Hello again.
You’ve probably figured out by now that I live in the lovely town of Linlithgow, in West Lothian, with my husband, our three kids, and Misty Copeland the cat (who thinks she runs the place). I work as a birth doula, mainly supporting families across Edinburgh, West Lothian, Fife, and occasionally a bit further when needed.
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I’m trained as a doula, birth educator, and baby massage teacher, and I’ve also done extra training in breastfeeding support, babywearing, and a bunch of other bits that help me support new parents in a way that’s practical, informed and genuinely useful. My background’s in Psychology, which definitely comes in handy too. Oh — and I speak French (pretty well) and German (just enough to get through a a debate on who makes the best sausages).
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Outside of doula life, I’m usually either doing the mum taxi thing or attempting to have a bit of a life in whatever way feels right : I love being out in the garden, going for a jog (slowly), hiking, wild swimming, or pretending I can paddleboard (standing up is still a work in progress). That makes me sound super outdoorsy, but don’t be fooled—I also love greasy pizza, box sets, and a solid sofa night. Honestly, I thrive in both worlds.
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I try to keep myself properly up to date in the birth world too. I join regular Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) meetings for the Lothians, and I’ve taken extra training around LGBTQIA+ inclusion, racism in maternity care, postnatal mental health, and more. I’m part of a few ongoing learning groups, and I genuinely love staying curious and reflective in this work.
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As your doula — whether you’re local to me in West Lothian, based in Edinburgh, or a bit further afield — I’ll show up ready to support your choices, your preferences, and your birth. I’ll be in your corner from start to finish, helping you feel confident, informed, and listened to — whatever kind of birth you’re planning (or end up having). I know it sounds a bit fluffy to say I want you to feel proud of your birth experience… but I do. And I’ll do everything I can to help that happen.
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Qualifications
Truthfully? I’m not convinced this list tells you much about what kind of doula I actually am. This work isn’t regulated, and having a bunch of certificates doesn’t necessarily mean someone’s the right fit for you. That comes from conversations, recommendations, and just getting a sense of whether we’d work well together — if you feel I’d have your back when it counts.
But if you are curious, here’s a quick look at some of the training I’ve done over the years, although I've got a bit lazy about keeping it up to date :
2017 - The Daisy foundation
Perinatal Educator
- Antenatal classes and workshops (including pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing through movement and birth hypnosis).
- Baby Massage & Baby Yoga classes
- Postnatal support classes
2018 - Breastfeeding network
Breastfeeding Helper
(trained as a member of the Midlothian Breastfeeding Alliance)
2019 - Slingababy
Babywearing Peer Supporter
2020 - Aromatherapy Diploma
An understanding of essential oils, anatomy, massage theory and techniques and aromatherapy practices.
2021 - red tent doulas
Birth Doula Training
2021 - Beyond Bea
Baby Loss Training
2021 - Mia Scotland
Postnatal Mental Health for birth professionals: Understanding problems for new families, know what to look for and make a difference.
2021 - The Queer Birth Club
LGBT Competency in Birth and Beyond
2022 - Optimal Birth
Biomechanics for Birth - understanding biomechanics and physiology of birth, techniques to help the pelvis and baby move into better positions for birth.
" I was so impressed with Julia’s knowledge of physiology,
psychology and general emotional factors around birth. "