Birth Stories
Voices from mothers who gave birth in London.

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Every birth is unique. No two are the same.
We hope these voices offer you a little courage.

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ーReflecting on Birth—
interviews with mothers and fathers
Coming soon

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Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital (NHS · West London)

⚪ Our son arrived just seven hours after my first contraction——fast and intense. But I felt completely prepared, even excited, at the beginning of labour. He arrived not five minutes after I entered the birth pool. I did the whole thing without any pain medication, and I am certain I was able to accomplish this knowing that strong women like Junko had done this before me.
(2023)

⚪ When we made a birth plan together, Junko encouraged me to visualise a magical experience——and I was incredibly grateful that almost the whole vision became reality on the big day. We celebrated the pre-labour phase over breakfast as Junko immediately came over as soon as the waves started. With Junko on my side during birth, I felt such a big motherly love and care which gave me strength and the belief that my body is designed to do this. I would highly recommend Junko to any woman who wants a peaceful and spiritual birth.
(2019)

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Chelsea & Westminster / QCCH (NHS)

⚪ I had had a first baby during Covid where I felt my choices hadn't been respected. Junko was so prompt and organised, which gave me confidence she would advocate for me. I would not have had the same birth without her——from her responsiveness to questions, to immediately stepping into action when we called at 3am. Her support enabled me to get over the residual trauma of my first birth. A real game changer.
(2024)

⚪ My birth experience went very well and how I intended. The combination of having Junko as my doula, squeezing the comb, breathing gas and air and the birth pool were the essential components which helped me have a smooth birth. The environment was very calming with relaxing music and the right people supporting me.
(2024)

⚪ As a birth partner, having the guidance of Junko throughout our pregnancy and birth journey was invaluable. As a first-time father, Junko provided us both with essential skills and expertise for childbirth, as well as comfort during labour. Her presence and experience gave me additional reassurance and enabled me to support my wife in a controlled and calm manner throughout.
(2023)

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UCLH

⚪ I'm so grateful to Junko for being my doula. I was able to have a water birth in the birth centre as I had wanted. The marathon of contractions at home would have been unbearable without Junko telling me when to rest. I felt a complete sense of trust in Junko from the time she spent with me before the birth. I enthusiastically recommend her because she will make sure——presuming it's safe——that you have the birth you want.
(2025)

⚪ My labour was a long journey as the baby did not arrive until after 42 weeks, and the situation at the hospital was changing every day due to the coronavirus outbreak. Nevertheless, it was great to have Junko around as she provided mental support throughout. Junko always listened, advised based on my personal circumstances and supported my decision——which provided a huge relief and confidence.
(2025)

⚪ Although our little girl was delivered via emergency section in the end, I felt I had done the best I could through the labour. Junko and my husband both supported and comforted me emotionally throughout. Our little girl was all that mattered——and she was happy and healthy once delivered.
(2015)

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Portland Hospital (Private)

⚪ Having not come across the idea of a doula previously, I was a little sceptical. After the support and guidance we received during my wife's labour, I'm a big advocate and would highly recommend using one. My wife was much more relaxed during labour as a result of having someone speak her native language and explain what was happening. Junko was also a great help and support to me.
(2024)

⚪ From the moment we met in a café across from The Portland Hospital, I knew I could trust Junko with such an important and vulnerable time in my life. She shared with me her invaluable experience as a doula and gave me a vision of the kind of peaceful and magical birth experience I was deeply hoping for but thought was beyond my reach. My husband held one hand during delivery while Junko held the other. I'm eternally grateful for having met her.
(2019)

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St Thomas Hospital

⚪ Despite unexpected last-minute complexity——being transferred from the birth centre to the labour unit——I gave a natural birth without any pain relief, thanks to Junko's support. She stayed with me afterwards, helped me understand what had happened, helped with breastfeeding and visited me at home. Although my mother was supporting me during the postnatal period, Junko's recent experience and professional knowledge were of great help.
(2022)

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Stories are updated regularly.