Sarah Birtles

About Me

I live in Chiswick, West London, with my supportive husband and our two highly energetic children. I had my first child, Charlotte at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in 1998 and my second child, Ben, was also born at Queen Charlotte’s in 2000. Ben was one of the last babies to be born at Queen Charlotte’s.

I believe that in today’s society mums are rarely given the encouragement or the time they need to recover from the birth of their new baby. Many women feel the pressure to get ‘back on their feet’ as quickly as possible and then feel distressed that they cannot do everything as easily as before; when exhausted, the simplest of tasks can be overwhelming. Every mother should have the chance to heal and rest in those first few weeks. As your doula I will be that non-intrusive, friendly face that can help you do just that. For 3-4 hours a day, I will assist you & your family in whatever way you feel is most constructive, to allow you time to recover fully and bond with your new baby. During this time I will provide reassurance, practical and emotional support to you & your family. Some of the things I can do to help are:
– ensure there is clean laundry
– pick up groceries
– walk the dog
– accompany you to doctor’s/hospital appointments
– support you with feeding & bathing the baby
– prepare lunch/snacks/evening meals
– cuddle the baby whilst you take a shower or bath
– entertain siblings
– talk through any concerns or fears you may have

Qualifications:-

• Nurturing Birth’s Birth and Postnatal Doula Course – May 2009
• Member of Doula UK therefore I adhere to their philosophy & code of conduct
• Member of the ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers)
• Member of TAMBA (Twins and Multiple Births Association)
• Attended the Dr Jack Newman Breastfeeding Study Day May 2010
• Attended Michel Odent’s Study Day June 2011
• Attended Breastfeeding London Study Day Jun 2012
• St John’s Ambulance Emergency Life Support for Child & Infant – Sept 2009
• Police checked with an Enhanced Disclosure CRB certificate – May 2014
• Public Liability Insurance
• Breastfeeding Peer Supporter with Ealing PCT (Primary Care Trust)
• Attended Born To Carry Peer Support Course – Oct 2016
• Attended Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Conference & workshops – June 2017
• Attended Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Conference – June 2018
• Family First Aid – May 2018
• Daisy First Aid – June 2019
• Completed the Emergency First Response Care for Children Course – Feb 2020
• I am committed to continually update my knowledge with study days and reading around the subject

Client Comments:-
“You have lifted me up when I felt blue and at times of ‘new mum’ loneliness, seeing your smiley face walk through the door was a tonic. I know the babies have loved being in your care and I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for us.”
“I cannot recommend Sarah enough. She is a wonderfully warm and kind person, who understands a new mother’s wants and needs.”
“Sarah shows incredible initiative and her positive vibe was wonderfully refreshing and reassuring – equally she was unobtrusive and just fitted into our family life and home.”
“Sarah is a natural with children.”
“You gave us brilliant understanding support in those first weeks.”
“You were always there to listen.”
“Sarah is very easy to get along with and adaptable.”
“Sarah had an immediate and excellent relationship with my eldest child.”