My name is Lauren Mishcon, I live in North London with my husband and two sons, Max (born in 2004) and Zak (born in 2006).

I'm a former Montessori teacher who then went on to work in a West End actors agency. The birth of my sons had a profound effect on me and since then I have felt a strong desire to help other women to achieve their own empowering, positive experience of birth.

After hearing a programme on Radio 4 about the role of doulas, I realised this was the way I could support women on their journey from "tummy to mummy."

In May 2007, I completed my training with Nurturing Birth, and went through the assessment and recognition process with Doula UK. I am a Recognised Doula with Doula UK.

My philosophy is that there is no right or wrong - childbirth just happens! and being open to it and feeling informed, safe and secure enough to let go is the best way to achieve a positive birth.
My ideal scenario is for a woman to labour in a safe, quiet environment of her choosing, with as few distractions and disturbances as possible. My aim is to make sure she feels safe and informed at all times and that she and her partner are continuously supported throughout.

As well as working as a doula, I write freelance about birth for Juno magazine and others and I was the Doula Expert for Pregnancy & Birth Magazine from 2009-2011.

Training

In April 2007 I completed the birth and postnatal course with Nurturing Birth. It covered all aspects of birth, postnatal care and breastfeeding.

In September 2007 I attended a Water Birth Study Day at The Active Birth Centre with Janet Balaskas - the leading pioneer of Active Birth and Water Birth.

January 2008 I attended a homeopathic study day at the Chaim Centre in North London with Nicola Berman & Malgosia Zamolska-Settles which focused on using remedies to help pregnant and labouring women.

May 2008 I completed my ongoing recognition process with Doula UK and was awarded ‘Recognised Doula’ status.

March 2009 I attended a study day with expert obstetrician and author Michel Odent

April 2009 I attended the Advanced breast feeding course with Sue Saunders.

May 2011 I attended the First Aid and Resuscitation Course with Ann Herreboudt.

For more information on Doulas please see:
www.doula.org.uk

To read an article about my life as a doula originally featured in The Jewish Chronicle, please click here.