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Jilly Clarke - Birth Doula in Hertfordshire, North London and West Essex
The pregnancy and birth support you need - to trust your body, your choices,
your birth
You’ve been to antenatal appointments, listened carefully, and still left feeling like you’re missing something
You’ve taken it in and then found yourself going back over it later, thinking:
What did that actually mean for me?
Because you’re being given information.
But not: how it connects to you, how it plays out in real time, or what to do with it when things start to change
So you start filling in the gaps yourself.
Searching Google, saving social media posts, replaying conversations afterwards, trying to work out what applies to you — and what doesn’t.
And underneath all of that, a constant loop: "Is this normal?", "Am I overreacting?", "Will I know what to do when it matters?
This is the part the NHS maternity system doesn't prepare you for
What happens in your body when contractions intensify and your focus starts to shift.
In labour, there are specific moments where things can change quickly.
* A contraction builds and your instinct is to tense against it instead of moving with it
* Someone walks into the room and your attention shifts to them, pulling you out of your rhythm
* You’re asked a question you weren’t expecting, and suddenly you’re thinking instead of feeling
* You reach a point where the intensity peaks and your first thought is: I don’t know if I can keep doing this
These are the moments where labour can start to feel harder, faster, and less manageable.
Your breathing gets quicker, more shallow.
Your shoulders lift, your body tenses.
Your body subtly braces against the contraction instead of with it.
How we work together during labour with me as your doula
You are the one giving birth. You lead what’s happening in your body.
My role — alongside your birth partner — is to support you to stay connected to that.
That looks like:
* noticing when your breathing changes and helping you bring it back
* suggesting small position shifts to keep your body working with contractions
* stepping in when the room shifts — so you’re not pulled into conversations mid-contraction
* reminding you what your body is already doing when things feel uncertain
Your partner is part of this too. They’re not trying to work it out in the moment — they’ve already practised how to support you.
This is a team. You are at the centre of it.
What it feels like to work together
You’re not carrying everything in your head on your own.
You’re not piecing things together from different places, or second-guessing whether you’ve understood something properly
in a 10 minute appointment.
There’s space to ask the questions you didn’t get to ask in midwife appointments.
Time to go deeper than surface-level explanations, to get deep into how everything connects together.
You've spent time with someone who is looking at your pregnancy as a whole — not just one appointment at a time.
As birth gets closer, that background "what if", the overthinking, starts to settle.
The feeling that you need to prepare for every possible version of how this could go, eased.
From our time together, you understand your body. You understand your options.
And you’ve been practising how you want to move through it for months now. It feels second nature.
When labour begins, you’re not trying to work out what’s happening on your own.
You don’t have to decide in isolation whether to stay home or go in.
There’s someone you can check in with — who already knows you, your pregnancy, and what matters to you.
And when things intensify — this is where most people feel the difference.
You’re not searching the room for reassurance. You’re at the centre, dictating the pace.
Because there’s someone there who can:
* recognise what your body is doing before you can put it into words
* help you shift position if something isn’t working
* guide your breathing when everything ramps up
* hold the space if conversations feel overwhelming or unclear
And your partner isn’t on the outside trying to hold everything together. They’re with you. Part of it. Supported too.
Afterwards, you’re not left alone with the experience.
We go through it. Make sense of it. Support your recovery.
So you don’t just get through birth. You understand it.
About me and how I support you as your doula
This is preparation, continuity, and support that carries you all the way through.
Because this isn’t just about birth. It is about how you feel during it.
But it's also about how you remember the biggest day of your life, every day, for the rest of your life.
Birth impacts how you step into parenthood.
You have someone by your side who:
* understands your hopes, your wishes, who knows how your body copes under strain and how you respond under pressure
* knows your preferences without you having to explain them during labour
* can help you stay steady if things shift — physically, emotionally, or in the room
During pregnancy.
We prepare in a way that makes sense when you’re actually in labour. Not just information — but how to use it.
We cover:
* how your body works in labour, so nothing feels random
* how to respond when intensity builds, so you’re not fighting it
* positions, movement and breathing that support progress
* your preferences, options and how to navigate conversations within the NHS system
Your partner is fully included in this. So they know how to support you — physically and emotionally — without second-guessing themselves.
You’ll also have access to my full antenatal and hypnobirthing course, so you can revisit and deepen your understanding in your own time.
On call for your birth.
From 38 weeks, I’m on call for you day and night.
That means:
* you can check in as things start to change
* you’re not deciding in isolation whether to stay home or go in
* you have continuity from someone who already knows you
During labour and birth.
I join you when you need me — at home, in hospital, or both. And I stay.
No shift changes. No handovers.
I support you and your partner to:
* stay connected to what your body is doing
* adapt when things change
* keep momentum when things feel uncertain or intense
This includes hands-on support, positioning, breath guidance, and protecting your space so you can stay focused on your labour.
And your partner is supported too. Clear on how to help. Able to stay connected to you, instead of trying to manage everything alone.
After your baby is born.
Support doesn’t stop at birth.
We take time to:
* go through your birth and make sense of it
* support feeding and early recovery - I can help with sleep and babywearing too
* help you settle into those first weeks without feeling like you’ve been left to figure it out alone
You have continued support in those early days — when most people realise how much they actually need it.
Why continuous support makes a measurable difference to pregnancy and birth
This kind of support isn’t just something people say feels helpful.
It’s been studied extensively.
Continuous support in labour is associated with:
lower rates of caesarean and instrumental birth
reduced use of epidural and pharmacological pain relief
shorter labours
higher satisfaction with the birth experience
improved breastfeeding outcomes
Cochrane Review (Bohren et al., 2017):
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6/full
That’s what consistent, personalised support alongside standard maternity care can do.
But beyond the data, it comes back to something simpler.
You’re not left to navigate this alone.
Doula packages and pricing
Jilly - Hertfordshire and North London Doula packages
In-Person Doula Support - £2,300
In-person labour support, with tailored birth prep and postnatal care — plus access to additional expert-led resources
• Three private, in-person antenatal sessions to plan, prepare physically and emotionally
• On-call support from 38–42 weeks - available 24/7 for the birth, never more than 1hr away
• Full in-person support during labour and birth
• Two postnatal visits for feeding, emotional wellbeing and recovery support
• WhatsApp and phone support from booking to 2 weeks postpartum
PLUS access to:
• 10-week pregnancy yoga pass (worth £110)
• Full access to CubCare online parenting courses (worth £150+)
Perfect for:
Families who want personalised birth preparation, in-person continuity, and access to trusted resources and movement support to feel truly ready.
Continuity Doula Care - £3,000
The most complete doula experience — total continuity, every appointment, every decision, every stage
• Attendance at all key antenatal appointments (consultant, scans, midwife, hospital planning, etc.)
• Four private, in-person antenatal sessions including:
Birth preferences, mindset and emotional planning
Partner-focused session for birth roles, communication and teamwork
Nervous system and movement-based preparation
Postnatal planning and practical support prep
• On-call from 38–42 weeks - available 24/7 for the birth, never more than 1hr away
• Full in-person support during labour and birth
• Three postnatal visits tailored to your needs — feeding support, emotional processing, recovery care
• WhatsApp and phone support from booking to 6 weeks postpartum
PLUS access to:
• 10-week pregnancy yoga pass (worth £110)
• Access to CubCare’s full online parenting course library (worth £150+)
Perfect for:
Those who want to feel fully supported at every step — in appointments, in labour, in their recovery and transition to parenthood.
This is high-touch care from someone who’s all in on your story.
Other ways to work with me
Virtual Doula Support - Expert support, emotional grounding and tailored guidance — from wherever you are
If you’re not looking for full in-person doula care, I also offer virtual support.
This includes antenatal preparation, ongoing guidance through pregnancy, support in early labour, and a postnatal debrief.
This works well if you’re outside my area, want additional support alongside your care, or aren’t looking for in-person birth support.
I support all types of birth, including: high-risk pregnancies, hypermobility and chronic conditions, VBAC, previous difficult or
traumatic experiences. I don’t advocate for a specific type of birth.
I support you to understand your options, work with your body, and move through birth in a way that feels right for you.
Areas I cover: Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, St Albans, Harpenden, Watford, Hertford, Hitchin, Stevenage, Borehamwood, Barnet, North London and West Essex.
Birth locations include: Home births, Lister Hospital, Barnet Hospital, Watford General, Princess Alexandra Hospital (Harlow), Luton & Dunstable.
Book a call and we'll talk through where you are, what you need, and whether I’m the right person to support you.
Client Feedback
“Adrian said that everything you taught in the Antenatal Course came in really handy. He knew the stages I was going through and he knew how to deal with me and help me through it.”
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Rachel - Active Hypnobirthing Antenatal Course
“I felt completely in control for the entire 26 hour labour – I just felt so calm, the breaths were incredible and the consultant commented on how she couldn’t believe I’d refused an epidural. I felt confident enough to question and on occasion challenge recommendations of the midwives so that the birth ended up being as natural as possible! A very positive experience to look back on. Thank you!!”
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Stephanie - Active Hypnobirthing Antenatal classes
“We were so glad we chose this course. Comprehensive without being too overwhelming, and really set us up to feel prepared and react calmly to the inevitable hiccups of birth and the first days with a new baby.”
Aki - Antenatal Course Welwyn Garden City
Hi, I'm Jilly and I'm your doula...
I’ve supported hundreds of families through pregnancy, birth and parenting in over a decade in the industry.
But my journey started with my own.
After a difficult first birth, I realised how much was missing from the care and education I’d received. I did all the “right” things — NCT classes, reading the books, listening to the advice — but nothing prepared me for what it was really like to give birth in the NHS.
I knew I wanted something different next time.
So I trained. I immersed myself in hypnobirthing, biomechanics, active birth and movement science.
I learned how to advocate, how to plan for the unpredictable, and how to support people through the most powerful and vulnerable moments of their lives.
That personal transformation didn’t just come from learning new skills; it came from learning how to ask better questions.
Living with chronic conditions myself, I’ve spent years navigating medical systems that often overlook or oversimplify. It taught me how to research deeply, advocate clearly, and hold space for nuance and complexity. Skills that shape how I show up for my clients every day.
Second time around, my birth was calm, informed, and full of intention. A world away from the first. I still smile about it now, nine years on.
And I didn’t just birth differently. I parented differently. Because I felt strong, in control, and supported from the very beginning.
That’s what I want for you.
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, whether you're hoping for a home birth or planning a caesarean, I’m here to help you build a birth experience that reflects you — your values, your voice, your strength.
And I’ll be right there with you. In the lead-up. In the room. And in those early days when everything changes.
FAQs
What does a doula actually do?
A doula offers continuous emotional, physical, and practical support throughout pregnancy, labour, and early parenthood. I’m not a midwife — I don’t offer clinical care (I can't take blood, listen to your baby, or do the magical bump feeling to work out where baby is) — but I do everything else. I help you understand your choices, prepare for the birth you want, feel calm and grounded through labour, and navigate the early weeks with confidence. I’m the steady presence who doesn’t leave when the shift changes, who knows your birth preferences inside out, and who stays focused on you.
Can having a doula give me a better birth experience?
Yes — and not just in theory. Evidence shows that having continuous support from a doula can lead to shorter labours, fewer caesareans and interventions, less need for epidurals, and a higher likelihood of breastfeeding success. But beyond statistics, most people I support say the real difference is how they felt: safe, informed, and not alone. That emotional impact is just as important as the clinical outcomes — and it lasts.
(† Cochrane Reviews 2013 & 2017; MIDIRS 2014)
Do you support births at my local hospital or at home?
Most likely, yes. I support births at Lister Hospital (Stevenage), Barnet Hospital, Edgware Birth Centre, Princess Alexandra Hospital (Harlow) and Luton & Dunstable Hospital, as well as home births across Hertfordshire and surrounding Essex and North/North West London borders. If you're planning to give birth in one of these hospitals, or you're still deciding, I can help you prepare for what to expect at each location and how to make it work for you.
What does 'on-call' mean — and when are you available for me?
Being on-call means I’m available for you 24/7, day or night, from the start of your on-call period until your baby is born. That includes keeping my phone on at all times, staying local (no more than an hour away from you).
For most clients, I’m on-call from 38 to 42 weeks, and I remain in close contact with you in the lead-up so you never feel like you're facing this alone. Once labour starts, I’ll come to you — whether you’re at home or heading into hospital — and stay with you until your baby is born and you're settled.
What’s the difference between your antenatal sessions and the antenatal course?
My CubCare antenatal course is a structured, evidence-based group programme that covers everything from labour physiology to practical prep and postnatal care. When you work with me as a doula, you'll be able to attend those, and also receive private antenatal sessions, which are one-to-one and entirely tailored to you. These sessions go deeper — exploring your birth preferences, decision-making tools, fears, hopes, and practical techniques specific to your body, your baby, and your circumstances. As a doula client, you get the best of both worlds.
Can I have a doula if I'm planning a caesarean or being induced?
Absolutely. A doula’s role is to support you, not a specific kind of birth. If you're having a planned caesarean, I help you prepare emotionally and practically, support you on the day, and stay connected postnatally to help you process the experience and recover. If you're facing an induction, I help you understand your options, prepare for a potentially longer or more medicalised process, and stay calm and confident through it. Every birth deserves support — not just the "natural" ones.
Will you support my partner too?
Yes — wholeheartedly. Birth partners often feel a huge weight of responsibility, but aren’t always sure what to do or say. I support them just as much as I support you. During our antenatal sessions, I help your partner feel prepared, confident, and involved. During labour, I hold the practical and emotional space so they can focus on connecting with you, without needing to have all the answers.
How far do you travel and what areas do you cover as a doula?
I’m based in Welwyn Hatfield, and I support births throughout Hertfordshire and the surrounding area (The Hertfordshire/Essex borders, and parts of North and North West London). This includes home births and hospitals like Lister, Barnet, Harlow (Princess Alexandra), and Luton & Dunstable. If you’re unsure whether I cover your area, just ask — if I can’t be there in person, my Virtual Doula Support package may be the perfect fit.
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Based in Welwyn Hatfield, offering local pregnancy support and doula services across Hertfordshire: St Albans, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Potters Bar, Stevenage, Harpenden, Hitchin, Barnet, Mill Hill and surrounding areas.
Online antenatal and postnatal education available UK-wide.
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