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Birth (Mentored)
Lives in: Bicester OX26
Local info and availability:
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire
Other services:
How to contact Sam:
Use the Contact form below or:
http://www.samanthadoula.uk
sam@samanthadoula.co.uk
07971506197
About Me
My name is Sam and I live in Bicester Oxfordshire with my husband and two working cocker spaniels. My career to date is as a Documentary Wedding Photographer working alongside my husband. I was introduced to the word “Doula” by my husband following a work colleague announcing that they were leaving to become a full time Doula in the US. We looked up what the word meant, and my husband immediately said that this was me in a nutshell, I felt naturally drawn to this role and felt very excited about the prospect of becoming a Doula. I had always wanted to become a midwife when younger, so this seemed like an obvious step to take.
I have had three children of my own, all of whom are now grown up. I had natural births with all three of them but did not have a pleasant experience during any of these births, they would have been so much better had I had the support of someone to help me with the reality of labour and the birth, someone to help explain what was happening and offer guidance and advice.
I was present when my niece was born six years ago, I felt honoured to be there for her birth, being a calming and supportive influence upon both my sister and her husband during the labour and postnatally. I cannot wait to become a grandmother.
Through my experience as a Wedding Photographer over the years I have been a listening ear to a lot of my couples, a few of which have had bad experiences whilst attempting to have children of their own, some have had numerous miscarriages and stillbirths, and have come to me for advice and a listening ear following these experiences. I pride myself on being an easy listener and being there to support others where needed.
As your Doula, I will strive to work with not only both you and your partner, but also work with other family members present and also the midwives and doctors to ensure you have the best birthing experience possible.
Birth, I believe, can be an empowering experience, driven by love and shaped by your personal choices. Our meetings in preparation for the birth are invaluable; we can explore many subjects together with the aim of developing your birthing ethos. By really getting to know you, your partner and your hopes around birth, I can personalise the support I offer and gain your trust. I can also provide a great deal of support between our meetings by email or phone. I will never take over from your partner but be there to support you both as best I can to ensure that your partner is the best birthing partner to you throughout your labour and birth.
Once the baby is born I will stay until everyone is settled and you happy for me to leave. I will then visit once you are home to ensure all is well, but also offer advice if needed. It is important that everyone is treated with understanding, kindness and respect at all times during this incredibly emotional time for everyone involved.
As a Postnatal Doula I will come to you for a minimum of 4 hours per day for 2-4 days per week, to help you settle with your new baby. I will help with feeding (whether this is by breastfeeding for with formula) and also ensure you get enough rest. I will look after any other siblings, help with light housework and cooking of meals to help you concentrate and adjust to becoming a parent for the first, second, third.. child.
I have considerable experience of both new born babies and older children. This is through being a mother myself but also helping with other babies and young children over the years.