Lia Petcu

My name is Lia and I am the person behind For the Love of Birth. I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse, a Certified Mongan Method Childbirth Educator and a Postnatal Doula. I live in beautiful Woodenbridge in Co. Wicklow, surrounded by nature with my amazing partner, 3 gorgeous kiddies, 2 boys and a girl, 2 dogs and 1 cat! I spend most of my time with my family in the woods, in the garden or having adventures wherever we find them!

I am also currently in the process of completing a Lactation Doula qualification with Krysia Lynch of Dublin Doulas and A Professionals Guide to Tongue Tie in the Breastfeeding Infant course with Lisa Paladino. I absolutely love everything to do with pregnancy, babies, mothers, the postnatal period and everything that goes with it! I have a whole list of things I want to add to my skill set.

My first child was born at home in London. This is when I discovered HypnoBirthing Childbirth Education and how absolutely incredible it was. It changed everything for me and my partner and empowered us both so much. My second child was another beautiful HypnoBirthing home-birth born here in Ireland. A very different experience but equally as wonderful as my first. My third child was born in hospital due to some serious cardiac issues. He had to have open heart surgery when he was 3 days old and thankfully he is now doing incredibly well. This experience gave me a huge insight into a higher risk hospital birth and having an exclusively breastfed baby in ICU, everything that entails and the support that is necessary. 

In 2020 I trained as Mongan Method HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator. “About time” said my partner!! “It’s all you ever talk about to anyone that will listen to you!” That was the beginning of things to come. Educating and supporting families to prepare for their birthing day in a more holistic, informed and empowered way is one of the most rewarding experiences I have on a regular basis. I feel so privileged to be a part of such an important time in a couple’s lives. The only thing that was missing was hands on Postnatal support. I love talking about the 4th trimester with my clients but I always wished I could be with them to physically help and guide them on their new journey into parenthood. 

Thanks to my wonderful friend who is a midwife and fellow doula, I was encouraged to become a Postnatal Doula. Why did I not think of this sooner?! Finally, the stars had aligned. I trained with Krysia Lynch and in August 2023 I was certified!! I couldn’t be happier or more excited to begin this journey of hands on support, in whatever way I can, with new mothers, fathers, parents and extended families. 

I believe the most important thing after you have properly prepared for your labour and birth is to be physically supported, mentally supported, encouraged and educated in your 4th trimester and beyond. I want you to feel confident and excited as you embark on your new journey into parenthood. My goal is to make it a smooth transition to allow you to adjust and to feel empowered, in every possible way.