About Zoe
Hi, I'm Zoe.
I’m a mother of two, a passionate community founder, and a dedicated advocate for women’s health. I’m also one of the most experienced practising doulas in the North East and a qualified massage therapist.
I began working with women and growing families in 2014. First, as a babywearing peer supporter, then helping new parents with breastfeeding support and postpartum care. But it was my own birth experience that inspired what happened next.
In 2020, I went through severe trauma following the birth of my second child. Looking for an outlet, I started an Instagram page to share my story. That page became a voice for hundreds of other women with stories of their own.
These stories resonated deeply. Because every birthing person deserves maternity care that’s free from trauma and respects their dignity and human rights. But, sadly, not everyone receives it.
In 2021, I founded Postpartum Matters, a women-led organisation working to reduce women’s health inequalities through care, community and advocacy.
In the following years, I focused on my personal development, training first as a doula, then as a massage therapist. I now practise both, with a focus on deep holding and empathic, relationship-based care.
Although much of my work is person-focused, community is still close to my heart. I’m passionate about creating spaces where women feel genuinely seen, heard and valued. Their stories continue to inspire me and motivate me to keep learning, growing and developing my practice.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me outdoors or spending time with my own family. I also enjoy reading, cooking nutritious meals and baking delicious treats.
Zoe is an incredible doula. Her support is comforting and encouraging. I wanted to have big sister energy with me during my second birth and that is exactly what I got. I will forever be appreciative of having her by my side and with me postpartum.
Held by Zoe
Held by Zoe is where I come into my own and can work in a way that serves me and my community.
This is me, doing what I love: holding you, and holding a safe and supportive space for you, when you need it most.
As a doula, showing you how it feels to be truly held, with care that’s personalised for you and genuinely makes a difference.
And as a massage therapist, focusing on individual care that gives you the space you need for healing, reflection and restoration.
Kind words from my clients
Clients have described me as warm, welcoming and respectful. A good listener who’s grounded, knowledgeable and non-judgemental. And a calming, intuitive presence who’s given them comfort, strength and encouragement.
Book your first appointment
Doula support
Your first appointment will be a free 60-minute initial consultation.
I’ll meet you in person at a convenient place, like your home or your favourite cafe. We’ll have a cuppa, chat about your needs and explore the ways I can support you.
To book your consultation, reserve your 60-minute slot at a time that suits you.
Massage therapy
Your first appointment will be a 90-minute support session at my treatment room in Bowburn, Durham.
The session is £75 and includes an assessment, a personalised care plan and a session of bodywork.
To book your session, reserve your 90-minute time slot, then make your payment to confirm it.
Why I understand the value of a doula
My second child was born at home. The birth was a lovely and beautiful experience, but a lack of support afterwards made things difficult for me.
I gave birth in 2020, during the covid pandemic. It was a scary time to be pregnant. Our rights and care had been restricted and I wasn’t allowed a doula to support me.
When labour left me with a torn labia, I was exhausted and vulnerable. I wasn’t given the time or opportunity to advocate for myself. Instead, I was stitched up hastily, and badly, which left me in severe pain and with enduring complications.
Having a doula in the room could have made a big difference in that situation. They could have slowed things down and protected that space for me. Giving me the time to make my own choices and helping things to happen on my terms.
This is the kind of relationship-based care I would have wanted for myself and now provide to women, birthing people and their families in the North East.
My accreditations
When you’re choosing a doula or massage therapist, you need to be sure you’ll be working with someone who’s competent and qualified.
Here’s a record of my academic accreditations, training, qualifications and professional memberships to date.
Doula accreditations
Reclaiming Childbirth membership | Dr Rachel Reed
Ongoing since 2024
Includes at least two hours’ CPD each month.
Rebozo for Pregnancy and Birth (online) | Naoli Vinaver
Ongoing
Completed Doula UK recognition process | Doula UK
April 2025
Have since left Doula UK
Closing the Bones training | Sophie Messager
March 2025
Rebozo Massage for Recovery Postpartum Sophie Messager
March 2025
CPD in Birth Biomechanics and the Female Pelvis | Shellie Poulter
January 2025
Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals | Katie James
December 2023
Doula certification | Red Tent Doulas
June 2023
Postpartum Doula training | The Fourth CIC
November 2022
Babywearing Peer Supporter | The School of Babywearing
October 2014
Academic accreditations
BSc in Molecular Cell Biology, University of York
MRes is in Molecular Microbiology, Newcastle University
PhD in Biosciences (ongoing), Newcastle University
From my academic background I have a deep knowledge of physiology. I’m also well-trained in reading scientific papers and critically appraising research.
Massage therapy accreditations
Sports Massage Level 3 | Bloom Wellbeing | November 2026
Pregnancy massage | Coast Holistic | June 2025
Swedish massage | Coast Holistic | June 2025
Community accreditations
Circle Facilitation training | Sally Golightly Circles
February 2022
Facilitating circles is about creating safe spaces where people sit in a circle to share their stories and start conversations. Circles give people a chance to be heard and a sense of community and belonging they might not find outside.