My name is Irina Otmakhova and I am passionate about birth. I believe it truly matters how new beings arrive into this world and how mothers are treated during this unique time in their lives. I share the belief so wonderfully articulated by the CNN hero midwife Robin Lim that "peace on Earth begins at birth".

Professionally, I have been in the field of women’s health and human rights for nearly a decade, but it was not until my own birth experience that I realised what it takes to achieve an all natural, unmedicated birth wherein my choices were honoured and respected.  My own highly transformative and empowering birth experience prompted me to become a Doula in order to assist women and their families to plan out their birth preferences and to help them achieve joyful, balanced and pleasurable births.

In 2013 I started working with families accompanying them through childbirth at homes, birthing centers and hospitals. I did my hands-on training in Shiphrah Birthing Home in Taytay, Rizal where I witnessed countless women giving birth easily and on their own powers. It has been an honour to learn about the normal physiological process of birth from the community women and from the amazing midwives that serve them tirelessly day and night. 

To the present moment I attended over one hundred of births assembling a wealth of experience, nuanced understanding and sixth sense for each and every unravelling birth scenario. 

I am able to provide doula support in English, Russian, Dutch and Spanish languages. 


Qualifications and training: 

Water Birth International with Barbara Harper (2023)
Art of Birth with Naoli Vinaver (2022 - 2023) 
Holistic Midwifery Academy (Russia) - 2019 
IPPA placenta encapsulation - 2015
Sacred Postpartum Mother Roaster - 2014
Hypnobabies® Hypno-Doula - Hypnobabies® - 2014
Certified Childbirth Doula, CLD - Childbirth International (CBI) - 2013

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MY PHILOSOPHY


-         I believe that the creative power of nature made women’s bodies perfectly to conceive, nurture and give birth to children, especially so when supported, educated and encouraged to realise their feminine powers. 

·         I believe that every pregnant woman has the human right of bodily integrity, autonomy an self-determination that entitle her to make informed decisions about her and her child’s health and well-being.

·         I believe that all women should be honored during their childbearing year and should  be treated with respect while giving birth, no matter their age, race, religion, creed, social or financial status.

·         I believe that all women and their families have the right to knowing all of their options and having informed consent in all situations.

·         I believe that doulas are a valuable addition to the currently day maternity system and an investment in the health and well-being of mothers and babies. I believe with her continuous support, encouragement, knowledge and kindness doula is compliment to the mother’s birth partner but never a replacement.

·         I believe that medical interventions are necessary and even life-saving when used appropriately and supported by the best evidence based research available.  I also believe that the vast majority of women can, do and will give birth naturally, spontaneously and without medical intervention given education, opportunity and support.

·         I believe in the Childbearing Rights of Women

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