Meet Sam

Postnatal Doula

Since qualifying in 2018 as a Postnatal Doula, I have enjoyed bringing my supportive and emotional skills to women who are seeking well-being during the first year after their baby’s birth. The traditional model of individual continuity through the year allows me to help in ways that best suit you and your home.

As a society, we often see a lot of support offered to women through the pregnancy and immediately after the birth. But when the celebrations fade, the idea of supporting new mums can also fall away, right at the time when you need it the most. Responsibilities, and the general juggle of life (especially with other children in the home) can be challenging and overwhelming. This is the time you need to be well supported and looked after, so you can recuperate through your healing, and allow yourself time to reflect.

After your child’s birth, our focus is to prioritise your physical and emotional recovery. Your investment in postnatal support allows you the opportunity to be listened to, with your needs validated in a judgement-free space, whilst you gain the strength to trust your own instincts.

By choosing postnatal doula support, you are advocating and investing in your long-term health as you treasure the unique bonding time that you have with your baby.

No matter what your birth looked like, together we will create a space where you can heal, grow and adjust to your own style of mothering the newest member of your household.

Sam's Story

As I sit down to write to you now, I am curled up on the sofa, watching the rain fall onto the window. It’s Sunday, and I am making the most of a rare hour of mum-rest. Next to me is a steaming cup of tea, as well as a piece of cake that my two snoozing labradors are eyeing up.

This is my happy place. It might not be for long, it might feel like a glimmer of light on an otherwise dark and gloomy day, but I am savouring every minute because I never used to give myself this time. I felt too wired, anxious and embarrassed to admit that I was struggling.

I have learnt so much about myself, through pregnancy, childbirth and becoming a mother, but I have also experienced four bouts of breast cancer, when I was 26, 32, 34, and in 2019.

After becoming a mum post cancer, and mothering through more than one diagnosis, I have had a front-row seat in navigating the gap in support for those of us whose breastfeeding and general health may be compromised at this monumental time. I am passionate about offering a continuous service of care to all women, actively supporting any mothers who may find themselves struggling with the emotional and physical impact of early motherhood, as well as those managing other complex situations, such as chronic illness.

My experiences drive my caring for others, but I am also more than a wife, a mother and a cancer patient. I am a total yoga bunny, knitwear junkie, a writer, and I love singing!

I can touch my nose with my tongue, I have a serious sweet tooth and I bake… a lot! Baking brings me so much joy and has become quite a therapy, in addition to regular reflexology, massage and manicures. Self-compassion is not always an easy practice and we are always learning. Reminding new mums how much they deserve to be nourished and nurtured is a privilege and an honour.

xxx

Daniella & baby Carter

"It was an absolute blessing having Sam as my doula. It gave me so much reassurance every week knowing she was coming and chatting things through with her."

Emma & baby Laurie

"Finding Sam for my first child made such a positive difference, it was obvious I would have her again with my second!

Marta & baby Astrid

“Sam is full of empathy and knowledge and has made my postnatal period wonderful. With all the lack of sleep and change, I still felt safe.”

Helen & baby Jack

“You couldnt find someone more caring than Sam, she is just someone you want in your life! She has been my backbone, caring so deeply for her clients and you really feel it.”

Links & Resources

I am grateful to have had a few articles about my postnatal work published online and in print, as well as being a guest on a few podcasts, speaking about my doula work and what a doula does!

It Takes A Village

Article written for the charity Mummy's Star

Read here