Becoming a mother changed me in ways I never thought possible. I had always considered myself to be carefree, confident, sociable and GREAT with kids! I really thought parenting would be a doddle! Straight after the birth of our son in 2013, I was overwhelmed at the responsibility of just keeping this little being alive. I had all the baby books, read all the blogs, had advice coming out of my ears, but I still felt I was doing it all wrong. It was exhausting and lonely, and I felt so guilty for not being able to enjoy my little boy during what was meant to be such a joyful time. I now know that a postnatal doula would have helped me navigate my way through this parenting minefield without judgement or agenda, but with empathy, expert knowledge and kindness, so that I could feel strong and confident in myself once more; this time as a mother.

“… a little baby isn’t built, stomach or soul, to be away from her source of all things good – you.”
(Wiessinger et al. 171)

Smoothing the passage to parenthood
Becoming a parent can be incredibly overwhelming and overwhelmingly incredible all at the same time! My aim as a postnatal doula is to make those early days and weeks the best they can be for you, your baby, the whole family. I enjoy witnessing parents "melt" into parenthood, adapting to this new life while growing in confidence every day.

My Services
Some of the things I offer include:

• Infant feeding support, whether it is breast, chest or bottle.
• Companionship and a listening ear to explore without judgement any worries or challenges you may be facing as a new parent.
• Preparing nourishing and healthy snacks, smoothies or light meals.
• Undertaking light household tasks like clearing and tidying surfaces, sorting and folding laundry.
• Accompanying you to appointments if desired.
• Looking after/wearing your baby while you nap/eat/spend time with another sibling/have some time just for you.
• Supporting your partner or other members of your support circle.
• Caring for older siblings.
• Researching and signposting to the relevant experts as and when needed.

Other stuff about me
I am married to Max and we live in Hughenden Valley in leafy Bucks with our two children (born in 2013 and 2015). When I’m not working, I relish being with my family, indoors and out, exploring and discovering new places, camping, youth hostelling and generally having a happy time. I also absolutely love my volunteer breastfeeding counsellor role, offering support and providing up-to-date information to parents struggling with or simply wanting to learn more about breastfeeding.

Training

• LGBTQ+ Competency in Lactation (AJ Silver, The Queer Birth Club), Oct 2024
• Accredited Holistic Sleep Coach (Lyndsey Hookway, BabyEm), June 2022
• Accredited Breastfeeding Counsellor (national breastfeeding organisation), Aug 2020
• Postnatal Planning (Younique Postnatal), Jun 2020
• Twins and More Workshop (Younique Postnatal), Mar 2020
• Understanding Newborns Workshop (Younique Postnatal), Mar 2020
• Understanding Reflux Workshop (Younique Postnatal), Jan 2020
• Initial Doula Preparation Course (Younique Postnatal), Apr 2019
• Doula UK Introductory Workshop, Jan 2019

Testimonials

(J & S)
We had a long, challenging journey in becoming parents and Sophia helped make the first 7 months as a first-time mother a truly enjoyable experience knowing that we had such wonderful support and our own parental ‘cheerleader’ by our side and part of our family. Sophia took care of all the little details in daily life so I could focus on being a great Mummy. We were originally only planning on having support for the first 40 days and we were delighted that Sophia decided to stay on longer term. Isabella also established a wonderful relationship with Sophia, building her confidence as well as my own. We are looking forward to staying in contact and sharing Izzy’s progress.

(F & T)
Sophia and I had a video call and felt instant rapport. I could tell that she shared my gentle approach to parenting. She was also very local to us and I liked the idea that that meant we could have more flexibility with her hours. 

On Sophia’s first visit (Day 4 post-birth), she gave me my first all-important bit of support with breastfeeding – which at that point was very painful and I was slightly avoiding, leaning instead towards formula. Sophia gave me the confidence to switch to feeding on demand (rather than at the rigid 2 hourly intervals insisted on by the hospital), in a relaxed setting, e.g. on the sofa while watching TV. As well as loosening up my overall approach to breastfeeding, she gave specific techniques to try, observed and tweaked; and was there to troubleshoot when I got a blocked duct. She was also a helpful person to talk to about the pros and cons of pumping. Looking back, I would have probably given up breastfeeding without her gentle, encouraging interventions.
Sophia evidently takes her work as a doula seriously and displays a high level of professionalism. I particularly appreciated that she put thought and effort into all parts of the client exchange, from email communication to goodbye cards and gifts – not just the hours spent in the house with us.

(A & R)
I think Sophia is a natural! I felt like she adapted really quickly to what I needed, and didn't seem to mind that I didn't really know what I needed, so often made suggestions as to what she could help with that day. I also appreciated that she shared her knowledge and thoughts, but also that she didn't push me in any particular direction being instead a friendly supportive ear to any problems or queries.
Sophia was a very supportive presence and definitely made me feel like I was doing all the right things.

(J)
As a first-time mum, I found the 1:1 Antenatal Preparing for Breastfeeding session really helpful. Sophia shared so much useful information, and I was able to ask many questions and share my concerns in a non-judgmental environment. I definitely feel more confident now. Can't wait to meet my little one and start my breastfeeding journey. Thank you, Sophia!

(A)
Sophia is wonderful!! As soon as we met she immediately made me feel relaxed and supported. Our session was fun and yet incredibly informative.  I was feeling quite overwhelmed before Sophia and she really helped simplify things down for me, taking each step at a time and reassuring me that I can reach out to not only herself but a much larger network of Breast Feeding support(ers) who are able able and ready to support new mums! I'm so excited to (try and) breastfeed and know there is help if I need it. Sophia is brilliant and I can not  recommend her enough!