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About me
Hi, I'm Natalie, aka NatNat Your Doula
I provide compassionate doula services across Swindon, surrounding areas, and Greater London, including Southwest and Northwest London
As a dedicated doula, my foremost commitment is to support and nurture women throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
Women have been giving birth long before the advent of hospitals, guided by their natural instincts. I believe wholeheartedly that every woman has the right to choose how to bring her baby into the world in a way that feels most empowering and right for her.
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I was called to become a doula firstly after having two traumatic births that left me physically and mentally wounded, but also because of a profound respect and love for women and a desire to help them discover and embrace their inner strength. My mission is to provide you with the care, support, and information you need to make the best choices for yourself and your baby.
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During labour, I offer unwavering companionship, ensuring you feel supported and empowered throughout the entire process. My support does not end with the birth - I continue to be there for you with postpartum visits and calls, helping you navigate the early days of motherhood with compassion and care.
Staying informed is essential in my role, and I am committed to continuous learning so that I can provide you with the most current and supportive information. Whether you have questions about your rights, need help creating a birth plan, or simply want someone to listen, I am here for you every step of the way. My only goal is to support you to have the birthing experience you want and a beautiful
and empowering journey.
Areas I cover in person support include but are not limited to;
South West England - SN - BA - BS - GL
South East England - OX - RG - SL
Greater London
NW
SW
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If you are outside of these postcode areas, still get in touch. I am very flexible and may still be able to support you.
Virtual support available globally.
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Check out my eBook, Empowered Birth: A Guide To Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond https://tinyurl.com/2276htrp
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Advocacy as a When Push Comes To Shove Certified Doula
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Navigating the maternity system can often feel overwhelming, but I am here to help you through it.
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As a certified doula with When Push Comes To Shove, I have received specialized training in holistic maternity care and advocacy, allowing me to provide the support you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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Advocacy is about ensuring your voice is heard and your wishes are respected, especially when it comes to medical decisions and your birth plan.
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When Push Comes To Shove is the world’s first holistic maternity care organisation, founded by Nikita Stark. Their focus is on empowering women and supporting them to advocate for themselves, ensuring they have access to the information and support they need throughout their journey.
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This approach is integrated into my work as a doula, where I guide you to become empowered in your birth choices—whether you're working alongside maternity services or choosing a different path.
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As a certified doula with When Push Comes To Shove, I am equipped to support you in various scenarios where advocacy may be needed.
Here are a few examples of how I can help:
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1. Birth Plan Preferences
If you have a vision for your birth, whether it’s opting for a natural or drug-free birth, or avoiding certain interventions, I can help ensure your preferences are respected and communicated to your medical team. I’ll assist you in advocating for your choices, even when the hospital’s protocols might not align with your birth plan.
2. Interventions During Labour
If you're offered or pressured to accept interventions like an epidural, induction, or cesarean section, I will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your birth goals. I’ll assist in asking the right questions to understand why a certain intervention is being recommended and if it’s truly necessary for your health and the health of your baby.
3. Pain Management Options
I can help you explore all your pain management options—whether you prefer natural techniques or medical pain relief—and ensure you feel confident and informed in your choice. I will advocate for your needs, ensuring you’re not pressured into making a decision you're not comfortable with.
4. Postpartum Care
If you feel that your postpartum care, such as breastfeeding support or mental health care, is not being addressed, I’ll advocate on your behalf to ensure your concerns are heard and that you receive the care and support you need during the early days of motherhood.
5. Respect for Cultural or Religious Beliefs
If you have cultural or religious preferences that influence your care, I will help ensure they are respected by the medical team and incorporate them into your birth plan where possible.
6. Unexpected Medical Complications
Should complications arise during labour or birth, I will help you understand the options presented to you, ensuring you’re making informed decisions that are in line with your values. I’ll be there to advocate for you in times when you need extra support to process complex medical information.
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7. Communication Barriers
If you face language barriers or difficulty communicating your needs or understanding the information being shared with you, I can bridge that gap, ensuring your wishes are understood and respected.
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8. Support During Hospital or Birth Centre Procedures
During routine procedures, I’ll ensure you’re informed about what’s happening, that your consent is obtained, and that your autonomy is respected at every stage of the process.
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By being trained through When Push Comes To Shove, I am equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide this level of advocacy. I am here to ensure that you feel confident, supported, and empowered in your choices, whether you are in a hospital, birthing centre, or at home.
My goal is to make sure that your voice is heard, your needs are met, and that you have the birth experience you deserve.
My Ethos on Freebirthing or unassisted birth
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I fully support a woman’s right to choose how, where, and with whom she gives birth — and that includes the choice to birth without medical professionals present, also known as freebirthing.
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Freebirthing is a legal and valid choice in the UK. No one can be forced to give birth in a hospital or accept medical care they do not want. A woman has the legal right to decline maternity services, including midwifery or obstetric care, and to birth at home on her own terms.
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This isn’t a decision people make lightly. Families who choose to freebirth usually do so after careful thought, research, and reflection. For some, it’s about feeling safest outside of the maternity system. For others, it’s about reclaiming autonomy after previous trauma or being let down by care providers. Whatever the reason, the choice to freebirth is rooted in strength, clarity, and trust.
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I am experienced in supporting families who choose to freebirth. My role isn’t to advise or intervene, but to walk beside you — to hold space, offer emotional support, and help you feel calm, confident, and respected throughout your journey. That might include pregnancy support, birth preparation, being a supportive presence during the birth itself, or postpartum care.
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I believe birth is a deeply personal experience and that women are already empowered — sometimes they just need the space and support to reconnect with that power. Freebirth is one of many paths to bringing your baby into the world, and if it’s the path you choose, I will support you wholeheartedly.
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Freebirthing and the Law in the UK
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Freebirthing — also known as unassisted childbirth — is legal in the UK.
Every woman has the legal right to decline medical care and to birth without midwives or doctors present. This is grounded in the principles of bodily autonomy and informed consent, which are protected under UK law and medical ethics.
Here’s what you need to know:
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You cannot be forced to give birth in hospital. Even if a health professional disagrees with your choice, they cannot make you accept care you do not want.
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You are allowed to give birth without a midwife or doctor present. It is not illegal to freebirth — and no law requires you to have a registered healthcare professional at your birth.
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It is not illegal for someone (like a partner or doula) to be present at a freebirth. As long as they are not acting as a medical professional or performing clinical tasks (like delivering a baby or managing complications), they are not breaking any laws.
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Social services should not be involved simply because a family chooses to freebirth. Choosing to birth outside the system is not, in itself, grounds for child protection concerns.
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It’s important to be informed and confident in your decisions, especially when navigating conversations with healthcare professionals. If you feel pressured or misunderstood, know that you can ask for advocacy or bring someone with you to appointments.
Freebirthing is a legal right — and for many, it’s a powerful, intentional, and deeply personal choice. If you’d like support preparing for a freebirth, or just want to talk things through, I’m here to help.
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