Hampstead Hive Member Spotlight - The Birth Doula

Siobhan Smith

Tell us about your business, what services do you offer?

I work as a birth & postnatal doula offering emotional and practical support before, during and after the birth of a baby. I provide continuity of care throughout the maternity period for both the parents and the baby. My support is varied depending on the needs of my clients.

I offer a wide range of services:

Antenatal education

Hypnobirthing

Birth support

Postnatal support, including feeding support.

Overnight support.

What inspired you to start your business?

I became a doula after having my own 3 children and experiencing a lack of support due to the overstretched and under funded maternity services. I know I would have really benefited from the support a doula can provide.

How long has your business been running for?

I trained at the start of 2011 when my youngest started nursery and have been working full time as a doula ever since.

What is your favourite aspect about working in the local area?

Hampstead has many young professionals living in the area many of whom have moved here from far and wide for work and don’t actually have family living near by. Hampstead has a great community spirit and I love being able to provide support while my clients navigate and explore a new world of pregnancy and parenthood.

Where do you see yourself and your business in five years time?

In Five years I hope to be doing more of the same, my passion is one to one care with my clients.

What encouraged you to join Hampstead Hive and what has your experience been like so far within the Hive?

I meet Jessica (one of the founders of Hampstead Hive) many moons ago at a female networking event. These type of groups enable you to meet and network with a whole host of people from various different sectors that you may not otherwise ever meet. Being self employed can be quite lonely so having community around you of like minded people is a huge benefit.

Where can we go to find out more about your business/access your services?

You can find me at www.thebirthdoula.co.uk or in instagram at @siobhan_thebirthdoula