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About Me

Lara Rainsford

I’m Lara, and I live with my husband and 4 children in Mid-Sussex. Though I started out my working life as a solicitor, I quickly realised that it was not the right career choice - it didn't fulfil me. I always knew deep down, which path was mine. 

 

With a bit of a gap whilst I had my first two children, I re-trained and became a breastfeeding peer supporter at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. Once my 3rd daughter was born, I completed my birth and postnatal doula training with Nurturing Birth. I then started working as a Maternity Support Worker at Chelsea & Westminster, which has been an incredibly fulfilling and informative experience, enabling me to utilise my skills as a doula and my breast feeding training, whilst gaining more clinical knowledge as well. I have experienced many types of births: vaginal births, water births, ventouse, forceps, c-sections, VBACs, homebirths, and many other scenarios that can arise during and after birth. I also have experience with bereavement. We made the decision to leave London and I left my job at the hospital. But, my journey is following a new path, and my previous work has equipped me with the confidence and skill set to pursue the path of an independent birth and post-natal doula.

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Someone said to me that doulas are born, not made. That is certainly true for me, as supporting mothers and babies was something I wanted to do from a very young age. I describe it as a calling – it is a feeling deep within yourself, and it cannot be entirely explained to people who don’t feel the same way. My journey here has taken some twists and turns. However, I believe it is as much about the journey as the destination, and all my experiences will only serve to enrich my practice and will be used to ensure I support women and families in the fullest way possible.

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I am currently also studying for a Diploma in Naturopathy and Iridology with the Holistic Health College with the intention of bringing that into my practice as well. I use herbs, essential oils,  homeopathy and naturopathy on a regular basis.

On a personal level, I love to sing, read, cook, bake sourdough, make remedies, go foraging for ingredients, and grow my own vegetables. But my most favourite thing of all is just being with friends and family, and enjoying spending time together.

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Qualifications:

  • LLB Law – Leeds University (2004)

  • Qualified Solicitor (2008)

  • Monkey Music Teacher (2016)

  • Breast Feeding Peer Supporter – Chelsea & Westminster Hospital (2016)

  • Paediatric First Aid Course (2017)

  • Doula Training – Nurturing Birth (2017)

  • KG Hypnobirthing Teacher Training – RCM accredited (2018)

  • Maternity Support Worker at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital (2018-2021)

  • Bereavement Study Day (2018)

  • Annual Breastfeeding updates (2018,2019,2020)

  • Diploma in Naturopathy and Iridology (studying)

©2025 by Lara Rainsford. 

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