailor to the needs of individual parents. My work as a doula started when a hypnobirthing client asked me to support her birth and I have subsequently taken a variety of doula training courses and continue my development as a doula on regular workshops and courses.

I have been inspired by what a difference having a wonderful doula made to my own birth experiences and I learn from my clients and colleagues every day without fail.

I believe passionately in the positive impact that continuity of care can have on the journey to motherhood. Having the support of a trusted person enables you to blossom in confidence and plan your birth and postnatal period your way.

I support clients with a wide range of preferences and needs and do not have a ‘birth ideology’ beyond a fierce dedication to protecting the emotional experience of my clients and being totally on their side. All parents and couples are different and I adapt my doulaing to fit in with the people I have the privilege of working with at that time. The role of the doula is more of a being role than a doing role and the needs and wishes of a birthing mother unfold in the moment.  I make sure that ample time is created for getting to know each other so that we form a great birth team and always take care to fit in harmoniously with your health care providers.

After 15 years in London, in 2018 I moved to a small village in Gloucestershire with my now three  children, their menagerie of pets and my and husband. I really understand the joys and challenges of adjusting to parenthood, navigating your new identity and balancing work and family life.

I offer a 30 min free phone consultation and a free in-person meeting before clients commit to hiring me. To take this up, just contact me using the form on this website or by text or email.

I offer doula support both in ‘solo care’ and ‘partnership care’ packages. The partnership doula care model describes being supported by a pair of doulas who create a close-knit team for you, both attending your antenatal preparation and one supporting your birth.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Warm wishes,

Olivia