Rowan Stead

My journey to becoming a doula began with my own experience of birth.

After the birth of my first daughter in 2022, I was left feeling somewhat shell-shocked. I hadn’t been offered clear, evidence-based options, and while I ultimately felt lucky to have a birth that was close to what I wanted, I later realised I had unknowingly experienced a cascade of interventions.

The transition into first-time motherhood was challenging. Looking back, I can see how much those early experiences shaped me. I was incredibly fortunate to have a strong support network—my wonderful husband and my naturally maternal sister—who encouraged me to breastfeed and reassured me that many of those early motherhood struggles were completely normal.

Later in 2022, I was diagnosed with an arthritic autoimmune disease, a moment that changed the trajectory of my life. From that point on, I began a deep journey of self-healing, self-education and self-understanding. learning to listen to my body and advocate for my needs.

During the same year I witnessed first hand how birth can create ripple effects that touch not only a new mother, but her entire family. Unfortunately, my sister experienced a traumatic birth with her first baby in 2022. Her recovery was long and the scars remain — both physically and emotionally. Her labour left her unheard and terrified, placed her in a critical medical situation and tragically stole sacred moments she should have shared with her new born.

Through remarkable resilience, she thrived as a mother. In 2023, I was honoured to attend the birth of her second beautiful baby boy , a deeply healing experience for us both. This journey became a powerful inspiration behind my path to becoming a doula.

When I fell pregnant with my second daughter in 2024, I was determined to have the birth I truly wanted—one that honoured my body and supported my recovery so I could remain active and present for my family. Through research, I felt strongly that a home birth was the best choice for me, allowing me to stay informed, supported and in control of my own destiny.

In May 2025, I experienced a truly magical home birth. It not only transformed my birth experience, but also how I transitioned into motherhood the second time around. I felt empowered, confident and deeply connected to myself and my baby—ready to fully embrace and enjoy my journey as a mother of two.

These experiences are what led me to become a doula. I am passionate about supporting women and their loved ones with compassionate, evidence-based care—so they feel informed, respected and empowered in their own birth journeys, whatever path they choose.

Doula Philosophy

These experiences are what ultimately led me to become a doula. I believe every birthing person deserves to feel heard, informed, respected and supported—regardless of where or how they choose to give birth. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you, offering compassionate, non-judgmental, evidence-based support so you can make informed choices that feel right for you.

I am passionate about protecting the birth space, supporting physiological birth where possible and helping families feel calm and confident. I value continuity of care, trust and listening. I am committed to supporting both women and their partners as a team.

Birth is not just a moment—it’s a lifelong memory. My goal is to help you look back on your experience feeling empowered, supported, and proud of the choices you made.

Informed Choice — Your Birth, Your Way
I believe every birthing person has the right to make informed decisions about their care. This means having access to clear, unbiased, evidence-based information so you can confidently choose what feels right for you and your family. Your body, your baby, your birth — your way.

Continuity of Care
Trust and connection matter. I believe consistent, continuous support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period creates a sense of safety, confidence and calm. By building a strong relationship, I can offer support that is personalised, grounded and responsive to your unique needs.

Evidence-Based Practice
I am committed to staying informed and up to date with current, evidence-based research. I believe knowledge is power. I use evidence not to direct your choices but to support you in making informed decisions that align with your personal circumstances.

Holistic Support
Birth and early motherhood affect the whole person — physically, emotionally, mentally and socially. I believe in supporting families holistically, recognising the importance of emotional wellbeing, nervous system regulation, environment and feeling safe and supported throughout the journey.

Advocacy & Autonomy
I believe every birthing person deserves to be heard and respected. I support informed consent, bodily autonomy and clear communication with care providers. As your doula, I help you feel confident to ask questions, voice your preferences and advocate for yourself within the maternity system.

Birth Support — All Paths, Fully Supported
I believe there is no single “right” way to give birth — only the way that is right for you. I am deeply committed to supporting physiological birth and protecting the body’s natural processes wherever possible, while also honouring the role of medical care when it is needed or chosen.

I support home births, where families seek a calm, familiar environment and continuity of care that supports physiological labour and birth.

I support hospital births, helping families navigate the medical system with confidence, ask informed questions, and create a sense of safety and autonomy within a clinical setting.

I support VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean), recognising the importance of evidence-based information, informed consent, and emotional support when preparing for birth after a previous caesarean. I believe VBAC is a valid and empowering option for many families and deserves respectful, knowledgeable support.

I support planned caesarean births, honouring that a calm, informed and intentional caesarean can be a positive and empowering birth experience. I advocate for gentle caesarean practices where possible, emotional support before, during and after birth.

Whether your birth unfolds at home or in hospital, vaginally or by caesarean, planned or unexpected, you deserve compassionate, informed and respectful care. My role is to support you through every birth journey with presence, advocacy and unwavering respect for your choices.

I am committed to walking alongside you with compassion, honesty, and unwavering support. I promise to provide evidence-based information without bias, to respect your autonomy and choices, and to hold space for you without judgement. I will advocate for your voice, protect your birth space, and support you through every twist and turn of pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. Above all, I am committed to helping you feel informed, empowered, and deeply supported — because you deserve to look back on your birth experience with confidence and pride.

• Undertaking Doula training with Birth Bliss Academy (Accredited by Doula UK, FEDANT and European Doula Network)