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Birmingham Doula

22 Reviews
Recommended
Member 12+ Years
547959
43 Inchcape Avenue
Birmingham
West Midlands
B20 2LG

Mobile:
07706 97****


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Mon - Fri: 09:00-17:00
Sat / Sun: Closed

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Member since : 21 Aug 2013
Manually reviewed : 12 Oct 2019
Last updated : 16 Jul 2024

About Birmingham Doula


I am a Birmingham based, trained doula who supports women in pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. My birth care package aims to help you achieve a better birth and includes 2-3 antenatal visits to discuss your birth plan, birthing positions, feeding options etc. As part of the birth package I will support you during labour (at hospital or home) and after baby is born will visit you at home to make sure that all is going well for you and baby.
My postnatal care package offers support to you as a new mum and includes parenting advice and help around the home so that you have time to bond with your new baby.

I have the following qualifications:
NNEB (Nursery Nursing) - trained at Birmingham College of Food,1987.
Qualified Infant Massage Teacher - trained by Touch Learn International Ltd. 2005.
Trained doula - trained by Developing Doulas 2012. KG Hypnobirthing teacher trained in 2016.

I am a recognised doula and this means that I have gained the experience necessary to support birthing women and their families.
I am insured to practice as a doula, hypnobirthing teacher and infant massage teacher.
I am a non smoker, driver and also have a current enhanced DBS certificate.

22 FreeIndex Reviews - Ranked 1st out of 6 UK Doula Services

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Elisa Dari
Alvechurch
We moved back to the UK mid pregnancy at the beginning of the pandemic and had to start all our birth preparation from scratch. The first thing we did was to hire Lorna to support us through this process and during and after the birth. It was the best thing we could have done! Lorna was exactly what we needed/wanted/hoped for. She helped us think through what was most important to us and how we could have the experience we were hoping for in this new context. She was warm, motherly, and no non-sense in a way that was very calming and reassuring. Through the millions of questions we had to find answers to she was always providing options and guiding us toward what was right for us rather than impose her view. She held me emotionally through the journey of becoming a mother, always present while at the same time never intruding or imposing. Unfortunately we ended up in hospital for the birth and Lorna was available throughout over the phone as covid restrictions did not allow her to be physically with us. Most importantly Lorna was there for me/us in the post partum period (her stew is to die for! And her massage helped soothing my aching post birth body) and her support made such a huge difference in our lives during such an intense time. I wish every woman could have a Lorna accompanying her in the incredible journey that is becoming a mother.Moreexpand_more
Response : Thank you Elisa. It's been lovely supporting you both through this journey to parenthood and in such challenging times too. Really enjoyed working with you and your lovely family. Do stay in touch and wishing you all the best! X.
Sophia Griffin
Birmingham
Having our first baby during a pandemic was very daunting but after our first conversation with Lorna we felt completely supported and much more confident. Throughout pregnancy and labour Lorna offered us practical advice and emotional support and pointed us in the direction of research so we were always making informed decisions. We felt really cared for and nothing seemed too big of an ask - from dropping round a tens machine in the middle of the night to reassuring me three days after giving birth when I was hysterically crying down the phone! We also did her hypnobirthing course and had a very calm water birth at home and felt completely prepared because of the work we had done. At one point it looked as though the midwife might not make it in time but I actually felt like we would be okay and this was in part, due to Lorna being there. We were really fortunate that our birth went to plan and without a doubt Lorna made our whole experience better than we ever could have imagined.
Response : Thank you for your lovely feedback Sophia. It was an absolute pleasure sharing hypnobirthing techniques with you both and supporting your beautiful birth. You were both fantastic and made it look so effortless!
Tarey Mupondi
Nuneaton
After a very traumatic experience with the birth of my first child (c-section), my husband and I made it our mission to find a doula with VBAC experience who would fully support our decision of a home birth for our second child. Lorna was honestly heaven sent, I knew with our first phone conversation that she was the one for us! She was certainly helpful in educating us further on what our choices were and for myself personally she gave me a boost of confidence especially when I had to face the consultants and midwives who were pretty much freaked out with the idea of a home VBAC. By the time I was due, I had so much confidence my birth would go extremely well! Mentally I had arrived at a place where no one could tell me otherwise, which I feel mental preparation is extremely important. I went into labour naturally at 40+5 weeks, my son was born in water after 6 hours of labouring in my living room, weighing 3. 7kg. Baby was perfect and I didn’t need any stitching. Lorna‘s massage techniques also really helped me cope with the contractions, she was truly fantastic and I know for a fact we couldn’t have had such a positive birthing experience if it wasn’t for her dedication and support. My VBAC experience has definitely left me feeling healed of my previous birth ordeal and I’m in a really great place emotionally! The bond with my son was instant! Two weeks later and I’m still on cloud nine, something that I sadly didn’t get to experience with my daughter. Whatever type of birth you’re going for, I 100% recommend Lorna. The world needs more doulas like her. Thank you so much Lorna! -Tarey.Moreexpand_more
Response : It was such as pleasure to support you both Tarey. You had such strong belief and great support from your husband. Your birth was wonderful! I was so thrilled that you had a much better birth experience this time round and happy to hear how much of a difference this has made to your whole family. Enjoy your gorgeous baby!
Diana R
Nuneaton
I already knew Lorna was a beautiful and charismatic human being so when I got pregnant with my first baby I got in touch. Lorna then provided me and my partner with one-to-one hypnobirthing classes as my aim was to have a drug free home birth. The sessions were really interesting, well rounded and relaxing! She was very flexible and was quick to respond even if I had questions in between sessions. The biggest gift that Lorna gave me trough these sessions was the ability to give birth without fear, even when things did not go exactly as I hoped, I never doubted I could do it and that my baby would be well. I also birthed my baby without any pain relief, as I had planned, which feels incredibly empowering. I only wished I’d had Lorna as my doula as well!
Karinna Shields
Birmingham
Photo uploaded by Karinna Shields
When meeting Lorna I was pregnant with my first baby and extremely worried about giving birth. Hearing mostly horror stories about labour I had anxiety whenever I thought about labour. Lorna took my and my partner on a 4 session hypobirthing course and by the end of it was so excited to welcome my baby. The sessions were so in depth and Lorna explained everything to me in a way I understood and answered every question in detail. With the help of hypnobirthing I was able to give birth to my daughter on only gas and air with no doctor intervention. I had a beautiful low intervention room with a pool and went in there 100% confident with my birthing plan that Lorna did for me. I had the perfect labour which gave me a super fast recovery and I can’t wait to do it alll over again. Thank you so much Lorna, you gave me all the prep for a perfect birth I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. I would recommend you to anyone in a heartbeat.
Response : Thank you Karinna, it was an absolute pleasure to teach you both. You were both so receptive and made the sessions fun! I was so delighted to hear that you had a great birth experience. Your little girl is adorable xx.
Laura Bassett
Lorna’s review. We’re so glad we had Lorna as our doula. We knew we wouldn’t birth without a doula this time as our last birth was traumatic and we anticipated that we’d have trouble with the NHS because we wanted a home water birth which was going against advice. It wasn’t an easy journey at times but we got the birth we wanted in the end and it was so raw and natural and so much more empowering than our two previous birth experiences. We wouldn’t have had the experience we did without Lorna’s support throughout the pregnancy and birth and we can’t recommend her enough. We are so grateful. It was lovely seeing her again a few days after the birth to reminisce over how the birth went and actually feel joyful about it and even laugh! If we have any more babies in the future then we will be using Lorna’s services again ? .
Response : Thank you Laura. I really enjoyed our time together. And what a super birth! You did brilliantly and birth unfolded just as we wished. Luke was fabulous too and I'll never forget him jumping in to catch your beautiful baby boy. Same time, same place next year? :) Well done to you all; enjoy your new addition to the family xx.
Geraldine A B
Birmingham
Photo uploaded by Geraldine A B
I wouldn't have had the courage to go through with a vbac after 2 csections without Lorna. I knew I really wanted the experience of a natural birth and all the benefits to myself and baby that go along with that. I was met with negativity in regards to this from doctors, consultants and midwives at the hospital and was told another csection would be my only option. At this point and following a recommendation from another mom, I began researching Doulas and I found Lorna. The reviews stated everything I wanted from a doula plus Lorna had experience with vbac births and was positive about it. From my first meeting with Lorna I felt comfortable with her as if I've known her for a long time. Lorna explained the process of labour, information on vbac and answered all the questions I had. I was also given a very enlightening book to read. Lorna got my husband involved also so that he was prepared to support me on the big day and going forward. Months of anxiety about giving birth was a thing of the past because I now felt empowered and positive I would have a vaginal delivery. My labour was straight forward and calm. Experiencing natural birth was amazing for myself and partner. Lorna was there with massage techniques, breathing techniques and was able to stand up for me when the doctors wanted to conduct an unnecessary procedure. Lorna visited a few days later to recap on the birth and see the baby. Baby is healthy and happy, we noticed the difference in him being delivered naturally and us being able to have skin to skin he is very calm and not clingy like other other children were and he slept very well. I recovered so fast in comparison to my csections which helped me be able to look after my other 2 children as well as the new arrival. I highly recommend having a doula and particularly Lorna for any birth. If you are feeling anxious it is normal but you can be put at ease by having someone in your corner who really is thinking about your best interest. Money was never an issue as Lorna's services were worth every penny. The peace of mind, knowledge, experience and support I gained was very valuable. .Moreexpand_more
Response : Thank you Geraldine. I'm so glad that you achieved the birth of your dreams. I really admire your determination and confidence in your body's abilities to have this VBAC. You and your husband did brilliantly. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!
Karan Panesar
Coventry
Lorna was such a fantastic support during my pregnancy and birth. She listened to me during the pregnancy and supported me with any concerns or worries. She talked to doctors for me to ensure I felt in control throughout the labour. I cannot thank her enough. Without her I would have been lost during the birth. I felt confident that someone was there for me. This was so important to me as I didn’t want to be forced into anything I was uncomfortable with and Lorna supported me the whole way! Thank you so much! ? .
Response : Thank you for trusting me to support your wonderful birth Karan. You are a strong and awesome woman and mother. Best wishes to you and your gorgeous family!
Melisa N
Lorna is amazing, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a loving, kind, and exceedingly knowledgeable doula. This was my first pregnancy and I wanted to have an experienced and encouraging person to help me along the way. In addition, I wanted to complete childbirth naturally with a minimum intervention of medication. Lorna was helpful in educating me in what to expect in the days leading up to the birth, the childbirth process itself, and what to expect postpartum. During our appointments before the big day she provided lots of useful information (but not so much that I felt overwhelmed) and responded to my questions attentively. She helped me formulate my birth plan and to be as prepared as I could for the birth. Lorna’s presence during the birth of my baby was a tremendous help. She was very nurturing and professional throughout the labuor and delivery. Being sweet and motivating, she was a great source of support when I was in a lot of pain! She helped me achieve my ideal labour and delivery, and my baby was born naturally as I wanted. She was also so supportive after I had my baby. Being a first time parent can be difficult in the beginning. She came back a couple of times to visit me and my baby in both the hospital and my house to make sure that we were doing well. We talked through my labour and delivery, and I surprisingly discovered that part of my memory about them was missing. She gave me a recap about the entire process, which was great in helping me to preserve my memory about this treasurable moment in my life. She also gave me great advice about calming a new baby and breastfeeding. Lorna was an excellent support for me and extremely valuable. Looking back, I am so glad that I decided that Lorna was part of my birth plan! Should I have another child, I definitely would have her as my doula again.Moreexpand_more
Sarmila Ramalingam
Rugby
I cannot thank Lorna enough for all of her help and support. As a first time mum I had severe anxiety and felt overwhelmed with taking care of my newborn. Lorna was there for us when we needed her the most. She would sit and talk to me for hours without passing any judgement and only offering advice when I requested it. She is very experienced and you can tell she is a natural with babies. She even helped us sleep train our little one! I highly recommend getting in touch with Lorna especially if you need a postnatal doula.
Mel Robinson
Birmingham
We couldn't have received better support from a doula as what we did from Lorna. From the very beginning my husband were happy with Lorna - she made us feel comfortable, and is very professional. Throughout our doula experience, Lorna was very informative and was always readily available for any pregnancy queries or concerns via phone and email. She was absolutely fantastic as birth support - we had a straightforward, positive birth experience which I truly believe wouldn't have been the case if Lorna hadn't been by my side. We would definitely use Lorna's services in future as well as providing recommendations to other ladies.
Response : Thank you Mel. You did so well. What an awesome birth; it was your strength that really blew me away!
Karen F
Solihull
I cannot recommend Lorna highly enough – she was my doula for the birth of my second child, after the birth of my first which was complicated by high blood pressure during labour and what I felt was a very heavy handed reaction to it by the hospital. So it was really important to me that I was better prepared to stand up for myself this time, and when I met Lorna I knew she would be a strong advocate for my wishes, as well as a calm and reassuring presence. During our planning sessions before the birth we went through the different ways labour might progress, what I could do in each situation and what my preferences would be. Lorna also guided me to some hypnobirthing preparations and positive statements that I think made a huge difference to my ability to cope with the contractions. When I went into labour, Lorna was absolutely amazing. She had an intuitive understanding of what I needed at any time – and even with minimal communication from me was able to find exactly the right thing to help. If I said I was hot, she had a fan, if I needed to lie down she was able to help me find the most comfortable position. She also helped me move in ways that I think really helped my labour progress quickly and made sure the hospital was clear about my birth plan. Once I was in the late stages of labour and the contractions were intense, she gave me the most incredible massage, that really felt like it was keeping my whole body together! I feel like the calm, strong energy she brought was the decisive factor in my labour being so quick and smooth and I cannot thank her enough for helping me have such a positive experience with the birth of my daughter.Moreexpand_more
Response : Thank you Karen. You absolutely aced your birth. Fantastic!
Penny Sellers
Birmingham
Finding Lorna was the best thing we did on the arrival of Raphael and we are so grateful for everything she's done. My husband and I were first time parents and I was nervous about how I'd manage after his paternity leave ended. As soon as Lorna walked through the door we knew she was the right person. She is a very warm and kind lady and we instantly clicked with her and felt at ease. She was hands on and confident with Raphael straight away, which allowed me to relax and get some precious sleep. The first few weeks and months of parenthood were quite bumpy for us and Lorna has been a great listener along the way. Raphael was only 3 weeks old when Lorna started working for us and she has been fantastic with him. Nothing phases her at all and she has a very calm, patient and kind way with him. For any body who is thinking about using a Doula, we can't recommend Lorna enough, she really is a gem!Moreexpand_more
Response : Thank you Penny. It was my absolute pleasure!
Sobia Ali
Solihull
After a traumatic first birth, I suffered from anxiety throughout my second pregnancy, hence my search for a doula began. After meeting with afew, Lorna made me feel the most comfortable. She was the most passionate, her caring nature and sense of humour stood out and we clicked. Her approach is to understand what you want by making sure she gets to know you as a person. I found it easy to trust her and this took away my anxiety so that I could not only enjoy the rest of my pregnancy but actually look forward to the birthing experience. After having a c section with my first child, I was desperate to have a vaginal delivery. I fully believe this would not have been possible without Lornas help ! I was told by the doctor by the rate at which I was progressing that I should expect a slow labour and that a c section would be best. After hearing this Lorna took action and used a technique on me which caused me to progress quickly and I was pushing my son out within the next few hours ! She was there for every contraction, She made me feel safe, she created a bubble around me and protected me, she supported both me and my husband. Truly her skill at understanding your individual need and knowing what approach will work for you is what makes Lorna special. (Also her massage ability is amazing!) I am finally able to look back at giving birth with no anxiety and smile ! I would recommend having Lorna by your side to everyone ! My only regret is not having her there for my first birth. Thank you Lorna ! Xxxxx.Moreexpand_more
Response : Thank you Sobia. You did amazingly well. An unforgettable birth!
Marie-Hele...
Birmingham
After a typically traumatic first experience, I looked at doula services because I wanted practical and emotional support for my second birth. Hiring Lorna was an excellent decision and I would recommend her to anyone. My goal was to achieve a VBAC with minimal unnecessary interventions. I prepared well with hypnobirthing and I was 100% confident I could achieve a natural birth. After an initial meeting with the Head Midwife, I had been given green light to access the birth centre, and thank fully, Lorna was there to advocate my choices on the D-day. She was just truly perfect; she has such a calm, composed and reassuring nature. She voiced my wishes with confidence and diplomacy and was fantastic support indeed. She massaged my shoulders during contractions, gave me focus, strength and positive energy when I was on the edge. She also offered precious advice with optimal foetal positioning or simply as regards to trusting my body; it was so amazing to have her continuous support during such a crucial time. I ended up with an amazing, quick and easy water birth. In hindsight, many months later, I look at my son who just turned one, and I still feel so empowered by the whole experience. Not only did I connect with him immediately, I healed faster and I did not suffer from depression (I had Birth Trauma the first time). Today, I’ve made peace with my initial delivery, and I will forever cherish birth as something strong, something positive and something achievable. I’m convinced that having a doula and being in control are keys to a successful birth experience. I’m ever so grateful Lorna was there for me. A thousand thanks to a simply fabulous lady.Moreexpand_more
Response : Thank you Marie. You were brilliant. Your unshakeable self-belief and meticulous preparation really paid off. I really enjoyed working with you and your husband. X.
Esther Danmeri
Derby
I would highly recommend meeting with Lorna if you are looking for a Doula with a big heart and warm, welcoming, calm, caring and reliable personality. It was a pleasure to meet with Lorna when my husband and I were looking for a Doula and I immediately felt comfortable and at home in her presence - important things for birthing partners! We have had a Doula for our two previous births and would definitely recommend you to meet Lorna to see if she is a match for your family. We discovered that our family is just that little bit too far away to be able to use Lorna as our Doula this time but she was happy to come and meet us in person. We are grateful that she was open to the possibility and took time out from her day to drive over and meet us at home. She even helped us to discover more options with finding a Doula and was extremely helpful. Thank you so much Lorna - if only we lived a little closer!
Response : Thanks Esther. It was lovely to meet you and your family. Sending best wishes for your birth x.
JalWalia
Birmingham
Photo uploaded by JalWalia
I highly recommend Lorna Phillps. I did not have her as my doula but I contacted her after I gave birth for home support. She was fantastic, very knowledgeable and made me comfortable and settled me into motherhood as it was my first child and I was quite nervous. Lorna's presence helped me and reassured me that I was doing fine. She supported me on Breastfeeding techniques also did a baby massage course with her and learnt different methods of massaging. I found the baby massage course very helpful and my baby daughter loves getting a massage every night. With the course Lorna's provided prints outs with all massage techinques. Lorna has beautiful personality very happy positive person if I do have another baby I will defiantly have her as my Doula x.
Response : It was a real pleasure working with you and your family Jal. Your little one is absolutely gorgeous and you're a fantastic mum x.
Claire Fynn
Birmingham
Photo uploaded by Claire Fynn
I had my baby recently at the Birmingham Women's Hospital and I had a Doula from Birmingham called Lorna Phillip. She was amazing and I genuinely believe she helped me get the dream birth I wanted naturally. I was very nervous. I googled "Birmingham Doula" and Lorna Phillip's name came up. She has very good reviews on the internet for her services as a Doula. Lorna helped get me totally prepared in our meetings before my due date and gave me lots of advice and helpful information. She helped me put the birth plan together which I had been worried about but she made me feel empowered. She is instantly likeable and put me at ease. On the day of the birth she was kind, reassuring, encouraging and a fantastic emotional and practical support. She showed me so much care and attention whilst the midwife was busily doing her job with the delivery. She was at my bedside at every step to get me through. I also appreciate the help she gave me in the days after the birth which was priceless. She has a very gentle and calm presence about her and I knew from the start I made the right choice in having a Doula and specifically in choosing Lorna. I truly cannot say enough good things about her and if I ever have any more children, I would definitely want Lorna to be my Doula again. She comes highly recommended and I will never forget how she helped me. Such a lovely lady.Moreexpand_more
Response : Thank you Claire and thanks to your lovely mom. It was a pleasure to be part of your birth team and I'm so glad you had such a positive experience. Your little one is totally gorgeous! X.
Fatima Asif
Birmingham
As a first pregnancy I was really worried, when I met Lorna we instantly clicked, I knew right then I would like Lorna as my doula. She gave me great advice and information throughout my pregnancy and after. She introduced me to halcyon birthing centre which was so beautiful and relaxing. My entire birthing experience went perfect as planned. She is very supportive, professional, sophisticated, friendly, warm hearted and pleasant person to be around. I couldn't have wished for a better process to welcome my beautiful daughter. I thank Lorna for her wonderful skills, time and making my experience perfect! :).
Response : Thank you Fatima. It was my pleasure, being with you and your family and being present to welcome your beautiful baby girl into the world. X.
Jennifer Chan
Solihull
I first booked Lorna quite early on in my pregnancy after reading about Doulas and how they can help you. From our first meeting, we got on really well and I knew then that she was meant to help me during this pregnancy. She has been really supportive, open minded and knowledgeable throughout, in particular skills in ancient pain relief methods to use during labour. I couldn't have done it without her and am forever grateful for her services!
Response : It was a pleasure working with you both Jen. You did a fantastic job and I'm very happy to be part of your birth journey. X.
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