About us
Our story
Having started their journey as antenatal educators in 2017, Better Births Antenatal Classes soon evolved into what it is today, Better Births London – a bespoke, 1-2-1, private support service for those on their journey to parenthood. But what does that actually mean? Katie and Leila are the midwives in your pocket – there to answer ANY question, 7 days a week.
Our goal is to empower you to achieve the best possible journey through pregnancy, your birth, and into the early postnatal period. Each service that Better Births London provides complements your maternity care provider, or antenatal classes and so should be seen as an additional level of bespoke support, continuity, and source of empowerment.
Our Values
We’ve got your back throughout your journey with core values that will support you to achieve the best possible experience.
Advocacy
We are passionate about supporting you to be able to express your views and wishes. Antenatal appointments can feel overwhelming. Birth options can feel constricted. But at Better Births London we give you the knowledge you need to be able to articulate your wishes and act as an active participant in your care.
Empowerment
It is essential that you feel confident to take control of your journey to parenthood, making decisions that are right for you and for your family. At Better Births London we cut through the jargon, and break down all of the options available to you at every stage of the journey, promoting choice and personalisation.
Compassion
With years of experience, we can absolutely relate to the complex experience many people have during their journey to parenthood. We have the courage to question and skills to empower that will leave you feeling supported and confident to achieve the experience you want. We’re with you every step of the way.
Evidence-based
Knowledge truly is power and at Better Births London it is fundamental that you are given up to date information based on the best available evidence. Only with this you are then able to make confident, informed decisions leaving you feeling in control of your experience. Information is shared in a variety of forms to suit your needs.
Meet the team
Leila Zahedi
Co-founder, Locum NHS midwife
Over her ten years in the profession, Leila has worked within all maternity settings – from delivering babies on the high risk labour ward to caring for women in the low risk birth centre.
She currently works clinically as a locum community midwife for the NHS, however her true passion is providing continuity for people throughout their journey to parenthood – from pregnancy to postnatal care. She especially enjoys providing breastfeeding support in the early postnatal period – as we all know it’s a lot tougher than we think, and no matter how many books you read, or how many women you speak to, you never truly ‘get it’ until your baby is in your arms … screaming! Leila’s biggest professional achievement was attending the birth of Katie’s children! 2 moments in her life that she will never forget and always cherish!
Katie Benyohai
Co-founder, Senior NHS midwife
Katie started her midwifery journey in 2010. She worked as a community midwife for many years prior to taking her maternity leave in 2019 and returning to a senior midwifery role in change management. Following a second maternity leave she is now the Maternal Medicine Specialist midwife at a busy London Hospital.
Coming from a Sociology background, Katie is passionate about how the experience of pregnancy and childbirth impacts women, both physically and emotionally – and believes that with the right preparation and support, you are more likely to look back positively on your birth experience. Having recently achieved the birth of her dreams for the second time, she is a huge advocate of hypnobirthing. Ask her anything, and she’ll gladly share the reality of her experience of labour and birth!
Join us
Empower women’s health and make a meaningful impact! Join our team where your expertise and compassion create positive birth experiences. Get in touch now to be part of a community committed to nurturing new beginnings!
What our clients say
Leila and Katie made my partners pregnancy and aftercare so much easier! It’s really nice to have people with so much knowledge available to you when you need it, especially when you are worried. Highly recommend this to pregnant mothers and partners for that extra support! Thank you again ladies.
Such an amazing service, couldn’t recommend it more! I was so anxious in the early weeks of pregnancy and just needed extra reassurance on top of what the NHS provided. Better Births completely changed my pregnancy and made it an actually enjoyable experience as they gave me so much peace of mind and the knowledge to advocate for myself. And the postpartum support was even more beneficial (if that’s even possible), being first time parents we had questions at all hours of the day and night, and having such quick responses from people we could trust, made it such a difference! We just couldn’t be more grateful for them both, they are amazing 🥰
Leila and Katie from Better Births were incredible - in the first month after our daughter was born, they responded to all the many, many (!) queried we had super promptly, providing practical advice but also lots of kindness. Massively recommend!
I’ve just finished my second round of support from Katie and Leila, not including the fact that I was lucky enough to have Katie as my community midwife during my first pregnancy. It’s no exaggeration to say that having access to their support was life changing for me during my second pregnancy, providing me with support, knowledge and information (particularly in relation to Gestational Diabetes which I had all 3 times, meaning my pregnancies were deemed high risk). Additionally, the support I received in relation to overcoming fears related to previous birth trauma allowed me to believe that my second birth could be different to my first. And it was - it was a truly healing and transformative experience. As a result I felt able to go through it all again for a 3rd time, and am now the mum of 3 beautiful girls who I couldn’t be more grateful for. Without Katie and Leila, there’s every chance I wouldn’t have even tried for a 2nd child, let alone a 3rd. I couldn’t sing their praises more if I tried. Thank you for all you’ve done, and wishing you the best of luck for all that lies ahead xxx
amazing they saved my life so many times. they were supportive, polite and sooo kind. they guided me through my entire labour journey with so much ease. i felt supported and empowered. honestly the best service i’ve ever had. So worth it!
A friend recommended the Better Births service before I gave birth. I contacted Leila and Katie via instagram, they replied to me immediately. They provided me with tailor made support, they were encouraging, positive and uplifting. They have a wealth of knowledge and also recommended other methods when things weren’t working for me and the baby. I felt like they understood the post partum journey and the stress of trying to breast feed when experiencing issues with matching and flow etc.Would definitely recommend and use again in the future if I am ever blessed again.Thank you ladies
An absolute must when you are pregnant. I found out about BB after I had my first baby and vowed to return whenever I planned my next one. Five years later, and before announcing to anyone, I had already signed up to Better Births! From day one I received advice and reassurance which I was lacking from my current provider. They guided me through my pregnancy, answering every single question in detail, no matter the time. Katie and Leila have a magical touch when talking about pregnancy and babies and you really feel like you’re speaking with friends and family and not a medical professional.Would I recommend this service….well, is the Pope a Catholic? I can vouch that this would improve your experience no matter what stage you are in pregnancy…it’s never too late to sign up. I’m really going to miss you girls 💖Enough for baby no 3….no comment x
Katie and Leila have been an absolute god send throughout my pregnancy and post natal period.They were even there for me during my labour. Replying promptly and giving amazing advice.I couldn’t recommend them enough. They put your mind at ease and respond so fast in huge detail and care. I really felt looked after by Katie and Leila.💕💕💕
Katie and Leila are amazing. They are so knowledgeable, compassionate, unbiased, and true representatives of informed choice. Having them in my pocket was very reassuring and I knew I could ask any question, with them always replying with answers that offered further information or stats, or explained my questions in an easy way. I used them for my second pregnancy and wish the service had been available during my first. Amazing and needed service.
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Katie and Leila for their support throughout my pregnancy. Their kindness, knowledge and guidance has been invaluable to me, especially as a first time mum. It’s made the journey a lot less scary and stressful and I’m so grateful. Every mum should have access to this service I couldn’t recommend it enough.
My subscription with BB finishes today and honestly I wish it lasted for the rest of the year, the support the ladies offer is just unmatched and I can't thank you enough for all the support during my pregnancy and even more so in the last month as we navigate parenthood for the first time. The support has been invaluable and it's the one thing I will be doing immediately should we be fortunate to have any more children in the future - the service is worth it's weight in gold - to have peace of mind and non-judgemental advice no matter what choice i wanted to make is priceless and the amount of worry and angst the team quashed instantaneously saved me many tears and potentially sleepless nights. THANK YOU!!!!
My partner and I signed up to Better Births from the first week we found out we were pregnant. Katie and Leila were both on hand at every moment we needed their support and were invaluable throughout the pregnancy journey, especially during labour and post birth. Couldn’t recommend their service highly enough!
I used the Better Births package for the end of my pregnancy and early postnatal period for our firstborn child. The team are so reassuring, so knowledge and so lovely. All of my queries were answered promptly and in great detail. Whatever stage you are in your pregnancy, sign up now and enjoy asking all your questions! Thank you to Katie and Leila.
Better Births helped me through some of the most difficult times of my pregnancy. I am very very grateful for the girls help and advice. They helped put my mind at rest , by talking me through everything and just explaining everything step-by-step. I am really grateful that my friend recommended Better Births to me, as they really help me throughout my high-rise pregnancy.
I signed up to Better Births towards the end of my pregnancy and it was the best decision I made! The reassurance and advice Katie and Leila have provided has been incredible. They have supported me through so many things during my pregnancy and also once my baby girl arrived. As a first time mum with loads of questions and worries I honestly don’t know what I would have done without them! I would highly recommend them to anyone pregnant you will not regret it. Leila and Katie you are amazing and I cannot thank you enough ❤️
Best thing ever!Could not thank these lovely ladies enough!They are a god send!Always there when i was worried during my pregnancy any time of the day or night!
Leila and Katie have been absolutely fantastic! Regardless of the time of day, they consistently provided highly informative responses to all my inquiries, no matter how trivial, regarding my pregnancy. Their guidance has been priceless, and I wholeheartedly endorse their service! Exceptional job, ladies! Thank you so much! x
I am not sure where to begin! The support of Katie & Leila has been second to none, a fantastic service. No question was ever too big or small for them. Literally having a midwife in your pocket! No matter what time of the day you message the response was always prompt and thorough which was incredibly helpful. There were times where I was not sure what I was doing and the group support provided was such a valuable service. The best part was that I never felt afraid asking questions, it felt like you are talking to your bestie! Thank you so much for all the support and help, this service is much needed esp. for first time mothers - really grateful and I do not think this review does justice to how much I really appreciate all the support given - MASSIVE MASSIVE THANK YOU wishing you both all the success! xxx
There are no words to describe how invaluable the group package was during my pregnancy. They are literally midwives in your pocket, there to answer any question- no matter how big or small. They make you feel seen and heard. It’s great to get impartial advice and information from people that are so knowledgeable so that you can make informed decisions. I don’t know what I would have done without them, just knowing they were there whenever I needed them was just a massive relief in itself. 1000% recommend.
First time mama and despite the journey being so exciting I also had absolutely no clue what I’m doing which made me feel quite nervous…. until Better Births!! I just feel so relaxed now knowing I have midwives available to me anytime of the day if I need to ask something that I’m worried about. The response times are are so quick that it’s just incredible and so professional.So grateful for your support and it’s honestly the best investment for any pregnant mummy to be.I’ve had the most positive experience with my pregnancy so far and I owe it to you girls ❤️Thank you so much!!
Wow wow wowee! What incredibly knowledgable, kind and empowering women. I started Betterbirth’s whatsapp package in my third trimester and for my next will definitely start sooner as I feel they would have reassured so many worries I had in pregnancy.These women were incredibly supportive and gave me the exact information I needed after my birth not going to plan and baby being a bit poorly in her first weeks.Both midwives were there to support me in my last trimester, support my birth partners through labour (I wasn’t very well but asking them to check in with the group chat when in doubt) and postpartum.They were angels sent through Instagram and I will eternally be grateful for how professional yet kind and lighthearted they were. Thank you ladies. Highly recommend their service!
Leila and Katie gave me the best education into how I will birth my baby and all the possibilities that I was completely unaware of. I am grateful for all that I learnt, and recommend ALL mums to be make this investment to have a mentally healthy pregnancy. I am someone who had a huge fear of birthing, especially since having a traumatising first birth, mentally I was so much healthier than my previous two pregnancies. Less anxiety of birthing and a huge difference in Labour due to the education.Aside from educating me they genuinely cared in the unforeseen circumstances that I reached during covid. I couldn’t be more thankful and grateful for having them in my life, not only educating me but genuinely caring and going out of their way to be by my side during a covid birth when I couldn’t have anyone else! They explained everything that was happening to me/my body whilst being isolated in a room due to covid!Absolute angels 🤍.
Where do I even start with these literal angels on earth!!!! To this day I still say I couldn’t have got through my traumatic birth without them. Initially recommended to me by a friend I wondered is this something I need to do and if you are a nervous soon to be first time mum then the answer is yes. They came to my house and met my husband and I and talked through the entire process so I felt fully prepared for all eventualities. They are at the end of the phone at any minute of the day which means you don’t have to scare yourself going on Google you have them in your pocket giving you unbiased professional educated advice.If there is anything you spend your money on leading up to your birth it’s these ladies. Thank you girls!
The most amazing midwives! Nothing is too much, anything I had questions about they took the time to explain everything in detail. Gave me the confidence to tell people exactly what I wanted/didn’t want in labour and pregnancy. They helped me have the birth I wanted because they explained all my options so I could choose what was right for me. Can’t recommend enough, wouldn’t have another pregnancy without them ❤️
I’m currently a first time mama to be and on the group chat package with the ladies at Better Births. I couldn’t recommend them enough, especially to first time mums like myself that have no clue what they’re doing! To be able to ask silly questions at whatever time of the day is absolutely invaluable to me as I learn the ropes of motherhood. The service is exceptional - fast responses, thorough information, and everything is communicated with care and compassion. These girls know their stuff and I’m so grateful they are here to guide me on my journey. THANK YOU!
These girls are the best! No words to describe this genius service and what it does for you. More people need to know about them! You have on tap 24/7 midwife help, ask anything, send any tmi pictures if you need and no judgment, just help advice and sometimes a good laugh when you need it most! They are not your average midwives, they care, they are full of personality and knowledge and guide you in your own way, and I couldn’t have done it without them! I just wish I found them for my first pregnancy. The only downside is it ends a month after your baby is born- wish I had their advice forever! I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again and recommend them to everyone! Nothing bad to say! BB is the best!
I was pregnant and so confused because I didn’t have responses from the hospital when I went to do my scans! However, after my birth, I was so depressed and finally they came into my life this Better Births antenatal classes! VERY Helpful and they answered all my questions about my baby I was impressed 😮 I RECOMMEND THEM FOR ALL THE PREGNANT WOMAN OUT THERE THEY ARE, LIFE SAVER, ❤️🙏 Leila & Katie GOD BLESS YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE CREATE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN OUT THERE
I’m a new mum and using the service daily for support. The girls are amazing at answering my questions and have provided the best information and advice to boost my overall confidence. Everything is backed with studies, data, NHS guidance which has really helped me and my husband to make the best informed decisions for our baby. Thanks Katie and Leila.
Pregnancy after loss is a journey! I made a few rules for this pregnancy which included zero googling and to be honest I would recommend this to everyone.Signing up to the Gold package meant ANY question I was tempted to google, went straight to Leila and Katie. This gave me and my husband so much reassurance and they were super quick with their responses.The learnings sent through helped prepare me for my pregnancy and make informed decisions throughout which made such a difference in having a labour that was led by me.Thank you Leila & Katie ❤️
Hi, as a first-time mum, I'm a little clueless and panicked. Having both Laila and Katie on hand for advice has been amazing.I've felt like any questions I had were answered straight away day or night and with great advice. They're so lovely I would 100% recommend to anyone who's having a baby.I can't thank them enough for the re-assurance and support I got throughout my pregnancy. Will definitely join back again if I have another little one ❤️ thank you both again x
Best investment during pregnancy!During my first pregnancy, as with many first times moms I had no idea what to expect, I had a million and one questions and spent all my time on Google. I came across better births London on instagram and I signed up for the gold package.I was contacted within half and hour of signing up and both Katie and Lelia introduced themselves. Within seconds I just knew I would feel comfortable asking these ladies any question I had no matter how small or big. They were so warm and welcoming -you cannot fault the service here. It is beyond outstanding (probably the best I have ever received)The response time was amazing - even the little questions which were not urgent at all were responded to within the hour. Instead of spending hours googling my questions with conflicting responses, I had two qualified midwife’s giving their professional advice and knowledge which immediately reassured and educated myself and my husband.With the gold package you get sent information which help educate you around the process of labour. This without fail was so helpful as the information is always there on your phone- you can digest it in your own time and by the time Labour came around I just felt so knowledgable and empowered. I knew what the doctors were talking about and even if I didn’t I didn’t have to wait for the doctor or midwife to reappear - I could just ask Leila of Katie. They will also help prompt questions you may not even think of to ask the doctor or midwife- which in turn helps you make better more informed decisions.Don’t even hesitate if you are thinking of signing up. I have spent so much money during my pregnancy and without a doubt this was the best investment I made- without a doubt I would sign up again.I am so grateful for the months of support received by Better Births London and I honestly don’t know if I would have had such a positive birthing experience without them. 💚
Get in touch
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