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Birth (Mentored) Birth (Mentored)
Lives in: Alciston BN26
Local info and availability:
Lewes, Brighton, Eastbourne, Seaford, Bexhill, Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells, Haywards Heath and surrounds
Languages spoken other than English:
German
Other services:
As a Trauma-Informed Doula, I am trained to provide support to women and families who have experienced trauma in their lives. Trauma can be of any size, big or small, and can be caused by any experience that has caused significant emotional pain. Often, trauma can be deeply rooted and hidden away from the surface, and we may not even be aware that it is still affecting us. Pregnancy, birth, and the post-natal period can be a time of change and transition, which can trigger emotions and thoughts that were less prominent before. During this time, we are more vulnerable and open, and we need protection and support. My role is not to fix or remove the trauma, but to work collaboratively with you to create a plan that supports you through this time and builds a safety net in case you feel overwhelmed. We can identify what triggers your fears, how you react, and what we can do to make you feel less scared and more in control. Everyone involved in your birth and afterwards can work together to provide the support you need.
How to contact Sarah:
Use the Contact form below or:
https://sarahratchford6.wixsite.com/mysite
sarahratchford@outlook.com
07754080495
About Me
My name is Sarah. I am a mother of twin boys and an avid gardener. I love spending time outdoors and listening to nature’s songs. From a young age, I have been interested in the world of birth. A few years ago, I felt a calling to become a midwife. However, I did not complete my training as I realized that in this profession, I would not be able to provide the one-to-one support and complete care that I felt called to give.
Years went by, during which I travelled, explored some beautiful corners of the world, met some awesome people, and fell in love with my husband, nature, and life. I developed a keen interest in local organic produce and pursued this further by preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious and delicious food in small independent restaurants. I also worked on a biodynamic organic farm in the Ashdown Forest to learn about growing food from scratch.
I had a truly magical pregnancy, felt centred, full round and beautiful. I experienced it as quite a sacred, spiritual time. Never before had I felt so at peace with the world surrounding me. My body changing daily, the vessel to grow two new beings! I knew my rights and choices, and felt prepared and empowered. But still, I was induced at 37 weeks, which I had been trying to fend off as I knew of the cascade of interventions that often follow after an induction. But I found it difficult to stand my ground and fight for my rights as I was starting to feel myself go more into the primal part of birth, the one that is softer and less guarded.
It took several days from being induced for my babies to be born. After their births, I was so exhausted and quite frankly, overwhelmed and depleted. It must have been at least a week until I started feeling okay again. From my doula training and also from a very close and honest conversation with myself, I recognise just how much more care, love and support my husband and I needed in those days at the hospital and afterwards. There was so much fear, worry, guilt and exhaustion. I had expected my partner to be my doula, not realising that he was going into the birth mode with me! I am certain that if we had had somebody who we deeply trusted by our sides, someone who knew our fears and who could have helped us through our overwhelming emotions, we would have had a very different experience.
I recognise that everybody’s story is different. And I will not project my ideas, opinions or fears onto your birth journey. What my own birth story has taught me is the gift of empathy. Things can be tricky for one, easy for the next and of no interest for another person. So much depends on multiple factors that have shaped our lives. Past events, family background, upbringing, ethnicity, religion, triggers of fear, etc. I am non-judgemental of this and it matters to me that you feel safe, held and empowered to make informed decisions that feel right for you. Hospital birth, home birth, pain relief, “all-natural”, feeding choices etc.. it’s your call! I strongly believe that every woman has the right to a safe, supported, informed and empowered birth. As your doula, I will get to know your wishes and expectations around birth and will be your advocate and sounding board. I shall give you the assurances you need to have the birth and postnatal experience you require, on your terms.
No matter how your pregnancy goes, I will stay by your side. But I’m not only there for the big jobs. I will make cups of tea, help around the house, keep an older toddler entertained, cook up a delicious dinner, and hold your baby so you can have a sleep or a nice long bath. I’m your listening ear, helping hand and a shoulder to cry on. I also want to mention that I will support every person who seeks my services. My door is open to all, no matter what background. LGBT, Special needs, Mental health challenges, Survivors of trauma, Refugees, speakers of foreign languages, relationship problems, fertility treatment, informed abortion.. the list goes on.
I am a mentored Doula, which means I am incredibly lucky to have my very own Doula to draw knowledge and wisdom from. When I support women and families in their birth journey, I am in close contact with my mentor and you can rest assured that you will be receiving the loving care and nurturing that you were after. I am offering my services at a very reasonable rate until I have fully graduated. Please get in touch to find out more about my birth packages. Our first, initial chat will always be free!