Nurturing doula support throughout pregnancy,

birth and beyond.

A woman looks at a scan photo exploring doula services in London

North London Birth Doula & Pregnancy Yoga Support

Hello! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Jos - an experienced birth and postnatal doula, and a pregnancy and postnatal yoga teacher. I support women and families across London through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

It’s an honour to walk alongside you during this transformative time. Whether you’re preparing for birth, exploring your options, or adjusting to life in the early weeks of postpartum, I’m here to offer the care and support you deserve. Birth is a deeply personal experience, and no matter where or how you choose to give birth, my intention is for you to feel empowered, informed, and nurtured throughout.

 Doula & Yoga Services

Gentle, nurturing doula support for your pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey, empowering you to feel prepared and supported every step of the way.

Jos Smith the yoga doula sitting crossed legged and smiling to camera

Hi, I’m Jos - a Birth & Postnatal Doula and Yoga Teacher

I’m based in North London, where I live with my husband, our two teenagers, and our dog.

My own experiences of birth sparked a deep passion for supporting others through pregnancy, birth, and the early days of parenthood. I bring calm, steady, and personalised support — rooted in empathy, trust, and a deep respect for your choices. Whether you're preparing for your first baby or seeking support after a previous birth experience, I’m here to walk beside you.

FAQ about Doulas

Choosing the right support during pregnancy and birth is a big decision. Here are some answers to common questions about Doula.

  • A doula is a non-medical professional who offers emotional, informational, and physical support during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. Doulas are there to provide calm, consistent care — supporting your choices and helping you feel prepared and confident.

    In the past, women were supported through birth and postpartum by female relatives and women in their community — offering reassurance, practical help, and a calming presence. Today, that kind of support is often missing, leaving partners under pressure to do it all. A doula doesn’t replace your birth partner — instead, we work together as a team, creating a birth team centred around your needs and preferences.

  • People choose to work with a doula for many different reasons - each one shaped by their unique circumstances, values, and hopes for birth. Some of the most common reasons include:

    • Birth education and preparation

    • Emotional support throughout pregnancy and birth

    • Experienced guidance and a calming presence

    • Support navigating the NHS maternity system

    • Empowerment through informed choices

    • Advocacy and having someone by your side

    • Processing trauma from a previous birth

    • Extra support after loss or a difficult experience

    • Continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

    • An extra pair of hands at a home birth

    • Reassurance and support for the birth partner

    • First-time parents seeking confidence and guidance

    • Planning a physiological birth of twins or VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)

    • Returning clients who want support again

    • Or simply because having compassionate, steady support just feels right

  • Midwives provide medical care during pregnancy and birth. As a doula, I don't offer clinical care — my role is to support you emotionally, physically, and practically, working alongside your medical team to make sure you feel empowered and cared for.

  • Not at all. A doula is there to support both of you, helping you feel connected and confident. I work alongside your birth partner, offering gentle reassurance, practical guidance, and a calm presence so they feel confident in their role too. Together, we create a supportive team focused on your needs and preferences.

  • Doula support is flexible and personal - it’s shaped around what you need. Here are some of the ways I offer support:

    • Antenatal and birth preparation – personalised sessions to help you feel informed and confident as you approach birth

    • Birth doula support – continuous support during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum period, offering calm reassurance, practical help, and advocacy

    • Postnatal doula support – gentle guidance and care in the early weeks after birth, helping you rest, recover, and adjust

    • Remote doula support – virtual support for those who prefer or need a more flexible option

    Please to get in touch to explore what kind of support might be right for you.

  • Evidence shows that continuous support from a doula can positively influence birth outcomes and the early postnatal experience:

    • Reduced likelihood of Caesarean birth

    • Lower chance of assisted birth (ventouse or forceps)

    • Decreased need for epidurals or pain medication

    • Lower rates of labour induction

    • Shorter duration of labour

    • Greater satisfaction with the birth experience

    • Increased likelihood of initiating and continuing breastfeeding

    • Lower rates of postnatal depression

    • Improves equity and provides culturally responsive care

    Based on research from Cochrane Review, Evidence Based Birth, and other trusted sources.

Still have questions? Feel free to get in touch - I’d love to hear from you.

"Birth is about so much more than the wriggling of a tiny body out of a larger one. When we birth, we don't just birth babies. We birth ourselves, we birth our families and we reshape our lives."

Dr Sara Wickham

scrabble tiles spell out we are having a baby

I can’t wait to meet you!

If you're curious about how doula support can benefit you, or want to learn more about my approach, get in touch to book a FREE discovery call.

josipa.smith@gmail.com