Harriet Paintin: Doula, Ayurveda Practitioner, Baby Massage Instructor, and Registered Nurse

After a stint of travelling and living abroad I landed in Clapton in 2016 and have been living and working here ever since. I’m a Registered Nurse and have several years of experience working with the NHS, before branching out to start forging my own holistic healthcare path elsewhere! I was privileged to act as birth partner for multiple friends, and so supporting new parents through this transition became my passion.

Having lived in India it seemed natural to me to pursue the healing wisdom of Ayurveda. I love finding ways to integrate aspects of this rich tradition into my daily life, such as a quick self-abhyanga (oil massage) after a shower, or trying a new spice mix adapted to my personal constitution.

I had my first encounters with Ayurvedic healing during a trip to India in 2009; since then I have enriched my knowledge and understanding of it by learning from communities and cultures where healthcare is characterised by natural healing, nurturing, and community support. I also spent time in an Ayurvedic hospital, nurturing the 100+ varieties of medicinal plants grown on site, and learning to harness their properties under the guidance of medicine making women. I consolidated this learning by studying Ayurvedic Postnatal Care and Massage at the School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma in Kerala, India.

In my practice as a doula I combine this learning with my western medicinal training and experience to bring my clients the best of both worlds. I passionately believe that ancient knowledge and traditions of healing can fill the gaps left by modern western medicine, and offer huge benefits to people on their pregnancy and birth journeys.

When I’m not working you’ll find me in some of the gorgeous natural spaces that I’m lucky to live close to, playing fiddle in a local Irish music session, or exercising - I love yoga and climbing!

Training and Qualifications

Baby Massage Instructors Course (FHT, IGCT, CMA & IICT Accredited) - London School of Massage - August 2024

Ayurvedic Pregnancy Care and Baby Massage - The School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma, Kerala, India - March 2024

Continuum Doula Training with Kaz Woodbury - October 2023

Adult Nursing MSc - City University, London - September 2021

I am committed to keeping myself up to date with the latest evidence-based information and practice through self study and additional certified training.

I regularly undertake full DBS checks for my work within the NHS, I am fully insured for my Doula and Ayurvedic work, and I hold a full, clean, driving license.