Birth Doula Support in Shropshire

Steph is combining her knowledge and expertise to provide support throughout your pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Stephanie Flynn founder of Birthnerd. Doula, antenatal teacher and breastfeeding counsellor

Birth stays with you. The way you're supported through it — heard, informed, never rushed — shapes not just the day itself, but how you remember it for the rest of your life.

As your doula, I'm there for all of it: the questions at 2am, the decisions you didn't see coming, the moment you meet your baby. Calm, continuous, one-to-one support through pregnancy, birth and the early days — built entirely around you.

The difference: a doula who's also a former NHS midwife. Most doulas offer warmth, advocacy and experience. I bring all of that — and something most can't: years inside the maternity system as an NHS midwife.

I know how birth physiologically works, and I know how the system works — the language, the routines, the decisions, the pressure points. I'm confident liaising with midwives and doctors, and I'll help you understand your options and communicate your choices so you feel respected and in control, whatever turn your birth takes.

I support every kind of birth, with no agenda about how yours should look — from a planned home birth to a scheduled caesarean and everything between. What matters to me is that you were informed, supported, and treated with respect.

How I support you

Through pregnancy — We get to know each other properly. I help you prepare, explore your choices, work through any fears or previous experiences, and build a picture of the birth you'd like — and the options if things change. During birth — Continuous, unwavering presence. I'm with you from early labour onwards, supporting you and your partner with practical tools, calm reassurance, and a steady, knowledgeable hand throughout.

In the early days — Support doesn't stop when your baby arrives. I'm there for the tender, foggy first days — feeding, recovery, and finding your feet.

Doula Packages

Before The Birth

This is perfect if you are not looking for birth support but want education and support throughout the pregnancy. It includes a full birth and parent preparation education, plus helps you understand and navigate the maternity system. This will open up all of your choices and options and give you the confidence to communicate with your health care providers. This plan includes: 8 sessions together, 2 hours in length I can accompany you to your midwife and doctor appointments Tailored birth plan Access to my book lending library Email and text support until labour £850

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Basic Birth Support

This is perfect if you don't need as much support during the pregnancy but want support for the birth. This plan includes: 2 x 2 hour antenatal sessions A place on a Group Birth Preparation+ Course 1 x post birth visit Birth on call for 14 days before and after your due date Birth pool loan (if available) Tens machine loan Phone and email support until two weeks post birth £1895

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Pregnant woman in labour, labor, during childbirth, giving birth, birthing pool, water ba

Full Birth Support

This is a hand hold throughout pregnancy, birth and post birth. I will be with you every step of the way. This plan includes: 8 pregnancy sessions together, 2 hours in length. During these sessions we will cover the Birth Preparation+ course and extensive infant feeding workshop. I can accompany you to your midwife and doctor appointments Tailored birth plan Birth on-call 14 days before and after your due date. Access to my book lending library Email and text support until labour Birth pool loan (if available) Tens Machine loan 6 hours post birth support Phone and email support until 6 weeks post birth. £2595

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A mother holding a newborn baby at home, bare feet in the foreground..jpg

Post Birth Support

Taking your baby home can be one of the most exciting yet nerve racking things you can do. Having a knowledgable and safe second pair of hands can be really reassuring and helpful. Here are the many ways I can help: Infant feeding support. I am a fully trained and accredited breastfeeding counsellor and infant feeding specialist. Providing emotional support for the whole family Allowing mum and partner time to rest and recoup Provide company Tailored services to be added as per family needs 8 hours - £422

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I actually find it really hard to describe what I do as a doula or to at least summarise for a web page!

I have the knowledge and experience to hold a room and support even if the shit hits the fan, and the ‘plan’ goes wildly off course.

I am the calm in the storm.

I am your rock.

I understand the rhythm of the room, the rhythm of birth and the rhythm of the maternity system.

By having me as your doula, it frees you up as a couple to be able to labour together whilst I spin the plates, project manage, and do the invisible work. This is the work I know and understand. The ‘work’ that a birth partner with all the positive will in the World doesn’t know or understand, and something a birthing woman should never have to.

It is a complementary role to the support team a mother already has.

I can morph and change into whatever you need me to be in that moment.

When I first arrive at the birth, I will often very gently rest my hand on the mum, whisper a hello and let her know that I am there and that she is safe. I then glance at the dad, and they are often so happy and relieved that I am now there to support and hold the space, to allow the couple to be together.

But most of all, I am fully invested in you, and I will be with you every step of the way.

Why a doula makes a difference — the evidence

This isn't just lovely to have.

It's one of the most well-evidenced choices you can make for your birth. A major Cochrane review of 27 studies (nearly 16,000 women) found that continuous support during labour — and especially support from a doula — is associated with:

a greater likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
shorter labours
less use of pain medication and epidurals
fewer caesarean and instrumental (forceps/ventouse) births
better five-minute Apgar scores for babies
people feeling more positive about their birth experience

Crucially, the review found no evidence of any harm from having continuous support — and that the benefits were greatest when that support came from someone in a doula role. Source: Bohren et al., Continuous support for women during childbirth, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017.

Before booking one of the birth doula packages, I would love to meet you for a coffee and a friendly chat.

It is a huge honour to be welcomed into your life at such a special and vulnerable point. It is really important that you meet me to ensure that we are the right fit for your needs and wants during your birth journey.

My availability books up incredibly fast, so please don't hesitate to contact me.