Edie’s Story

“My placement with Elayos has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences of my midwifery training. From my very first day, I felt welcomed by the whole team, and it quickly became clear how passionate everyone is about improving outcomes for women and families. The experience has had a huge impact on me, both personally and professionally, and it has shaped the kind of midwife I aspire to become.

As a student midwife, I have seen first-hand the excellent clinical care that the NHS provides. However, I have also seen the pressures that maternity services face, meaning midwives are not always able to provide the continuity of care and emotional support that many women need. This is where Elayos makes such a difference. Rather than replacing NHS care, Elayos works alongside it, providing holistic, personalised support before, during and after birth. The continuity that Elayos doulas provide allows trusting relationships to develop, giving women someone who knows their story, advocates for them and supports them through what can often be one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.

During my placement, I witnessed first-hand the difference Elayos makes to families facing incredibly difficult circumstances. One woman I met had been forced to leave her family and was navigating her pregnancy with very little support around her. She was understandably anxious about becoming a mother without the practical or emotional support that many people take for granted. Elayos became that support network. The team provided compassionate, non-judgemental guidance throughout her pregnancy, helped her prepare for the birth, and ensured she had the essentials she needed through the baby bank, including items for her hospital bag and equipment for her baby. Seeing the relief and reassurance this gave her highlighted just how much of a difference timely, holistic support can make. It reinforced to me that Elayos doesn’t simply provide resources—it restores confidence, dignity and hope during one of the most vulnerable periods of a woman’s life.

Throughout my placement, I saw the positive impact Elayos had on many families, particularly those who were socially isolated, experiencing complex circumstances or simply needed someone to listen without judgement. Elayos empowers women to make informed choices, promotes confidence and independence, and provides compassionate support that extends far beyond pregnancy and birth. It is clear that the service doesn’t just improve maternity experiences—it changes lives.

One aspect of Elayos that particularly stood out to me was the practical support available through the baby bank. For many families, having access to essential items can relieve an enormous amount of stress at an already overwhelming time. Knowing that parents can access the things they need for their baby without fear or embarrassment is invaluable and demonstrates that Elayos supports the whole family, not just the pregnancy.

I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such a knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated team. My placement has reinforced the importance of person-centred care, continuity and advocacy, and these are values I will carry with me throughout my career as a midwife. There is no doubt in my mind that Elayos is making a lasting and meaningful difference to the lives of the families it supports, and I hope many more women will benefit from this incredible service in the future.”