Bristol Doula Network
Daia Brunetto - Ancura
Birth Doula, Postnatal Doula, Aromatherapy, Food Doula, Holistic Therapies
“ While a doula…may aspire to improve the standard of her knowledge, the real essence of the doula comes from within herself and is not necessarily something that can be taught.” Adela Stockton
Six years ago, I heard a strong calling to help women on their motherhood journey. I felt within me a deep desire to support and walk with women along the intimate and transformational life event of childbirth. I have an honours degree in Naturology, four and half years studying traditional and modern complementary natural therapies in Brazil.
Because of my background, after graduating at 21 I knew I had many tools to share and work with new mothers. So I decided to study further to become a doula. In 2016, I did my first doula training in Brazil with Núcleo Catarinense de Formação de Doulas. In 2017, I completed a further course of training with Developing Doulas in Cambridge. During my recognition period I was mentored by Nicola Goodall. Since 2020 I’ve been training and attending the midwifery course The Art of Birth with CPM Naolí Vinaver. In 2022 I hosted and participated in The Art of Birth, Rebozo for Birth and Mexican Postpartum conference with Naolí in the UK. In 2023 I had the privilege to be invited by Naolí to support her in the in person Art of Birth Retreat in Florianópolis - Brazil.
Being a doula is a journey of self-development. It is about embracing the personal and professional life lessons and understanding that every experience in my life has led me to where I am and also contribute to what I am able to offer new mothers. It is my deep desire to help women have a positive and empowering birth and postpartum experience. I believe that a positive parenting experience starts by making informed decisions and then experiencing a loving and empowering childbirth. For the newborn babies is the best possible start on their journey to becoming confident and secure adults.
Birth involves not just the creation of a baby but signifies the brith of a mother too. Pregnancy asks a woman to recreate herself, because when a baby is born so is a mother. I want to listen to you and make you feel truly cared for, safe, respected and honoured. It is my intention to create a trusting and nurturing space so you can feel comfortable in giving birth to your baby.
My role is to walk with you, provide information and give you unconditional support and practical help during your pregnancy, during and after the birth. As a Birth & Postpartum Doula and Naturologist, I will draw upon my knowledge of natural techniques to ease discomfort during pregnancy and labour, facilitate birth and assist your recovery after your baby is born. It is my purpose to reassure and encourage you when you might have perhaps forgotten the amazing strength within you.
It is my strong belief that childbirth can be transformational when a mother allows herself to receive help and support during this life changing process. I believe many women have the innate power and capability to give birth naturally when the right support is provided.
If you feel I can be the doula you are looking for, please get it touch and it will be a honour to walk this journey with you.
What people say…
"I knew from the moment I read Daia’s profile that she was the woman that I wanted to support us through our pregnancy and birth journey. Her skills and values were all that I had hoped for in my search for a Doula. Her warm nature and wisdom were evident in our first meeting, and I immediately felt emotionally safe. After connecting with our thoughts and story as to how we had come to arrive at this point, Daia showed me how to visualise what I wanted and lead me there by guiding me through the necessary work.
She worked with my husband and I, supporting us as a team in the lead up to, and during birth, making me feel seen and heard, holding space for me at all time. During birth, she was my voice when I needed her to be, she gently offered choices when my mind was elsewhere, she eased my discomfort with rebozo, and I’ll always feel my hand in her in those moments where my husband received our son.
Through Daia’s support we were able to align our dreams connecting them with reality; we experienced a truly life changing, transcending event, and I will be forever grateful to her. Daia is a gift. In those sacred hours after birth, Daia made sure I was nourished, the atmosphere was calm, and that I had all that my body needed. She supported me with feeding and seemed to instinctively know how to hold space for me and our family. In a time where women, in our society, are often without mothers, sisters, aunties and friends in their postnatal period, Daia is invaluable.
She is literally a gift to all new mothers, and I attribute my emotions and hormonal wellbeing to the support we received in the immediate days and weeks following birth. I was able to fully immerse myself in my new baby. Treasuring every little move, noise and expression without worrying about cleaning up after breakfast or preparing dinner." – Leigh-Anne H. — second time mama : homebirth : 2020

