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Doula Directory

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Doula Directory

ND Birth - SUPPORTING NEURODIVERGENT PEOPLE IN PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND BEYOND

Doula Directory

Victoria is a birth and postnatal doula who supports families through pregnancy, birth and beyond. She believes birthing people have the right to a positive birth and postnatal experience, and that this can be achieved with the help of consistent and compassionate support.  She offers support both in person in Aberdeen, Scotland, and online anywhere in the world. She is also a trained Traumatic Birth Recovery 3 Step Rewind Practitioner, and Perinatal Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner. She is the mum of two girls, one of whom is autistic, and is passionate about improving support for neurodivergent people perinatally.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Following my daughter’s diagnosis, I read everything I could get my hands on about neurodiversity, and began to see how many aspects of pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period could be challenging and experienced differently by neurodivergent people. There is so little awareness and understanding of this and of the associated support needs of neurodivergent birthing people. This needs to change so that neurodivergent families have the best possible start to their lives together, free of the trauma which too many people are subjected to during their first experiences of parenthood and family life.

Victoria White

Victoria White Birth and Beyond

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, UK

Victoria White Victoria White Birth and Beyond

I’m Em a neurodiverse mom of 3. I am a late diagnosed ADHDer and have been working hard over the past few years to better understand myself and how my ND has impacted on my pregnancies and births. It is important to me that neurodiverse birthing people feel fully prepared for birth and postpartum through the lens of their ND profile and feel empowered to communicate those needs to those around them . This in tandem with educating support partners / medical staff on how to better meet the needs of ND people will, I hope, work to ensure that ND people have the best possible birth and postpartum experiences possible.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Because I know the impact my neurodiversity had on all of my births and pregnancies in varying degrees. In cases where my needs weren’t met it had a significant impact on my mental well being and I would like to help other people have positive experiences as well as educating and informing medical / support people in the needs of neurodiverse folk.

Emily Snape

Em Your Doula

Exeter

Emily Snape Em Your Doula

Doula and Lactation Consultant supporting families in person in London or online anywhere.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I am ND with an ND husband and 4 ND children. I struggled so much with pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I could have used the support (which is why I became a doula) but I also completely relate to how chaotic and overwhelming it can be.

Rebecca Verlander

The Lactation Doula

Greater London, UK

Rebecca Verlander The Lactation Doula

Hey, my name is Martine. I'm a doula, an Ex- nurse, a mum and an enthusiastic capoeira player. Underneath all that I'm Dutch and moving is my go to thing to get me through life. Chaotic from the inside, but great in providing you with info and signposting you to experts. Most of all I'm good in cheering you on for being you! The ladder can only be done by listening and connecting. Connecting with a fellow neurodivergent person makes me often feel more understood hopefully it will do the same for you!

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Because all people should feel listened to and understood when having perinatal care (and all care for that matter) .

Martine Mensink

Martine The Doula

Colchester, Essex, South East Suffolk, East Hertfordshire, UK

Martine Mensink Martine The Doula

I’m Zoe, I’m an autistic doula, birth activist and research scientist with a passion for supporting neurodivergent folks through pregnancy and postpartum. As a late diagnosed autistic, who had two births without knowing I was neurodivergent, I know the impact that not having this level of care can have and how hard it can be to navigate the maternity system. I’d love to be that person who can help and support you through this magical time.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Being pregnant, giving birth and having a new baby are such huge changes. There are also lots of appointments and communication points and sensory overwhelm at all points. I think this particular transition can be hard when you’re neurodivergent and so extra support can make such a big difference.

Zoe Gardiner

Postpartum Matters

Within 25 miles DH6, UK

 Zoe Gardiner Postpartum Matters

I’m Louise, a postnatal doula and hypnobirthing teacher. It’s my passion to support expectant and new families through the perinatal transition. I aim to support new families to become more calm and confident in their parenting journey. I am also trained in TBR 3 step rewind for birth trauma and supporting early pregnancy loss.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I grew up in a family with neurodivergence, where it was celebrated. I know that this is not the case for all families so I want to make this more common place. I understand from my professional and personal experiences how neurodivergence can bring more challenges for women and birthing people. I would like to be able to support through that and to develop individual strategies for each unique family. The important thing for me is that each and every person should have access to support that allows them to have a positive perinatal experience.

Louise Dredge

The Parent Nanny

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, UK

Louise Dredge The Parent Nanny

With over a decade of campaigning for women’s rights on the frontlines with the UN, governments, charities, and leading some of the world’s largest gender equality organisations, I have a powerful voice to lend when needed.I am also trained to offer Closing the Bones ceremonies and Mother Blessings/Blessing Way ceremonies (alternative Baby Showers), which can be done separately or as part of a package of support, both in person and remote. I have personal experience as a queer, neurodivergent individual sensitive to issues of marginalisation, trepidation around body image, institutions and sensory issues.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I am committed to supporting neurodivergent people to access services, support and sympathise with the additional barriers to equal opportunities, especially for un-diagnosed on late diagnosed individuals like myself.

Zoe Maria Carletide

Zoe Maria Birthwork

Brighton, Worthing, Hassocks, Henfield, Peacehaven, Shoreham by Sea, UK

 Zoe Maria Carletide Zoe Maria Birthwork

Birth and postnatal doula ins Cornwall.
Traumatic Birth Recovery Practitioner.
NCS Trainee Counsellor.
AuDHD.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Because, as a Neurodivergent person I am all too aware of the inequalities we experience and my wish is for all Neurodivergent people to live their lives well.

Georgie Watson

Georgie Watson Doula Services

Cornwall, UK

 Georgie Watson Georgie Watson Doula Services

Hi! I'm Rise, like the Sun:). I'm a queer, nonbinary, Black, trauma informed, full spectrum birthworker in Chicago, originally from St. Louis. I've been a practicing birthworker for 6 years and a healing practitioner for over 10. My focus is labor, postpartum, abortion and grief & loss support. The folks I support are Black and Brown, neurodivergent, disabled and chronically ill, queer trans and nonbinary and/or low income. I love the work I do. I love my job. I love mangoes and sloths. And I'd love to work with you! I am deeply invested in disability justice, access, centering wellness for Black queer folk, trauma education, and rest. When not doing the most, they enjoy daydreaming, dancing, and hanging with their support pup, Jelly Ferocious.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I think we see the typical ablesist tropes on TV where it's always the bipolar or schizophrenic mother figure who won't go on meds and it's just incredibly harmful. What we don't see is the devaluing of birthing people. We don't see the devaluing of anyone seen as a maternal figure. We don't see the absent health care system mixed with the carceral mental health care system mixed with the predatory child welfare system. We see no one explicitly extending support. No one humanizing neurodivergent people period let alone neurodivergent birthing people. I know I can't change things alone. But I am honored to be explicitly part of the infinite amount of ways to make things better.

Rise

Riotous Roots

www.riotousroots.com

Instagram: @riotous_roots

Brighton, Worthing, Hassocks, Henfield, Peacehaven, Shoreham by Sea, UK

  Rise Riotous Roots

Hey! I'm Beth, a ND birth worker with a keen interest in home birth and freebirth, advocacy, and supporting marginalised communities to reclaim their power in birth. I can't wait to work with you.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Because I want to be part of creating a birth world that is person centred, for everyone, regardless of neurotype, and therefore dismantling the idea that neurotypical people are the centre and anything else is "abnormal".

Beth Godbolt

Full Spectrum Nurturing

@full_spectrum_nurturing

Within an hour of Catterick, UK

Beth Godbolt Full Spectrum Nurturing

I'm Laurène (she/her), a passionate neurodivergent and queer parent to an amazing kiddo. My journey as a postnatal doula, infant feeding coach, and pregnancy/postnatal yoga teacher was deeply shaped by the transformative experience of welcoming my child into this world. Along my own path, I've faced moments of feeling lost and unsupported. I'm dedicated to extending that vital support to YOU. I started teaching yoga in 2014, specializing in pregnancy and postnatal yoga from 2016. In 2019, I became a certified fertility yoga teacher and advanced postnatal yoga teacher. More recently, in 2021, I added postnatal Doula and Infant feeding coach to my qualifications. Looking forward to being part of your journey!

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Drawing from my own life experiences I know how it feels and how it can be different for the better.

Laurene Bizarro

Mighty Mama Perinatal

@mighty_mama_perinatal

Brighton and Hove

Laurene Bizarro

I have worked with children for more than 20 years. I have worked in a variety of settings including playgroups, nurseries and private homes. I worked as an independent nanny for 15 years and currently support neurodivergent youth via Gecko Community. I also support LGBTQ+ families via The Queer Parenting Partnership, the UK’s only LGBTQ+ specific perinatal education provider.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

As an autistic person, I know just how inaccessible the world can be. I want neurodivergent folk to have equal access to the support they need.

Kim Roberts (they/them)

The Queer Parenting Partnership

@parentingqueer

www.parentingqueer.co.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon

Kim Roberts

I'm Ellie (she/her), mother of two boys and living in South Derbyshire. I am a mentored doula and I am passionate about parents receiving the support that they need from the very beginning and into the early years. I am a breastfeeding peer supporter with personal experience in tandem feeding and I love wearing both of my boys in a carrier. I have had a great range of experiences during my own parenting journey, from a hospital birth to a home birth, combi-feeding and exclusively breastfeeding. Ultimately I can relate to navigating through the unknown territories of becoming parents, especially as I am still in the thick of it!

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Having experienced what it is like to go through the system as ND and to navigate the postpartum period feeling extremely overwhelmed and overstimulated, I'd like to try and ease other people's journeys as much as possible.

Ellie Billings

El the Doula

South Derbyshire, North West Leicestershire, South Staffordshire. A 15mile radius of DE11

Ellie Billings

I’m Frankie (she/her).

I’m a Doula living with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia as well as a parent to a son with Autism and Sensory processing disorder. I’m a neurodivergent birth worker and advocate, focused on supporting parents and professionals understand neurodivergence and supporting them through their journeys. 

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Pregnancy, birth and parenting create such a huge shift within our lives and ourselves. This shift can be super overwhelming if you’re neurodivergent and I think it’s so important to have someone around that not only understands but who can support you through this.

Frankie Gulliver

Me and Mind Hub

@meandmindhub

Torbay South Devon

Frankie Gulliver

I’m Holly (she/her). Wife to a graphic designer, Mum of 3 boys and a black cat and black dog (can you see a theme emerging), living in Bristol.


Currently awaiting assessment for ADHD myself after years of knowing there was something more to the way I see or feel things.


My passion for birth work started after the birth of my second baby during the Covid pandemic, and not receiving any support or help afterwards, I was left thinking of the people who were going through this for the first time and how they must be feeling.


So I chose to train as a doula and use my experience as a mother and the knowledge from my training to help and guide parents to have a positive birth experience. After falling in love with the birth space further after my training, I also trained as a hypnobirthing teacher.


​I want to help parents birth without fear and to help people feel comfortable with whichever birth they choose. I believe that every birth is valid and the choice you make is the right way for you to birth your baby.


I offer a trauma informed holistic approach and will always tailor my packages and services to suit each family individually.


So let’s rebel! Let’s break the ‘tradition’ that birth should be a feared event. Let’s have that birth that you want, where you want, how you want!

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Because I can understand the impact and limitations it can have on birth and how challenging it can be to be heard or understood. Every person deserves heart led care.

Holly Johnson-Ferrand

The Rebel Birth Club

Bristol and surrounding areas

Holly Johnson-Ferrand

As a full spectrum doula I offer my care and support throughout the perinatal period. Fertility, loss, termination, antenatal, birth and postnatal. I’m here for you through all of it.


I'm committed to helping you figure out what’s right for you. My intention is that in choosing to work with me you feel supported and held, confident, informed and autonomous.


I’ll help you to develop an understanding of your options. We'll take a holistic approach, drawing on the best available evidence to inform your decisions. Together we’ll explore, question and prepare in a non-judgemental environment.

 

We'll work to ensure you are ready to advocate for your choices when you need to. You are the expert on your body and what's right for you.

 

My service is as unique and diverse as the families I work with. I'd be honoured to be by your side on this path, whatever that looks like for you and your family.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I care about inclusive individualised care and making the birthsphere more equitable.

Lydia West

Lyddie Doula

I'm based in SE18 and aim to work within a radius of one hours travel time
from my home

Lydia West

My mission for Our Village Circle is to create a space of authentic sharing, and elevate the voices of parents and professionals alike to demystify the realities of new parenthood. I want you to feel seen, heard, and known, and I wholeheartedly believe that everyone's story has something powerful to offer others as they walk their own path.


I have experienced for myself the difference between feeling seen, heard, supported, and informed vs. feeling dismissed, judged, abandoned, invalidated, and ignored during this incredibly vulnerable time. It is so important to me that birthing people be lifted up, affirmed in their insights and experiences, and encouraged as they cross this life-altering threshold.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Because ALL people stand to benefit from care that is attuned, compassionate, and trauma-informed.

Jaely Turner

Our Village Circle

@ourvillagecircle

www.ourvillagecircle.com

Northern Virginia, USA

Jaely Turner

I am mum of 1 and I was late diagnosed with autism spectrum condition when I was 16! I have been through a lot with this and have a deep first hand experience of neurodivergency. I have been a doula since April 2023 and I would love to help others in need.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I am passionate about birth and I deeply understand some of the difficulties that neurodivergents face in the world

Holly Burley

Born in Bliss

West Midlands Staffordshire area

Holly Burley

Clare is a birth and postnatal doula supporting families in Gower and Swansea areas and online. She started working with new families after the birth of her first child in 2001, initially as an Infant Massage Instructor and then, as she saw the need for further support for parents, she trained as a Breastfeeding Supporter, Birth Educator and, since 2019, as a doula.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

As the mother of an ASD daughter (diagnosed 2015) I have become passionate about increasing awareness and understanding of the support needs of neurodivergent people. By supporting neurodivergent people and their families through the perinatal period my two areas of interest merge creating a need to make a real difference to pregnancy, birth and early days outcomes for those identifying as neurodivergent.

Clare Lowing

The Gower Doula

Gower, Swansea and surrounding areas

Clare Lowing

I’m Amber, a queer full-spectrum doula and childbirth educator. I have a deep passion for social & racial justice as well as sexual, pelvic, and perinatal health. I combine all of this to be the best advocate I can for my clients. ​ It is my fundamental belief that all who are pregnant should be treated with the utmost respect, dignity, and autonomy. Each person should be supported in their choices. My work is trauma-informed, HAES (Health at Every Size) centered, lived experience-informed, and evidence-based. I believe in a gentle, supportive, and educational approach to working with my clients. ​I serve the greater Boston, south shore, and Providence areas. Outside of birth work, I love spending time with my partner and four cats! I enjoy dancing and am an avid reader.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

For me, it’s ensuring that every birthing person is prepared as best they can be and making sure they feel informed and supported through all their decisions. For neurodivergent folks this can mean a variety of things; but allowing people the space to express their needs and desires is what I hope for everyone.

Amber Matteson

Intimate Connections Doula Service

@intimateconnectionsdoula

Virtual, and greater Boston area

Amber Matteson

Hi, I'm Katy, I'm a fully qualified and experienced complementary therapist for over a decade. I've specialised in pregnancy and birth with an advanced Reflexology for fertility and pregnancy, pregnancy massage, aromatherapy for pregnancy and birth. I used my skills during my own 3 pregnancies and births and have supported many women.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I have ADHD, It's something that I've only recently discovered, but I have struggled all my life with. I suffered birth trauma during my first two births, and some of it I aquate to not understanding myself to properly advocate my needs and wishes. I understand the importance the correct suport can make to any woman's life during pregnancy and birth, and that support is tenfold to someone with ND.

Katy Bolton

Mother Gaia

North Yorkshire (Northallerton, Richmond area)

Katy Bolton

Hi, and CONGRATULATIONS! I’m Lisa. I am originally from Seattle Washington in the USA. I am a mom to 3 amazing boys (25, 22 & 14 years old), two of which are ND, as are a number of various family members. Although I personally am NT, I have intense or extreme first hand experience in helping ND people. It just takes patience, listening and understanding. As your birth doula, it is extremely important to me that you feel as though you are being heard. I will be your support person, will ask the hard questions, and will help push back to get the birth experience you desire (of course assuming medical issues necessities). It is so important that when you are in labour, you feel informed, safe and secure enough to let go and allow your body to do what it was made to do. I aim to ensure you feel safe, comfortable and informed at all times, providing continuous support to you and your partner during pregnancy and of course, on the day of your labour. As your Postnatal Doula, I will be there as an emotional and physical support to you and your family during those important first few weeks. This is when you will learn and decide how you want to parent your baby. I will help you to feel relaxed and confident about caring for your baby. Provide all of the “tips and tricks” that I’ve been taught. I’m happy to do whatever I can to make your life easier. If you are struggling with sleep, breastfeeding or any of the other challenges a new baby can bring, I will be there to help you find your strength. My main goal is to be as flexible as possible so that you will feel rested, relaxed and confident. When looking for a doula, that person must become someone you can trust and rely on, someone who is non-judgmental and understands you as an individual, recognising your emotions and concerns. Someone who “fits” in with your small family and team. Whether you have family near or far, I’d love to be part of your team. Take a look at my website www.labouroflovedoula.com and please get in touch. I’m happy to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. This new chapter into parenthood can feel daunting and I'd be honored to be by your side, supporting you every step of the way! Welcome to parenthood... life's greatest blessing!

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Giving birth to a baby is an exciting and scary time, let alone having ND issues that may hinder. Having experience with my son and family members, I have empathy toward how these birthing people can handle the situation that they are put in - birth and postnatally.

Lisa Porter

Mother Gaia

Northwest London and surrounding areas

Lisa Porter

Hi! I'm Helen and I am mum to an autistic son. My looking into neurodivergence for my son led to me understanding that I am an ADHDer. I provide pregnancy, birth and postnatal support across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Over the years I have supported multiple neurodivergent families in a range of birth settings. Feedback I have often received includes families feeling seen and understood in their needs, as well as my supporting them in navigating the maternity system to ensure their needs are met throughout the perinatal period.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Looking back on my own pregnancy, birth and postnatal period I can really see how my attempts to parent in neurotypical ways led to stress, anxiety and burnout. This experience has influenced me to encourge those I support to parent in the way that's right for them and their family. I truly believe with the right support neurodivergent families can have positive experiences of pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Whilst I am able to draw from my own experiences, and those from the families I have supported, I believe that each person's needs are unique. My work with you will support you in identifying your needs and exploring how you can be fully supported throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period to ensure you feel seen, safe and supported.

Helen Claire Discombe

Helen Claire Discombe

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

Helen Claire Discombe

Jess is an AuDHD Doula based in Milton Keynes. She is also an antenatal educator and hypnobirthing instructor. Her work focuses on supporting women to bring all of themselves on their journey to motherhood, empowering them with the tools and knowledge they need to feel confident and supported as they navigate their childbearing year. Jess supports birth both within and outside of the mainstream maternity systems.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

When I was pregnant with my son, navigating the medical midwifery system as an autistic person was a nightmare! I wanted to focus my work on supporting others with navigating the system and empowering them to have their needs met in pregnancy, labour, and birth. My goal is for neurodivergent parents to feel understood in their perinatal journey, and to support them to have an empowering and positive birth experience.

Jess

Birth Magic

Milton Keynes & surrounding areas

Jess - Birth Magic

I’m Katy, the founder of Mother Gaia, focusing on pregnancy and birth support through natural therapies like Reflexology and Aromatherapy.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I have recently found I have ADHD after going through the process of my sons assessments for ADHD and autism. I understand some of the differences in the way people who are neurospicy communicate, process and understand the world. Sometimes we need a buffer between the worlds to allow us to make our own decisions in our own time, and this is especially important during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

Katy Bolton

Mother Gaia

Northallerton, Darlington, Durham

Katy Bolton

We are full spectrum, queer, and neurodivergent birth workers that specialize in childbirth education and helping you make informed decisions for your birth.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Because we are neurodivergent ourselves, on the ADHD/Autism spectrum and we know how that affects the way folks interact with the world, particularly in the birth world.

Bethany Griffin-Shetler

Silver Falls Family Support

Silverton, Stayton, Salem, and surrounding mid-Willamette Valley in Oregon

Bethany Griffin-Shetler

Heather Eure is a postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and parent and professional educator. She is a neurodivergent parent in a house full of neurodivergent folks. Her journey through motherhood has challenged her in ways she never anticipated. She knows how hard parenting is and feels honored to be a part of the early days home with a new baby, helping folks receive the support they need through this life-altering transition. Heather’s work with families is evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and LGBTQIA+ inclusive. She is particularly adept at supporting parents with mental health concerns, parents at risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and neurodivergent parents (such as ADHDers and Autistic parents). She likes to say that she supports “all kinds of families with all kinds of brains.” She is currently offering in-person daytime postpartum doula support in the Austin, Texas area and virtual postpartum doula support and coaching worldwide.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

This is an area that has been sorely neglected. Resources tend to focus on ND kids or ND adults without kids, but rarely do we see support and resources offered to ND birthing people and parents. The sensory differences, varying communication styles, common co-occurring conditions, and predisposition toward PMADs make the neurodivergent pregnancy, birth, and parenting experience unique and requires tailored support from ND providers and other caregivers trained in supporting ND folks.

Heather Latiolais Eure

Oxytocin Perinatal Support

www.oxytocinperintal.com
https://www.instagram.com/heather.eure.ibclc/

Austin, Texas, USA

Heather Latiolais Eure

Adrienne is a birth & postpartum doula, yoga teacher, and proud mama. She attended her very first birth in 2012 and was immediately hooked! Since then, she has had the privilege of attending over 200 births and supporting close to 300 families postpartum. Adrienne offers caring, compassionate, non-judgmental support to expectant parents and is honored to work with families during such a life-changing time. As an experienced doula, she supports clients who are low or high-risk, who have had fertility challenges, previous traumatic births or pregnancy loss, anxiety, depression and trauma.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Everyone should have supportive care and someone who understands their unique needs. My daughter is neurodiverse so I have ongoing and in-depth every day experience.

Adrienne Wetherell

Adrienne Wetherell Yoga & Doula Services

-

Adrienne Wetherell

I have been supporting families as a birth & postnatal doula since 2011. I provide support before, during & after the birth of your baby. I can help you navigate the maternity system helping you to develop an understanding of your options. I will be that continuity throughout your pregnancy. Postnatally I will support you while you adjust to life with a baby. I will be that helping hand guiding you while you explore your parenting style.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I believe everybody deserves personalised care, I want neurodivergent people to have access to any support they might need.

Siobhan Smith

The Birth Doula

www.thebirthdoula.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/siobhan_thebirthdoula
https://www.facebook.com/siobhanthebirthdoula

North London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire

Siobhan Smith

Hi. I´m Mona. I am a trained Doula & mindfulness teacher, based in Germany. I am a mom of a little boy and I struggled with recieving my ADHD diagnosis only AFTER my traumatic birth. I understand what struggles you might go through and I am trained to help you understand the obstacles you may have to pass. I have you covered.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Having experienced what it is like to go through pregnancy, birth & postpatum as neurodivergent mom, left me feeling extremely overwhelmed and overstimulated. My experience led to a traumatic birth & postpartum period. I'd like to try and help other family with their journeys into parenthood as much as possible.

Mona Susami

Mindful Mona

www.mindfulmona.de
https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmonade

I provide service in the Ortenau region, around Lahr, Germany

Mona Susami

I am a birth and postnatal doula living in Fareham, Hampshire. I'm diagnosed AuDHD, and the parent of several small neurodivergent people! I know that neurodivergent people's experiences are all unique, and my aim is to offer a safe space to support those individual journeys. I have also trained with the Queer Birth Club, to further improve what I can offer.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I have had a range of experiences as a ND mother. I needed a lot of support, and it wasn't always available. I really hope to be able to provide some of what I needed. Having said that, I know that the diversity of ND experiences is huge, and I am keen to meet ND people where they are, rather than putting them into boxes like NT society tries to!

Elizabeth Staunton Acheson

ElizaBirth Doula

Hampshire and surrounding areas

Elizabeth Staunton Acheson

My first pregnancy ended at 22-weeks. And then – infertility and IVF. My first postpartum was, let’s say, not awesome. I tried so hard to be the perfect mom, but I was always anxious, worried, on-edge. “I love him so much. Why is it so hard? I love him so much. Why is he so intense? I love him so much. Why do I always feel angry?” Turns out, it was postpartum anxiety – courtesy of my undiagnosed ASD and ADHD. I want a re-do. But since that’s impossible, I’ve designed this incredible program that I can’t wait to share with you. Basically, I’ve read all the books, listened to all the podcasts, and gotten all the certifications so you don’t have to. Because who has time for that when you’re pregnant or postpartum? And while it’s true we’re at a greater risk of developing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, knowledge is power, and PMADs are not inevitable. We’ll get you set up with the knowledge, strategies, and mindset you need to create a life you can manage.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Because ND folx are the best and we deserve the best! Also because I know how much I struggled unnecessarily, and I don't want that for anyone.

Tiffany D’Amico

Neurospicy Postpartum

tiffdee.com, @neurospicypostpartum

Philadelphia, USA and online

Hi, I’m Kirstie, a full spectrum doula, dedicated to supporting families through conception, pregnancy, birth, loss, and the crucial first few months after a baby is born. I specialise in working with families affected by previous trauma, but not limited to birth trauma. My focus is on ensuring that you feel safe, nurtured and heard, enabling you to have the best experience possible for your individual situation.

 

At present I am studying to become a perinatal counsellor and psychotherapist. You may notice on my website that I have many qualifications that will support your journey (training and courses are a special interest of mine).

 

My goal is to ensure you feel respected, knowledgeable, and comfortable making informed decisions whilst owning your power! Passionate about birth rights, individualised care for people from marginalised communities, plus providing education around choice and consent.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

I didn’t receive a diagnosis for autism until I was in my early 40’s. Since then I have researched, trained and read as much as possible on the subject. What I’ve found is a lack of support for neurodivergent adults and even less support for people with ND going through a pregnancy journey, or a pregnancy journey with previous trauma weaved into the situation.

 

Never one to sit back and do nothing, I’m determined to make a difference to the lack of available support. I wish I’d had a support person educated in neurodiversity by my side during birth.

 

I wish I’d had someone to advocate my wishes, which apparently came across as unusual to my care team.

 

I don’t know how your birth will go (nobody does), but I can assure you you’ll be heard, cared for and respected in a way that’s right for you.

Kirstie Broughton

The Essex Birth Company

Essex and anywhere within 1 hours drive of Ongar.

Kirstie Broughton

I am a chronically ill, neurodivergent (autism & ADHD), and queer birth doula in San Francisco. I strive to make my practice accessible and anti-ableist, chronically ill-friendly, anti-racist, fat positive, queer and trans informed, inclusive of neurodivergence, and inclusive of people of all religious and spiritual backgrounds. I have experience supporting parents through their first, second, and third births at several San Francisco hospitals. I’ve supported both medicated and unmedicated labors.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Speaking from my own experience being autistic and chronically ill, I've spent a lot of time in medical settings and know they can be overstimulating and it can be difficult to process what is going on, make decisions, and communicate in ways that work for the staff around you. Given that I mainly support hospital/medical births, I already take an approach with all my clients that I would want for myself in informing them of as much as possible, creating extra space for decision making and slowing down, offering ample options for mitigating pain and creating comfort. To me it is about honoring the breadth of reactions and experiences we as neurodivergent people have in our processing of the experience of birth and being open and nonjudgmental to all of these possibilities, and that is very important to me to make room for all of it.

Megan Demit

Megan Demit Birth Doula

San Francisco, CA primarily, occasionally surrounding area

Megan Demit

I’m Julia and I am an experienced birth and postnatal Doula and HypnoBirthing Teacher from Leeds, West Yorkshire. I am also the Co-Chair for Leeds Maternity Voices Partnership. I live with my partner James, our two children (1 who is autistic), 1 cat and 1 dog.

As a highly trained expert in my field, I help families to make informed decisions and feel calm and confident during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I believe that all women deserve to have a positive pregnancy, birth & postnatal experience and by having support, understanding and help creating a positive mindset, this increases positive outcomes.

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Pregnancy, labour and birth can be challenging for all women, but women who are neurodivergent, those challenges can be even more challenging. Very often simple adjustments can make someone’s experience much better, but for neurodivergent people, they are often misunderstood or unheard and their experience isn’t as it could be. Being supported by someone who understands their daily challenges and knows how to support them better, can really make such a difference to their birth experience.

Julia Kitching (SHE/HER)

BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing

https://www.babadoulaservices.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/baba_doula.services

West Yorkshire & surrounding area

Julia

Jess is a birth and postnatal doula who is passionate about supporting all...all births, all bodies, and all families.  She believes wholeheartedly that we should have access to the birth that we want, however that looks.  Jess is committed to supporting you in unlocking your power so that you can feel confident in navigating the maternity system, as well as making the decisions that are most important to you. 

Jess is a mother of two children - one of which arrived via emergency c-section whilst the other was a VBAC water birth.  She has navigated many facets of the maternity system - both as a service user and an advocate as part of her local Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership.  

Why Supporting ND Birth Matters?

Personalised care and continuity of carer have demonstrated time and again to improve outcomes for all. Neurodivergent people are often overlooked and can get lost in the system...including the various systems they may come into contact with before pregnancy. Trying to navigate a pivotal and significant life event without a voice / advocate, or appropriate support is not OK. It is therefore vitally important that birth workers, like myself, can and do provide care that is personalised and covers the entirety of an individual's journey.

Jess Parkins (she/her)

The Rebel Sunflower Doula

https://therebelsunflowerdoula.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/therebelsunflowerdoula/

Leicestershire / East Midlands

Jess-500x464.png

About The Doula Directory

Why Did We Start It?

As doulas ourselves, we are firm believers in the positive impact that doula support can have for the experiences of all birthing people. But the benefits are particularly relevant for neurodivergent people. We know that with the right support and understanding, it is possible to have a neurodivergent-friendly pregnancy, birth and postnatal period.

 

With an estimated 15-20% of the population being neurodivergent, improved awareness and understanding of neurodivergent support needs perinatally is essential. Doula support can undoubtedly play an important role in meeting individual needs and communicating them with the clinical professions. The result of this type of personalised support for neurodivergent birthing people is that anxiety is ultimately lowered, mental health outcomes are improved, and families have a positive start to their lives together without a foundation of trauma.

 

This is why we have launched the ND Birth Doula Directory, so that people can easily find doulas who are trained in supporting neurodivergent needs, or have their own lived experience of neurodivergence or supporting others.

 

You can read more about the benefits of doula support for neurodivergent people by reading this article by Victoria, featured in the AIMS journal.

All doulas on the ND Birth directory are committed to supporting neurodivergent birthing people and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • are themselves neurodivergent;

  • have lived experience supporting neurodivergent people;

  • have training in supporting neurodivergent people perinatally.

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