Zoe-A Doula With Heart and Expertise.

About Ma Doula and Zoe.

Hello. I’m Zoe Sylvester, the founder of Ma Doula. With a background as a teacher, headteacher, and now an accredited birth and postnatal doula, I bring the calm confidence of of a mother, grandmother, and experienced professional to every family I support. After a rewarding 30-year career in education, including as a headteacher of a private nursery school, I was drawn to support families more deeply during the transformative perinatal period.

Ma Doula was born from my passion for helping parents feel confident and empowered—whether they’re navigating pregnancy, recovering from birth, newborn care or making important early years childcare and education decisions.

Your baby

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Your body

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Your choice

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Your baby 〰️ Your body 〰️ Your choice 〰️

My Doula Story.

I am a mother to three wonderful grown up boys/men and grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter called Violet. I live in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, with my husband, youngest son, cocker spaniel Wispa and Labrador puppy Pip, 7 chickens and several fish. It is a busy home!

My own birth experiences were very positive. My first son born in a maternity unit at my local hospital and my two other sons both born at home, with my loving husband by my side. I understand that everyone’s journey is unique and I would be delighted to help support you on yours. My aim is to empower you to have the most positive birth experience no matter your circumstances or situation. I will be there to advocate for you and help you feel in control of your decisions. I have had a 30 year career in early years and primary teaching before following my passion for birth work. The last 7 years of this was as a headteacher of an independent nursery school for children aged 2- 5 years. I look forward to using my experience to help you navigate your way through those important early education and childcare choices.

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My Approach to Doula Support.

At Ma Doula, I combine practical, hands-on assistance with emotional care and professional expertise:

  • Empowering you: Helping you advocate for yourself and make informed decisions during your pregnancy and postpartum journey.

  • Tailored support without agenda: Every parent’s journey is different, and I’m here to walk alongside you, not lead the way. Whether you need birth trauma resolution, overnight postnatal care, or advice on childcare options, I adapt to your unique needs.

  • Cultural awareness and respect: I celebrate and honour your unique perspectives and decisions.

  • Ongoing Relationships: Building trust and providing guidance from pregnancy to the early years ensures holistic, continuous support.

Why I Love What I Do

Being part of a family’s story is an incredible privilege. Each experience is unique, and I cherish the opportunity to help parents feel calm, cared for, and confident. Supporting families also gives me the joy of balance—enriching my time with my own loved ones, including my beloved granddaughter, who inspired the name “Ma Doula.”

  • Full Birth Doula Package

    Feel empowered and supported with my birth doula services, offering continuous emotional and practical care throughout your pregnancy, labour, and birth. From creating a personalised birth plan to being a steady presence on the day, I’ll help you achieve the positive birth experience you deserve.

    Birth Doula Package

  • Postnatal Doula Support

    Settle into parenthood with calm and confidence. My postnatal support services provide hands-on help and emotional guidance during the early days, giving you space to recover and bond with your baby.

    Postnatal Doula Package

  • Overnight Postnatal Support

    Enjoy restful nights with my overnight newborn care services. I’ll handle feeds, soothing, and settling, so you can wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

    Overnight Postnatal Package

  • School and Childcare Consultancy

    Make informed decisions about your child’s future. My early years education consultancy offers expert advice tailored to your family’s values, helping you choose nurseries, schools, or childcare that align with your vision.

    School and Childcare Advice

  • “Zoe is a lovely doula. I would recommend her to anyone- she is wonderful.”

    RD father from North London

  • “Zoe makes me feel very comfortable around her. She has a calm demeanour and fun at the same time. She doesn't only get work done but also always asks about how I/we feel, and she listens without judgment.”

    CW from Watford

  • “Zoe’s strengths are her experience in education, her empathy and her calm, confident nature. She always made me feel reassured and I felt safe having her take care of the baby and spend time with my toddler- both adore her! We developed a great rapport which meant Zoe could share advice freely which I found very useful.”

    SD from North London

  • “Zoe is so warm and approachable and easy to connect with so I’m sure she will make a very supportive doula. Also, her depth of experience in childcare and education will bring a valuable perspective to support new parents.”

    TSC from Somerset

  • “Both my husband and myself are happy with the support Zoe provided to us. Her calm personality with positive energy, empathetic approach, and work ethic have exceeded our expectations and really contributed to the good postnatal recovery I was looking for. Like I said, I am particularly impressed by her cultural awareness and the fact that she thinks in our shoes.”

    CW from Watford

Qualifications and Training

Fully trained and accredited full-spectrum doula with certifications in:

  • Birth and Postpartum Doula Support

  • Birthing Trauma Resolution

  • Early Years Education and Childcare Consultancy

  • Samaritans’ Active Listening

My full list of training and certifications include:

  • Full Spectrum Doula Training - The Original Birth Connection

  • The BirthBliss Academy Doula Course- The BirthBliss Academy

  • Full Paediatric First Aid Training - First Aid for Life, September 2023

  • Enhanced DBS Certificate - February 2023

  • Birth Physiology led by Kemi Johnson

  • LGBTQ+ Competency for Birth and Beyond  - AJ Silber of The Queer Birth Club

  • Advocacy and Cultural Safety - Illy Morrison - Mixing up Motherhood

  • Caesarean Birth  - Carolyn Holt - The Caesarean Birth Specialist

  • Perinatal Trauma  - Hayley Coburn

  • Tongue Tie Awareness  - Carmelle Gentle - Gentle Births & Beyond

  • Induction of Labour- Happy Baby Community- Leti Tufari

  • Water Birth with Dianne Garland (Midwife Expert)

  • Active Listening Skills- Tara Dhillon, Samaritans Training and Engagement Programmes

Let’s have a chat

We can discuss your ideas, wishes and overall thoughts and create a package that works for you and your family.