Laureen Eaton holding a newborn baby with gentle care

About Laureen Eaton

Hello, I'm Laureen. I am a mother of five wonderful children, grandmother to eight gorgeous grandchildren, and a passionate advocate for empowering women through their birth journey.

My Philosophy

I believe deeply in the innate ability of women to birth their babies. While medical interventions certainly have their place, I've witnessed that most women, when provided with loving support and compassionate care, can give birth without unnecessary intervention. Birth is not a medical emergency, it's a natural, transformative life event.

My Journey to Becoming a Doula

My journey into doula work began with a profound moment. After having the privilege of attending the birth of one of my grandchildren, the midwife observed that I would make an ideal birth partner. This comment sparked something within me - a realization that I could use my life experience to help other women achieve positive, empowering birth experiences.

I wanted other mothers to look back on their births with joy and fulfillment, rather than trauma or regret. This desire led me to train as both a birth and postnatal doula in 2007, and I haven't looked back since.

What I Bring to Your Birth

When I enter your birthing space, I bring more than just professional training. I bring a calming, loving presence that has been cultivated through:

  • Over 10 years of professional doula experience
  • More than 50 births supported across various settings
  • Personal experience as a mother of five and grandmother of eight
  • Comprehensive training in birth support, breastfeeding, and postnatal care
  • A genuine passion for empowering women and their families

My aim is to equip you with knowledge so you can make informed decisions about your birth. I provide both you and your partner with the care, support, and encouragement you deserve, helping to make your birth experience positive, joyful, and memorable for all the right reasons.

Professional Qualifications

I hold the following professional certifications and qualifications:

  • Certified Birth Doula with Nurturing Birth
  • Recognised Doula with Doula UK (adhering to their philosophy and code of conduct)
  • Full Professional Liability Insurance
  • DBS (CRB) Checked for your peace of mind

My Background in Education

Before becoming a doula, I spent many years in education. I am a qualified infant teacher and taught until my first baby arrived. Following this, I became a supervisor at our local playgroup, where I remained involved for many years.

Later, I pursued a different direction and trained to teach ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages). For sixteen years, I worked as an Adult Education tutor, with six of those years on a voluntary basis. This background in education has given me strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex information in accessible, supportive ways.

Continuing Professional Development

I am committed to staying current with best practices in maternity care. My ongoing professional development includes:

Recent Training & Conferences

  • Developing Doulas Breastfeeding Case Studies Workshop with Maddie McMahon (February 2018)
  • Surrey and Sussex Annual Breastfeeding Conference with Dr Coleman Greenway (neonatal consultant) and Mark Harris RMD (September 2017)
  • Homebirth Conference - 'Inspiring Women' featuring Ina May Gaskin and Sheena Byron (March 2016)
  • Supporting Every Birth Workshop focusing on pregnancy and infant loss with Michelle Every (November 2014)
  • Rebozo Workshop with Stacia Smates Hill (October 2014)
  • Breastfeeding Study Day - Developing Doulas (2014)
  • Spinning Babies Study Day with Gail Tully (June 2013)
  • Twins Course with Naomi Kemeny (September 2011)
  • Waterbirth Study Day with midwife Dianne Garland (October 2010)
  • Study Day with Michel Odent, leading obstetrician (March 2009)
  • Nurturing Birth Breastfeeding Workshop - Level 2
  • Nurturing Birth Experienced Birth Doula Workshop - Level 2 (May 2009)
  • Nurturing Birth Doula and Postnatal Doula Training Course (April 2008)

Birth Experience Across Multiple Settings

I have extensive hands-on experience supporting births in various environments:

Hospital Births

I have supported families at:

  • Worthing Hospital
  • East Surrey Hospital
  • St Richard's Hospital, Chichester
  • The Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath

Home Births & Birthing Centres

I am equally comfortable supporting births in home settings and birthing centres. I have attended numerous home births and can provide a birthing pool if you choose a water birth at home.

Diverse Birth Experiences

My experience includes supporting:

  • Induced labours
  • Births with epidurals
  • Caesarean births (planned and emergency)
  • VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)
  • Water births
  • Completely natural, intervention-free births

This breadth of experience means I can support you regardless of how your birth unfolds. I meet you where you are and adapt my support to your unique needs and circumstances.

The Wisdom of Experience

Being a mother of five and grandmother many times over has given me invaluable insight into the journey of parenthood. Combined with the knowledge I gain from each birth I attend, I can offer you a wealth of practical information and emotional support as you navigate childbirth and the early days of parenthood.

Every birth teaches me something new, and I bring this accumulated wisdom to support your family with compassion, patience, and understanding.

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