About Dina
I’m Dina Hart — a Brighton-based doula supporting families across East Sussex. My work is evidence-based, deeply respectful of informed choice, and focused on helping you feel prepared and capable, whatever direction your birth takes.
My story
Before birth work, I ran an independent café in Brighton for six years. I loved creating a warm, welcoming space — the kind where people feel seen and looked after. After having children, the relentless hours became unsustainable, but I didn’t realise how much that chapter would shape the way I support families now.
Running a business taught me how to communicate clearly, manage bookings, and keep things calm and organised behind the scenes. More importantly, it showed me that people aren’t only looking for a service — they’re looking for an experience: reassurance, steadiness, and someone who can hold the details when life feels big.
My first birth was in hospital. It was fine, but it felt quite medicalised — and I remember feeling a bit lost in the system. When I became pregnant again, I planned a home birth. That experience was transformative. I had a doula with me, and everything I’d read about physiological birth, trusting your body, and the power of the right environment — I experienced it all firsthand.
Afterwards, I couldn’t shake the thought: I want to do this. I wanted other women to feel that prepared, that supported, that powerful. I trained with Developing Doulas in 2016 and I’ve never looked back.
Since then, I’ve supported over 100 families across Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham and the wider East Sussex area. I keep learning because birth work evolves — and I want you to benefit from the most current, evidence-based support.
“Dina made the transfer feel safe rather than scary. I knew we were still in control.”
First-time mum, LewesOne birth that really stayed with me was a first-time mum planning a home birth in Lewes. Everything was going beautifully, but after several hours her midwife noticed the baby’s heart rate dipping slightly during contractions. We transferred to hospital — and because we’d talked through that possibility during our antenatal visits, and because I stayed calm, she was able to decide from a place of clarity rather than panic.
She went on to have a beautiful, unmedicated birth in hospital three hours later. That’s the heart of my work: helping you feel grounded, prepared, and capable — no matter what happens, and no matter where you give birth.
Philosophy
I’m here to help you feel informed and steady. I’ll bring research, experience, and calm presence — and I’ll always centre your values, preferences, and consent.
Positions, movement, breathing, comfort measures, and steady reassurance — the practical support that helps labour progress and helps you feel capable.
I’m a strong advocate when you need one — especially in hospital settings — but I never speak for you. It’s your birth, your choices.
Evidence matters — and so does what matters to you. We’ll talk through options clearly so decisions feel grounded, not rushed.
My promise: I’ll meet you where you are — whether you’re planning a home birth, a hospital birth, or you’re simply unsure and want a steady guide as you explore your options.
Training & professional development
I trained as a doula in 2016 and continue to build my skills through ongoing learning and annual CPD.
Clear guidance, honest conversation, and a plan that stays flexible — because birth is unpredictable, and you can still feel ready.
Partners often want to help but aren’t sure how. I’ll share practical ways they can support you confidently, without pressure.
From antenatal visits to labour and beyond, I bring steadiness — so you can focus on your body, your baby, and your choices.
A glimpse of the work
Every family is different — but the goal is the same: a calm environment, clear communication, and support that adapts to you.
Next step
A quick message is enough. Tell me your due date, where you’re planning to give birth (if you know), and what kind of support you’re looking for.
Based in Brighton • supporting families across East Sussex