Birth Doula Support in Liverpool & the North West

I'm Cathie, The Hypno Doula — a birth doula, hypnobirthing teacher and qualified hypnotherapist, with additional training in biomechanics for birth.

I support all kinds of births, from homebirth and physiological birth to induction, epidural birth, planned Caesarean and everything in between. I'm not here to tell you what the 'right' birth looks like. I'm here to help you understand your options, make decisions that feel right for you and have someone firmly in your corner.

Birth support is available either with me individually or through my new shared-care partnership with Lauren, The Leopard Print Doula.

After supporting our first birth together, we realised just how naturally our skills and approach complemented one another.

Shared care means you’ll get to know both Cathie and Lauren during pregnancy, so when labour begins, the doula who comes to you is already someone you know and trust.

Cathie primarily provides daytime birth support, while Lauren primarily covers overnight call-outs, with flexibility and handover between us where needed.

For you, that means continuity of care without relying on one person to somehow remain fresh, focused and fully present throughout an unpredictable or particularly long labour.

The reassurance of two doulas in your corner

A collaborative birth support service from The Hypno Doula & The Leopard Print Doula

We will divide the 'on call' time between us, generally split between day/night on call. This allows us to be more ready when you give us that call.

You'll have both of us in your corner throughout pregnancy, with someone there to answer your questions, support you when you need it and provide fresh, focused support during birth

🌙 Lauren
The Leopard Print Doula
Primarily overnight support

☀️ Cathie
The Hypno Doula
Primarily daytime support

Will I meet both Cathie and Lauren before my birth?

Yes. That's an important part of shared care. You'll get to know both of us during pregnancy, and we'll both know you, your birth preferences and what's important to you. That means whoever comes to support you when labour begins is already a familiar face — not a back-up doula you've never met.

How does the day and night shared-care system work?

Cathie primarily covers daytime birth support and Lauren primarily covers overnight call-outs. If your labour continues across day and night, we can hand over between us when appropriate. Birth doesn't run to a timetable, so there's flexibility in how this works in practice — the aim is always to give you continuous, calm support from someone who knows you and is fresh enough to properly support you.

Will both doulas be at my birth?

It really depends. Shared care means we share responsibility for being on call and supporting your birth rather than both attending for the whole labour. Depending on the circumstances, there may be some overlap, and we will do our best to ensure our needs are met and that may mean us both being there at some point, e.g. to set up your birth room if you are birthing at home, but you shouldn't expect two doulas to be present throughout.

What happens if the doula who is meant to be on call isn't available?

One of the big advantages of shared care is that there are already two doulas who know you and your birth preferences. If illness, another birth or something unexpected affects one of us, we have much more flexibility to make sure you're supported.

Do you only support homebirths?

Not at all. We support births at home, in midwife-led units and in hospital. We can also support you if you're planning an induction, epidural birth, VBAC or Caesarean. Our role isn't to push you towards a particular type of birth — it's to help you feel informed, prepared and supported in the choices that are right for you.

What does a doula actually do during labour?

Sometimes it's hands-on support such as massage, counter-pressure, Rebozo, positioning, biomechanics, acupressure or helping you find ways to stay comfortable. Sometimes it's helping your birth partner know what to do, keeping the environment calm, reminding you of your preferences or helping you understand what's being offered. And sometimes it's making tea, holding a hand and being the calm person in the room when everything feels a bit much.

Will you speak to doctors or midwives for me?

We don't make decisions or speak for you, but we can help you understand your options, remind you of questions you wanted to ask and give you space to think before making decisions where clinically appropriate. A big part of our antenatal preparation is helping you feel confident using your own voice and understanding informed consent.

Does having a doula replace my birth partner?

Absolutely not. We're there to support them too. They know and love you in a way we never could; we bring birth experience and practical knowledge. We can help them know how to support you, give them reassurance and allow them to eat, rest or go to the loo without feeling they're abandoning you. Ideally, we work as a team.

When do you go on call for my birth?

We agree your on-call period and exactly how to contact us as part of your package. We'll make sure you know what happens when you think labour may be starting, when to update us and when you might want one of us to join you.

What if my birth plans change?

Then we adapt. Birth can be unpredictable, which is one reason we spend time during pregnancy talking about your preferences and your options if things take a different path. Our support isn't dependent on you achieving a particular kind of birth.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes. We offer payment plans and paying by instalments can easily be arranged. We ask that everything is paid up in full by the time we go on call ( 2 weeks before EDD). Please do contact us if you are wanting to book us late in your pregnancy and we can come to an agreement.

Training

The Doula Training Foundation

I trained with The Doula Training Foundation (DTF) — one of the UK’s most respected and comprehensive doula training organisations. Their approach combines evidence-based knowledge with emotional intelligence and reflective practice, ensuring doulas are not only skilled in birth support, but also deeply attuned to the emotional and psychological needs of families.

My DTF training emphasised the importance of compassionate, non-judgemental care and informed choice — values that sit at the heart of everything I do. It also encouraged ongoing growth and mentorship, which means I continue learning and reflecting to offer the very best support to each family I work with.

Doula UK

I’m proud to be a mentored doula with Doula UK — the largest network of doulas in the country, recognised for its high standards of care and ongoing professional development. Being mentored means I’m continually supported by an experienced doula while I grow and refine my practice, ensuring families receive the very best, evidence-based, and compassionate support.

Doula UK Access Fund

I’m also listed on the Doula UK Access Fund, which helps make doula care available to families who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Every family deserves to feel supported, respected, and empowered during pregnancy and birth — and being part of this initiative allows me to offer that care more inclusively. If this is something that could help you, you can get referred by a healthcare professional. As part of the Access Fund we complete additional training around vulnerable clients, Data Protection and other important considerations.

Biomechanics

I trained in birth biomechanics with Optimal Birth, led by midwife Molly O’Brien, a pioneer in applying the study of human movement to support physiological birth. This training gave me a deep understanding of how a baby moves through the pelvis, how maternal posture and tension can influence labour, and how subtle adjustments can make birth easier and safer. I have also done additional training with Birth Ready Method (BRM) with Lindsay McColl.

Rebozo

I trained in the traditional art of Rebozo with Blissful Birthing TN, a respected resource for birth professionals. This training taught me how to use the rebozo — a traditional Mexican shawl — to support comfort, balance, and optimal positioning during pregnancy and birth. Techniques like rebozo sifting, the sidelying release, and forward-leaning inversions can help ease discomfort, encourage baby rotation, and create space in the pelvis, all while promoting a calm and supportive environment.

Hypnobirthing

I trained in hypnobirthing with EasiBirthing, a UK-based programme founded by Sharon Mustard, a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist with over 25 years of experience supporting families from conception through to parenthood. EasiBirthing combines evidence-based hypnosis techniques with a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of birth, empowering individuals and couples to approach childbirth with confidence, calm, and control.