Preparing and empowering you towards a positive birth

Meet your midwife

Midwife-led antenatal & hypnobirthing classes in Morley, Rothwell and beyond

Hi! I’m leah…

I’m a passionate and experienced midwife based right here in Leeds.

Over the last 8 years, I’ve trained and worked in the NHS and supported 100s of families through the most poignant time in their lives.

I currently work as part of the Lotus team, caring for those planning a home birth or labouring in the Lotus suite at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), a midwife-led birth centre focussed on promoting physiological birth. But here’s where it all started…

My Story

Despite knowing since childhood that I would work in a health or care profession, being a midwife wasn’t always my first choice, and I had my heart set on being a Doctor. During one of my A level summer holidays, I spent a few weeks on placement in a local maternity hospital in rural Tanzania and the midwife seed was planted. I couldn’t believe the strength and dedication of both the women giving birth and the staff supporting them, so when I narrowly missed the grades to study Medicine at university, I knew there was a bigger reason for this and I could not wait to start my midwifery training.

After three years of hard graft, cocktail nights in Headingley and the first Covid lockdown, I graduated from the University of Leeds with a 1st class honours in Midwifery in July 2020. I enjoyed a Summer in Cornwall with my boyfriend in our self-made campervan and began my job as a qualified midwife in October of the same year.

Leah and James from Birth Journeys with Leah

Life in rothwell

I live in Rothwell with my partner, James, and our lovely (and lively) cocker spaniel, Mabel.

When I’m not caring for the parents-to-be of Leeds, you can often find me walking local trails with these two: our favourites are Rothwell Country Park, St Aidans, Middleton Woods and Meanwood valley trail!

We also love hiking in the Peaks, eating cake at Gray’s of Rothwell (I’m a regular), or seeking out sun on a beach holiday!

My experience and qualifications

1st Class Honours in Midwifery from the University of Leeds

Labour ward, birth centre & home birth experience

Hypnobirthing instructor

Biomechanics specialist training

I absolutely love to learn, and extra knowledge and research is something I am always on the lookout for.

With specialist training in biomechanics for birth, hypnobirthing and aromatherapy for childbirth, I bring a holistic, evidence-based approach to every session. Whilst the NHS maternity system is set up for efficiency and often has a ‘one size fits all’ feel, I believe in personalised care that truly reflects your unique journey.

While I haven’t yet experienced pregnancy myself, I bring empathy, professional insight and unwavering support to every family I work with. My aim is to walk alongside you with warmth, respect and commitment to the positive birth and postpartum experience you deserve.

Since starting my midwifery journey in 2017, I’ve witnessed firsthand how incredible birth can be when people feel confident, informed and supported.

But I’ve also seen how the system has shifted toward a more medicalised model, sometimes leaving families feeling unheard or overwhelmed.

This is exactly why I started Birth Journeys

It was born out of a desire to offer a safe space where we talk honestly about birth, your choices, your rights and how to navigate the NHS maternity system with confidence.

Despite understanding poor mental health, I remain a cup half-full mindset, which projects to birth as well.

I’m passionate about stamping out fear-based birth narratives, and shifting the conversation from what could go wrong → what can go beautifully right.

You won’t find horror stories here, just practical guidance, realness and the belief that ANY birth can be positive and even transformative.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or growing your family, planning birth in the comfort of your own home or in hospital, whether you feel clued up or haven’t got a clue, my goal is to help you tune into your instincts, understand the evidence, and build the calm, powerful birth you deserve.