-
-
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:
I am a Trauma-Informed Doula, which means that I am trained to support women and families who have experienced trauma in their lives.
Trauma can be as "small" or as "big" as you like. It could be that a first traumatic birth has left you fearful and scared of giving birth a second time. It could be an experience from the past, anything that "hurt" a lot has stayed somewhere within you.
Often trauma goes quite deep, away from the surface. It can get "locked in" and sometimes we aren't even aware that it is still there.
Pregnancy, birth and the post-natal period is a time of change and transition and it can un-lock emotions and thoughts that were less prominent previously.
It is also a time of greater vulnerability and openness, a time that needs protection and holding.
I will never try to fix or remove a trauma.
In a respectful, collaborative way, we can work out plans to support you through this and build a safety net, in case you suddenly feel overwhelmed with what is taking place.
We can look at what triggers your fears, how you then react, and what we (everyone involved at your birth and afterwards) can do or how we can behave to make you feel less scared and more in control.
How to contact Sarah:
Use the Contact form below or:
https://sarahratchford6.wixsite.com/mysite
sarahratchford@outlook.com
07754080495
About Me
I’m Sarah. A mother of twin boys and an avid gardener. I love the great outdoors and spending time listening to nature’s songs. From a young age, I’ve had an interest in the world of birth. A few years back, I felt a calling to become a midwife. I didn’t complete my training though as I started to realise that in this profession, I wouldn’t be able to give that one-to-one support and complete care that I had heard as my calling. Years went by, I went on my travels, explored some beautiful corners of this 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 goodies 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 for two new beings! I had done all my ‘homework’, knew my rights and choices, and felt prepared and empowered. 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 stay “hard’ and in “fighting mode” 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!
