About BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing

Your local Doula & Award Winning Hypnobirthing Teacher in Leeds, York & Wakefield

Birth & Postnatal Doula Support & Antenatal Hypnobirthing Courses in Yorkshire

Supporting families to take control of their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey and to have positive experiences in ways that they desire.

Hello, I'm Julia!

I am the founder and proud owner of BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing. I am an experienced, fully qualified and Recognised Birth and Recognised Postnatal Doula. (Having gone through the mentoring process with Doula UK). I offer antenatal, birth and postnatal Doula support to families in Leeds, York, the Yorkshire area and online. I am also a fully trained and certified hypnobirthing teacher, winning a Prestige Award for Hypnobirthing Specialist of the year 2026/2027.

I offer hypnobirthing courses to families in person and online and I can support you through all stages of your pregnancy and birth journey, offering continuity of care. Continuity of care means that you receive care from the same person throughout your pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum period. Continuity of care has proven to improve outcomes for families and increase positive experiences.

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In addition to my role as a Doula and Hypnobirthing Teacher, I am also the Co-Chair for Leeds Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership. I help families across Leeds and Leeds maternity trust, to improve maternity services across the city.

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What is a Doula?

Yorkshire Life: Raising A Family In Leeds When I am Not Working As A Doula

I live with my family in Yorkshire, in a village called Sherburn in Elmet. It is situated half way between Leeds and York and it is a fabulous place to live. It is a rural area, with a great community and brilliant network links to Leeds, York, Wakefield and Harrogate.

I have two children, plus one cat and one dog. Both of my children were born at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust - St James's University Hospital. My first baby was delivered via an unplanned caesarean section and my second baby was a beautiful, positive vaginal birth (VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean). After having a caesarean section for the birth of my first child, I was determined that my second baby would be a vaginal delivery.

As a family, we love going to theme parks and we are huge Disney fans! I would say Disney World is definitely my happy place!

I love living in Leeds, with its large community and vibrant feel, it is such a great city to work and bring up children in. From the beautiful countryside in the Yorkshire Dales and the exciting nightlife and delicious restaurants in Leeds city centre, what is there not to love!?

When I am not supporting families, I enjoy being outside in nature or eating in nice restaurants. I am very lucky to live on the doorstep of Lotherton Hall, so as a member I can visit here often with my kids and dog. I am also a member of Harewood House. I love how the different seasons change the experience at Harewood House. Each visit feels new and beautiful and I love the calming, relaxing energy that it gives me.

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Maternity is where my heart is...

I have lived in Leeds for over 18 years and I moved to the area a couple of years after completing my university degree in Sheffield. Having completed a degree in Food Marketing Management and a Masters degree in Food & Consumer Safety, I moved to Leeds and started working at head office for a large supermarket chain. Despite spending over a decade planning and forecasting produce and working within the supply chain, my heart has always belonged within maternity. Ever since I was a little girl I have been obsessed with all things pregnancy and birth. After having my 2nd child, it was time to follow my heart and start making a difference to maternity services. As much as it is a complex process managing stock levels and making sure that there are enough tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces on the shelves in over 400 UK stores, changing lives for pregnant families and new parents gives me greater satisfaction, greater achievement and helps to make birth better.

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Every Family Deserves A Supported, Empowered Birth

Here to support you - From Bump to Birth and Beyond

If you are currently pregnant or recently had a baby in or near Leeds, then huge congratulations! You are in the right place. I am extremely passionate about supporting women and families during pregnancy, birth and beyond. As an expert in my field, I can make you feel calm, supported, informed and in control during your birth. Previous clients have said that I am a "great listener", that they would "recommend me to friends and family". That I "subtly empowered them to have a positive birth experience". That I helped them make their birth "such a positive, beautiful, empowering experience and they would not have been without me." I feel honoured to be able to work with women and families and to be able to share my expertise.

I have been working as a Doula for over 5 years and I have supported a variety of births in that time. I've supported families who have vaginal births, home births, caesarean section, induced births, twins, natural births, couples going through IVF, first time parents, parents to subsequent babies, water births, hospital births, vaginal births after caesarean (VBAC), women who are classed as "high risk" and women with gestational diabetes.

I am also a VBAC Specialist, having gone through VBAC training with the VBAC Hub. As a VBAC Mama myself, I understand first-hand how challenging it can be to navigate the maternity system while considering a VBAC. Trying to weigh up the risks and benefits of a VBAC versus a repeat caesarean can often feel overwhelming and confusing. My role is to help you access clear, evidence-based information so that you can feel confident and empowered to make an informed decision.

To support families on this journey, I have created a comprehensive VBAC course specifically for those planning a VBAC. The course includes a detailed VBAC workbook and covers everything you need to know about your options, helping you better understand the evidence, prepare for birth, and make informed decisions with confidence. Alongside the course, I can provide personalised support throughout your pregnancy, offering guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear every step of the way, so you never have to navigate your VBAC journey alone.

Wherever and however you birth your baby, I will support your choices and help you to make informed decisions that are right for you and your baby.

Connecting You with Trusted Birth and Baby Experts

Over the years of working as a Doula, I have built up strong, trusted connections with other birth and baby professionals. This means that my support doesn't stop with the services that I personally offer. If you need additional guidance, specialist care or complimentary support, I can confidently connect you with experienced professionals that I know and trust. My network of recommended professionals and I are all here to support you on your journey.

Explore Local Trusted Experts

Certified Award Winning Hypnobirthing Teacher

My Hypnobirthing teacher training was completed through Love Your Birth Hypnobirthing Teacher Training. This means that I am a fully certified and an accredited hypnobirthing teacher.

BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing is also an award winning business. In 2026 I won Hypnobirthing Specialist of the year, winning a Prestige Award. Prestige Awards are given to businesses and individuals who consistently deliver outstanding products and services, recognising small and medium-sized enterprises that have demonstrated excellence in their market over the past 12 months.

My hypnobirthing teacher training course has given me so many amazing tools and knowledge that I love to share with expectant parents, including birth partners, to help them to have a great birthing experience. Whether you are looking for doula support, antenatal classes or Hypnobirthing courses, I can help your family to make informed decisions, increase your odds of having a positive birthing experience and learn how to navigate parenthood. I have a very calm, nurturing and empathetic personality and I want more families to have positive experiences whether that's during IVF, pregnancy, birth or parenthood.

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Discover Doula Support

Learn about Hypnobirthing courses

Why I Love My Work As A Doula...

I absolutely love working as a Doula. I'm passionate about all things pregnancy, birth and postpartum. If you'd like to talk about your own journey, whether you are expecting, preparing for birth or navigating life with a newborn, I'm here to listen without judgement, support you with evidence-based information and help you to feel more confident and empowered every step of the way. Let's chat and work together to increase your chances of having a positive and fulfilling birth experience.

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Certifications & Memberships

I am always seeking to enhance and update my existing knowledge. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development, so that I can support you with the highest level of care and expertise.

Certification

Trained & certified Antenatal, Birth & Postnatal Doula (Red Tent Doula training)
Qualified & certified Hypnobirthing Teacher (Love Your Birth Teacher Training)
Introduction to Breastfeeding support (Red Tent Doula training)
Trained in supporting Neurodivergent Birth (ND Birth)
Trained in Aromatherapy for birth (Aromatherapy For Childbirth)
Trained in Biomechanics for birth (Shellie Poulter The Serenity Doula)
Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management
BSc (Hons) Food Marketing Management
MSc Food and Consumer Safety

Memberships

Doula UK Member - Doula UK Registered Doula

As a member of Doula UK and a recognised birth and postnatal Doula, I have completed my initial training, as well as further development to achieve recognised status. This means that I am considered an experienced Doula by Doula UK, having demonstrated a high level of knowledge, commitment and ongoing professional growth.

FEDANT (Federation of Antenatal Educators) registered. National Registration number: 13852

FEDANT is the national regulator in the antenatal and postnatal sector. As a FEDANT Registered professional you can be assured that I adhere to rigorous standards of education and practice, demonstrating my commitment to excellence when guiding you through the exciting journey of pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Check my FEDANT Registration status Here.