Recognised Birth & Postnatal Doula
Hello and welcome, I am Sarah, I am a Doula uk recognised birth and postnatal doula.
I live just outside Wimbledon, in New Malden with my husband, and 3 almost grown up children and our adored miniature Shnauzer.
When I heard about Doulas it was like a dream come true. After being lucky enough to stay at home and look after my own 3 children for 12 years, I was delighted to discover that my experiences could help me embark on a new journey to becoming a Doula, helping and supporting women achieve the birth experience they deserve and are entitled to. Working alongside midwives I wholeheartedly believe in a woman’s ability to birth her baby. I want to help women understand their options and ensure they are listened to by professionals.
My becoming a Doula was influenced by my own experiences. The birth of my first child was not what I had hoped for, I felt dis-empowered and let down by the whole process. My second labour was better and by the third time I had gained the confidence to ensure my birth plan was adhered to and my experience was a positive one.
I have experienced different birth situations where either the use of water, TENS, entinox, pethidine or an epidural has been required. I have also supported women where the use of ventouse, forceps or c-section have been necessary and I have experience of premature birth and multiple births.
I have shared the joy of birth with families at home, Kingston, St Georges, Epsom, Kings College, Chelsea and Westminster, Royal Surrey and Queen Charlotte’s Hospitals. I am there as much for the father as I am for the mother and always ensure the father is included as much or as little as he wants to be.
I currently lead a 4 week antenatal course in my local community. We offer continual support throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatally. I am a breastfeeding counsellor with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers having completed their full Breastfeeding Counsellor Training. I have been very active over the last 9 years supporting women in establishing breastfeeding.
I keep my knowledge up to date by attending study days, examples below:-
- Doula UK Conference – 21 March 2016
- International Day of the Midwife Conference – 2015
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers – Counsellor Training – completed 2013
- Practical skills to Prevent & Resolve Malpresentation – 19 February 2013
- Marie Coveneny Home birth Study Day – April 2011
- Dr Jack Newman Breastfeeding Study Day – May 2010
- St John Ambulance Emergency life support – child and infant – 22 May 2010
- Michel Odent Birth Physiology study day – 2009
- Rebozo workshop for optimal foetal positioning – 2009
- Water birth Study Day – Taught by water birth expert Midwife Dianne Garland – 2008
- First International Nurturing Conference “Womb to World – Innate Behaviours” – 2008
- Paramana doula 3 day intensive course for Doulas by Michel Odent – 2007
- ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) – Mother Supporter – 2007
- Breastfeeding Workshop by Pam Lacey, IBCLC. Approved by Assc of Breastfeeding
- Mothers designed for teaching ‘helpers’ – 2007
Testimonials.
You’ve been absolutely amazing!! We’re really not sure what we would have done without you, we’re so grateful. You’ve been such a blessing to us – so encouraging, knowledgeable and calming. – Clara
Sarah, you were an absolute blessing, if we go on to have a third, we will definitely call you. – Verena.
Sarah, I just know the potential for the whole experience to have been so different from the way it has been, for many women it isn’t this joy so I am incredibly lucky and you are the reason. Words are not enough. – Caroline.
I think when people ask what you do as a doula you could tell them that you bring out the loving parent in them that might otherwise never appear. There are happy babies in the world as a result. – Caroline
