My services
Antenatal
Birth
Overnight
Postnatal
Doulaography
About Me
Hi, I am Gráinne (an Irish name pronounced ‘Grawnya’). Please do not be put off by my name as I am not offended by people struggling with it and I understand it is not the easiest to spell or pronounce!
What am I about?
I’m a relaxed, calm, easy to get on with person, who likes to laugh at the funnier things in life. I love meeting people and building relationships. My non-judgemental open attitude means that I will support mum and their partner in whatever choices they make and bring no preconceived ideas or hidden agenda of what birth or parenting choices you should make. You’ll probably find once you announce your pregnancy that everyone has a story or opinion to share on giving birth! I’m here to help you look at all the options available. I encourage parents to trust their natural and cultural instincts and be confident in their values and beliefs to guide them to making the right choices. I am passionate about helping and supporting Mums and ensuring their partners feel part of the process. Partners are always empowered with information to help and support mum when I am not around. We will work together to empower you to give birth and parent your way.
My Family
I live in Ruislip and I am a proud mum of two challenging ‘independent’ teenage girls. With only a 15 month gap between the girls my husband (Matthew) and I could have definitely done with some Doula support when they were born. Isn’t hindsight a wonderful thing… My husband was a supportive birth partner but nearly fainted when I had an antenatal blood test, so we did not think he would make it to seeing Ruby being born. But he not only supported me throughout the birth, but he also cut the cord. Having been through this, I do not underestimate the emotions and wonder of the birthing process which has a huge impact on mum, the supporting partner and wider family unit.
Background
I was born and grew up in London surrounded by a wonderfully close large Irish family. My mum was 1 of 16 children and my dad had 5 siblings. Growing up, our home was always full of family and children of different ages. Having babies and children around was very familiar territory and I felt at ease helping out. I started practicing to be a Doula early (unbeknown to me) and in my teens I would spend all my school holidays visiting and helping my aunty to look after my baby twin cousins. I worked 28 years for Waitrose and one of my last roles was as a Commercial Relationship Manager. Over the years I found myself spending more and more time supporting and coaching friends and family through childbirth and the postnatal period. Despite having birthed my own two children I surprised myself at the impact I had when I supported my first birth. Just the little words of encouragement, help with positioning and letting mum know she is almost there, are just some of the simple things that makes the world of difference. I decided I was getting more fulfillment out of this and it was time to focus full time on people and their relationships! I investigated if such a role existed and was excited to discover Doulas. I would love to be a part of your journey and I am happy to have an initial call or meet up to have a chat. You are always in the driving seat and its important you feel comfortable with me and take your time to choose the right Doula for you.
Birth Doula Package
Postnatal Services
Night Doula
Areas Covered
Hospitals Covered
Experienced in
Other services
Additional training/ qualifications
Latest Reviews
Grainne came very highly recommended to us from friends, and she exceeded any expectation we had. Initially we weren’t sure of the role of a doula, and even if we wanted to go down that path. Within 5 minutes of having an intro coffee with Grainne we were entirely sure that Grainne would be the best addition to our birth. As first time parents we were unsure on most things and Grainne always had so much help, guidance, support and wisdom to share with us. Initially I wasn’t sure of the type birth I wanted and Grainne was completely non-judgemental and helped me explore the options to find one that suited us best. The 2 ante natal classes we had with Grainne were so reassuring, we could ask specific questions relating to our birth and the help in making our birth plan was invaluable.
Grainne’s steady approach was so reassuring during a time of so many unknowns and potentially worrying things. We then had a long 3 day labour which Grainne was with us throughout and was an integral part of welcoming our daughter to the world. I wouldn’t ever want to do this again without Grainne. Grainne’s warmth and humour is infectious and exactly way you want during this time. I’ll never know how she made a very long labor have some
Of my most treasured memories. Her and my husband laughing and telling stories kept me going through labour
We’re so grateful to have had Grainne as our doula. Her calm, supportive presence and guidance throughout the birth of our baby boy made all the difference. She helped us feel confident and empowered, and truly facilitated a positive birth experience. Thank you, Grainne!
Grainne was recommended to us and so glad we were connected! We wanted a post partum doula, with no family around and having NO experience with babies I needed a seasoned hand! The advice Grainne shared before (and texts during!!) Labour were invaluable and definitely contributed to achieving a calm and beautiful water birth at the birth centre of my choice (at 42+2).
After our son arrived Grainne gave excellent advice around feeding, and was so reassuring to us as new parents. We had no idea if we were doing the right thing and appreciated her telling us we didn’t need her anymore! I really needed to hear that!!
Our little one had the best start in life and Grainne definitely contributed to that. Next time can’t come soon enough and I hope for a home birth and would LOVE Grainne to be at my side.
Edit: 18 months on we had our home birth and indeed Grainne was by my side. Helped me to stay calm despite being nearly 3 weeks beyond my due date and navigate the medical system to ensure an outcome best for my little one and I. I had a wonderful birth in the pool in our bedroom and wasn’t transferred to hospital, so was tucked up in my own bed 3 hrs post partum. Thank you so much!!
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Latest Reviews
Grainne came very highly recommended to us from friends, and she exceeded any expectation we had. Initially we weren’t sure of the role of a doula, and even if we wanted to go down that path. Within 5 minutes of having an intro coffee with Grainne we were entirely sure that Grainne would be the best addition to our birth. As first time parents we were unsure on most things and Grainne always had so much help, guidance, support and wisdom to share with us. Initially I wasn’t sure of the type birth I wanted and Grainne was completely non-judgemental and helped me explore the options to find one that suited us best. The 2 ante natal classes we had with Grainne were so reassuring, we could ask specific questions relating to our birth and the help in making our birth plan was invaluable.
Grainne’s steady approach was so reassuring during a time of so many unknowns and potentially worrying things. We then had a long 3 day labour which Grainne was with us throughout and was an integral part of welcoming our daughter to the world. I wouldn’t ever want to do this again without Grainne. Grainne’s warmth and humour is infectious and exactly way you want during this time. I’ll never know how she made a very long labor have some
Of my most treasured memories. Her and my husband laughing and telling stories kept me going through labour
We’re so grateful to have had Grainne as our doula. Her calm, supportive presence and guidance throughout the birth of our baby boy made all the difference. She helped us feel confident and empowered, and truly facilitated a positive birth experience. Thank you, Grainne!
Grainne was recommended to us and so glad we were connected! We wanted a post partum doula, with no family around and having NO experience with babies I needed a seasoned hand! The advice Grainne shared before (and texts during!!) Labour were invaluable and definitely contributed to achieving a calm and beautiful water birth at the birth centre of my choice (at 42+2).
After our son arrived Grainne gave excellent advice around feeding, and was so reassuring to us as new parents. We had no idea if we were doing the right thing and appreciated her telling us we didn’t need her anymore! I really needed to hear that!!
Our little one had the best start in life and Grainne definitely contributed to that. Next time can’t come soon enough and I hope for a home birth and would LOVE Grainne to be at my side.
Edit: 18 months on we had our home birth and indeed Grainne was by my side. Helped me to stay calm despite being nearly 3 weeks beyond my due date and navigate the medical system to ensure an outcome best for my little one and I. I had a wonderful birth in the pool in our bedroom and wasn’t transferred to hospital, so was tucked up in my own bed 3 hrs post partum. Thank you so much!!
Write a review
