Sarah Johnson Doula Service
NB we now offer a special package to take account of restrictions in place during the coronavirus pandemic - see the main doula page for details
Postnatal doula
The weeks immediately after birth are critical for a new mother’s health, mental and physical. Not only has a new baby arrived; a new mother has been born as well, and as a postnatal doula it is my job to nurture her into strength and confidence.
I support the family in the first six, sometimes eight weeks after the birth - the period which cultures all over the world recognise as a precious time for mother and baby to bond, heal and be restored.
Typically I am present for a few hours each day to support feeding choices, tidy up, keep the laundry going and make a warming, nourishing meal – but also to listen to parents and to help them to grow in confidence until they are confident of managing their new situation.
My aim is to hear the new mother say, “I can do this!”
Birth doula
Once a mum has decided to work with me I am on call for approximately 4 weeks from week 38 of her pregnancy. The antenatal meetings are to discuss preferences and also to talk about the various options for coping strategies, the place of birth and feelings about possible interventions.
We’ll also practice self-help labour techniques if she wants, and give her partner some support and guidance if she/he requires.
I strongly recommend that women who are hoping for a straightforward vaginal birth start practicing the daily exercises featured on the Spinning Babies® website as soon as possible. Doulas and midwives know that these exercises can make the difference between a long, arduous labour and a short, manageable one.
During labour and birth I am there to support the mother’s wishes and to help the partner, if present, and to make everyone feel supported and valued. I'm happy to act as bag-carrier, gofer, masseuse, birth rights advocate or all of these at once! The birth doula is supposed to “be” more than to “do” but if you need a do-er, I’m up for it. It's up to you!
I’ll be by mum’s side from when I'm first called until after the baby is born, and I’ll be there to support the first feeds. And if the mum is having a Caesarean birth I’ll also be close by, ready to support her postpartum recovery.
With a birth doula package, the postnatal appointments are to debrief the birth and to give practical and emotional support, also to practice baby massage and sleep settling techniques, and give advice and support when asked for it. I always bring something nice and restoring with me!
Doula UK
Doula UK [lhttps://doula.org.uk/doula/sarah-johnson/] is not an agency and only accepts doulas who have trained with an accredited programme, and who adhere to the DUK code of conduct.
My qualifications:
DBS certificate and professional insurance
Dr Michel Odent and Lillian Lammers’ Paramanadoula course
Nurturing Birth postnatal doula training
Yoga for Pregnancy
Breastfeeding Foundation Module with ABM
“Spinning Babies” workshop with Gail Tully
Rebozo techniques with Stacia Smales Hill
Body Ready Method
NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor training in progress (due to qualify June 2024)
Doula Experience Stories
What my clients say:
“At the moment that my partner and I were on the edge of panic, Sarah arrived, defused the situation and calmed me during birth – amazing support. Many thanks for being a wonderful doula”
– LB
“Having Sarah’s support before, during and after the birth of A was incredibly valuable. I felt confident that my wishes were being translated to the medical staff at the hospital and had a friendly, knowledgeable person to direct numerous questions to at all times. My birthing experience was so good she came back for our second child. Thank you so much, Sarah”
– KG
“We were so glad Sarah could be with us, despite baby F arriving 3 and a half weeks early. It made a huge difference – I’m sure I would have found the pain much harder to manage if she hadn’t been there”
– HM
“We had detailed discussions about expectation during labour, pain relief methods, exercises and even packing the hospital bags. She provided comfort and guidance on breathing; she also massaged me and reassured my husband. She helped with the first breastfeed, assisted me when I bathed and fetched food (it was the middle of the night). She provided additional help with breastfeeding position and latching and went on a few errands! I am extremely happy that I decided to engage a birth doula. She provided invaluable support before and during labour and helped to turn my anxiety about birth into a memorable experience. I am very fortunate to have had someone with her experience by my side during labour and the birth of my baby”
— NP
“Sarah provided reassurance and comfort when I was alarmed by the sound of another labouring mother’s distress. [She] acted as go-between with midwife, reporting on labour’s progress, constant monitoring at waterside during time in birthing pool – hugging, hand- holding, massage, verbal reassurance, encouragement and managing gas and air…I would highly recommend Sarah as a doula – her calm, confident, reassuring manner was a huge help. She took endless trouble to send information in the preparation for the birth – nothing was too much trouble. We will always be grateful and pleased we chose her”
— HB