Ruth Hunter

About me

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Such an exciting time yet time of unknowns! I’m a mum of four and have walked these roads myself over 20 years. I became a Doula to support mums. Whether you are a solo mum or you and your partner need support, I’m here to hold you and guide you. If you’re feeling alone, unsupported, or far from home in your pregnancy, I can be the constant in your team and walk with you through it - through your labour and birth and into those early weeks. Let me help shoulder the anxiety and apprehension, replacing it with confidence and innate trust in your body and baby.

Education

MSc (2001)

Bsc (2000)

Certification and training

Nurturing Birth Doula Training (2023)

Specialties

Anxiety Anxiety and Depression Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Photographer Birth Support Birth Trauma Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Photography Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Freebirth Home Birth Hospital Birth Infant Care Labor Doula Massage Maternity and Family Photography Maternity and Newborn Photographer Maternity Photography Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn, Baby, & Birth Photography Newborn Care Overnight Newborn Care Parenting Support Positive Thinking Postpartum Adjustment Postpartum Care Postpartum Chef Postpartum Doula Care Postpartum Life Postpartum Photography Pregnancy Loss Self-Esteem Stress Management Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support in Pregnancy Loss

Languages

English

Service introduction

I’ve popped my Birth Support Packages below so you can have a look ahead of us connecting. Package #1 - £2,000 A great option for second-time parents or those experienced with newborns. Includes: • Complimentary consultation • Unlimited phone/text support • 2 prenatal meetings to discuss your birth preferences and options • Unlimited labour support • 1 postpartum meeting to check in and follow up Package #2 - £2,500 A great option for first-time parents or those wanting more support and resources. Includes: • Complimentary consultation • Unlimited phone/text support • 2 prenatal meetings to discuss your birth preferences and options, and postpartum planning • Unlimited labour support • 20 hours of postpartum support during the first few weeks À La Carte I also offer a range of additional services that can be combined with either package, including childbirth education classes, postpartum planning sessions, birth plan creation, birth photography, breastfeeding support, postpartum doula support, overnight infant care, and birth debrief sessions. Prices vary - just ask! A £1000 retainer fee is required to secure my services and reserve your due date. The balance is due by 36 weeks. I accept Carrot Insurance.

Packages

Birth and Postpartum

A great option for first-time parents or those wanting more support and resources. Includes: • Complimentary consultation • Unlimited phone/text support • 2 prenatal meetings to discuss your birth preferences and options, and postpartum planning • Unlimited labour support • 20 hours of postpartum support during the first few weeks

£2,500.00

GBP Flat rate

Birth Package

A great option for first-time parents or those wanting more support and resources. Includes: • Complimentary consultation • Unlimited phone/text support • 2 prenatal meetings to discuss your birth preferences and options, and postpartum planning • Unlimited labour support • 20 hours of postpartum support during the first few weeks

£2,000.00

GBP Flat rate

Ratings and reviews

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Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a Doula if I have my partner or friend?

They definitely know you best and we love having them in your team, but the advantage of a Doula is that we have experience of a wide variety of hospitals, birth settings, Birth outcomes, NHS protocols and nuances and are able to guide you through all of this at the same time honouring your wishes and preferences.

How often will I see you before my baby is born?

I’ll see you a minimum of 3 times before you go into labour. At your ‘get to know you’ visit, then we have 2 antenatal appointments. If you are late or anxious around the due date I’m more than happy to meet up for a walk or a coffee to discuss your worries.

When will you come to me in labour?

Often women want to relax at home through the early hours of labour before it is established. I tend to get called out when contractions are regular and strong and you feel it is time for some extra support. However, I care more about how you are feeling emotionally so if you feel like you want me to come earlier then I’ll be there for you.

What if I have to change plans and schedule c section?

We will have covered c-sections in our antenatal sessions so you will be fully prepared and we will have made a c-section plan. If you have a medical reason that means it is unwise for you to have a physiological birth then I offer 10 hours postnatally for you to take anytime in the first month. Often people like to use it on the first night in hospital when baby can be unsettled and you are still recovering from surgery. This is a good opportunity for your partner to get a good sleep in order to best support you the next day.

Can you document my birth and will I get all of my photos and videos?

Yes, I will note down your birth milestones and any beautiful poignant memories for us to talk through in our postnatal review. You will also get a private gallery of my photos and videos that I have taken for you. See my gallery for examples of my work.