Ânia Freitas Doula - Belfast

15/02/2026

Can I be honest for a minute?

Nearly every time I talk to someone who’s been through pregnancy and birth, and I explain what I do as a postnatal doula, they say something like:

“If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve had this support.”

And every time, I think… yeah. I get it.

Because nobody really tells you what the after part is like, do they?

We talk about birth.
We prepare for birth.
We plan for birth.

But what about when you come home?

What I do isn’t anything fancy.
It’s not magical.

It’s just showing up for you.

It’s putting the washing on when you’re exhausted.
It’s making sure you’ve eaten something proper.
It’s holding your baby so you can breathe for a moment.
It’s making you a cup of tea and listening.
Really listening.
To your birth story. To how you’re feeling. To everything you’re holding inside.

And the truth is, every family I support looks different.
Because every family has different needs.
Different worries.
Different rhythms.

So the support always changes too.

And I wish more people knew that this kind of care exists.

That you don’t have to do it all on your own.
That you’re allowed to be looked after too.

If you’ve been through this already…
Did you have support?

And if you’re pregnant now…
What do you think you’ll need most after the baby arrives?

I’d really love to hear.

Ânia 🧡
www.aniafreitas.com
+44 (0)77435 44449

birthandbeyond

04/01/2026

A soft welcome to 2026

Less pressure
More listening
More presence

This season reminds me that not everything needs to begin in January — some things are meant to grow slowly, just look around you.

Sharing a few reflections on the blog today, and a little update on my doula support in Belfast

Warm hugs
Ânia🤗🧡

Link in bio.

05/12/2025

Today is a very miserable day — it’s dark, wet and windy. On my way to pick up the kids, I was thinking how lucky and grateful I am for the things that I have; the things we take for granted, like having the possibility to arrive home (yes, I have one) and hush everyone to go and change into warm and dry clothes, while I put the wet clothes and shoes hanging on the various radiators and turn them on to dry everything.

I was also thinking that I need to go shopping today, as I don’t have warm shoes or clothes to be spending the whole night outside on a cold winter night, to raise awareness and funds for homelessness. and Shelter NI that have too amazing projects in the North West of the North of Ireland. The people who are not in the same position as me cannot do most of these things — they can’t just go and have the luxury of buying new shoes or warm clothes to spend one night outside, because that is the reality for so many people every single day, for others is like a russian rollet as tonight they could have a crash bed but tomorrow to called a wee bit later and that bed was gone, as someone got in before you.

It makes me put things into perspective and reflect on how different and difficult life is for a lot of people, and because the majority of us don’t have to think about it, we don’t even realise how lucky and privileged we are.

The theme of this year’s Homeless Awareness Week is , and sometimes it’s difficult to see them because we live in this reality bubble, that majority of people has a home or a place to sleep tonight. But I am sorry to be a bubble buster, there’s so much hidden homelessness too — people living in families’ and friends’ houses, kids still going to school in their uniforms, adults going to their jobs (if they have one, as a lot of times homelessness starts because they lost their job) pretending that everything is alright; a lot of the times they tend not to say anything about their circumstances because they feel shame, or fear of what people will say or think or do and it’s such a massive, heavy thing to carry every single day.

continue on comments

23/11/2025

09/11/2025

Today marks 14 years since I landed on this island with a small backpack, I was only supposed to stay for a couple of months!

You’re probably tired of hearing this story, so I’ll keep it short…

My doula journey really began when I arrived in Northern Ireland in 2011. It started when I was supporting my big sis as she was going back to work after her maternity leave.

I now call Belfast home. It’s the city I’ve lived in the longest in my whole life. It’s such a weird feeling, like I’m not really from here… but when I go “home”, I also feel like I’m not really from there either. Deep down, I feel like I’m from every place I have lived in or even just touched with my feet.

I definitely feel (not to be cliché) like a proper citizen of the world. And my heart has room for so many places.

All this to say… I’m starting to prepare for my little winter hibernation, and you will probably see me less and less around here for a while. But I am still here — for you, and for the families I support.

Where are the babies for March, April and May? It’s time to start getting in touch!

Ânia,🧡

03/11/2025

This is the face of someone that’s finally sat down to REST her body a little bit after an intense, wild, stretchy week 😅

You know when everything seems to clash… in the SAME week?
• working from home with kids (mid term break)
• moving to a new office (in my other job)
• TWO playdates in my house
(all this while on-call)

…then a birth last night, where I had to leave my wee boy with a fever 🥺
and that honestly broke my heart

Back home in the early hours of the morning…

Then back working from home at 8am with my poorly wee one beside me until 1pm.

I love what I do
I love births
And I’m also a mamã
Both are true
Both are real

And today…

I finally sat down
Just to breathe
Just to rest this body for a minute
And guess what?
I fell asleep on the sofa for a couple of minutes, while my weans were around me (I love that feeling, of snoozing and come back and the little ones are pottering around and didn't even notice that mamã went to 💤 land)

01/11/2025

Do you know this book?

The other night my little boy chose a book for me to read to him, now it's not so common this to happen as he loves reading to himself 🥰. He picked this one, Lilith's Treasure - a story of sexuality, pleasure and menstrual cycle, it's beautiful and also available in 8 languages 😍

Because home is where safety, curiosity + body literacy can actually start — before shame ever has a chance to grow.

Check my new blog post Boys or Girls Books?

Link in Bio

23/10/2025

When I’m on call, I just feel it’s time to switch off and direct my attention to what’s important and vital in my day-to-day, and honestly, social media is the least important on that list.

That’s why I haven’t been online much or sharing lately. Besides my doula life, my work with Shelter NI has been a bit more demanding, and it’s Halloween season (the cherry on top of the cake), so there’s lots going on! 🎃

I’m learning to appreciate this season more and more: the colours, the temperature, and the feeling all around me that it’s time to slow down and turn inward.

Even at this time of year, I reduce my doula support a little, but you can still book your Power Hour online.

Do you like this time of year? 🍂

06/10/2025

Hello October!

The leaves are falling, the days are darker, and just like the season shifts, so is my doula work here in Belfast.

This month on the blog I’m sharing why I’m moving more towards postnatal doula support in Belfast (the work that truly fills my heart 💛), a little life update including my current memberships and volunteering roles, and some cosy autumn reflections.

Go to my links list and read the blog post

30/09/2025

EDN 2025 in Vilnius

How do you put into words three and a half days filled with culture, connection, learning, laughter, tears, and the deepest hugs?

This year’s European Doula Network Gathering was powerful for me in ways I never expected, it reminded me that my voice is my superpower, and that home can live in more than one place. I left Vilnius lighter, fuller, and carrying its magic both in my heart and even on my skin.

I’ve written all about it on my blog, head over to my website to read the full story and feel the energy of EDN 2025.

26/09/2025

Today it all begins, Vilnius is officially here!

The European Doula Network conference will kick off this afternoon, and I’m feeling so grateful to be in a space filled with passion, knowledge, and community.

There’s something really special about being surrounded by doulas from all over Europe, sharing stories, learning from each other, and reminding ourselves why this work matters so deeply. And yes… plenty of oxytocin to fuel us along the way.

If you’ve been thinking about doula support, this might be your sign. Reach out, book your services, and let’s start this journey together.

Â𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐬
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐚
www.aniafreitas.com
+44 (0)77435 44449

24/09/2025

Just two more sleeps until EDN Vilnius 2025!

From the 26th–28th September, doulas from 25 countries will be gathering in Lithuania for the European Doula Network conference, and I honestly can’t wait.

This year, I’ll be there wearing a few different hats, my doula rep hat, and also my volunteer hat as part of the EDN social media team. It’s going to be busy, but so worth it!

Vilnius 2025 is more than a conference, it’s a space where doulas come together to share stories, learn from one another, and strengthen our community. Imagine a big room filled with passion, knowledge, and care (and yes, plenty of crying and laughter).

I’ll be soaking it all up and bringing home fresh ideas and inspiration for the families I support here in NI.

If you’re heading to Vilnius too, let’s meet! And if you’re following along from home, keep an eye here for little snippets and behind-the-scenes moments.

Â𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐬
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐚
www.aniafreitas.com
+44 (0)77435 44449