“We contacted Sarah to support us in our second pregnancy after a traumatic delivery with our first child. Straight away her manner and approach calmed us, made us feel seen and heard and like we had an ally from the get go. The meetings leading up to the birth really helped in terms of getting information on exercises, diet, techniques to aid relaxation etc and her experience was so informative for helping us decide how we wanted the birth to go this time around (she never told us what was right or wrong just shared all her knowledge and made sure we knew it was up to us). Having her with us enabled us to have the confidence to ask medical professionals for things we wanted thus creating a really positive birth environment. I recommend her (and the concept of doulas) to all my pregnant friends now. Thank you Sarah for all that you did for us. “ Jess F-T, second time mum to Theo, born May 2023

“Sarah was our doula for the birth of our first baby in March 2023.

If you are skim reading this then all you need to know is that if we are blessed with a second child we wouldn’t want to go through the latter stages of pregnancy, birth or immediate post-natal period without her as our doula.

We also used Sarah for her placenta encapsulation service. As she was at the birth we didn't have to do anything. Sadly I had to delay using them as I had an infection. When I did start, my energy levels and low mood both improved. I can’t be sure it was the capsules acting to raise iron levels or improve hormone balance, but I am sufficiently convinced that I would repeat the process with any future births.

The primary reasons for us using a doula were fears that my chronic illness would not be properly understood by staff who happened to be attending when I went in to give birth, and that my husband comes from a country where men are not involved in “women’s matters” so he had little idea of what to expect or what his role could be. After employing Sarah we both felt reassured about having her as a constant and consistent support. This in itself reduced stress and left us to enjoy the pregnancy much more.

I went into labour at home and we were managing OK but Sarah's arrival brought reassurance for all concerned. She advised me when we should go to the JR and I trusted her, so was able to stay at home until labour was well established. Sarah also supported my Mum in dealing with the midwives when telephoning to let them know I was on my way. Mum says that waving me off was one of the hardest things she has ever had to do and knowing that Sarah was with us made it bearable.

My husband was very reluctant when we first discussed the option of employing a doula. He is now adamant that we won’t have another baby without a doula. Sarah gave him confidence to be involved in labour and encouraged him to undertake specific roles and tasks in order to do that.

There were three very specific ways that Sarah's professional help was invaluable during labour and the birth (well four in you include making tea and toast immediately afterwards!), all of which were a result of the relationship she had built with us. This enabled her to “translate” between us and the midwives.

I was able to have a water birth with gas and air as additional pain relief. This wouldn't have been possible if Sarah hadn't helped me to find the way to use the mouthpiece so that it worked for me. 

When I went into transition the midwife wasn't with us and it fell to Sarah to help me regain control so that what could have been a major issue was in fact just a blip.

As baby crowned we hit a problem which could have become an emergency. Unlike the midwife, Sarah was able to communicate to me very clearly exactly what I needed to do. Without her, once again I believe the water birth I had hoped for would not have happened.  

Sarah's presence was definitely fundamental in us having the relatively relaxed labour and birth experience that was so important for my postnatal recovery given my chronic health condition.

We would recommend anyone to research employing a doula. It is important to choose someone you connect with and for us what were most important were Sarah’s vast experience, along with her knowledge of the JR birth centre and delivery suite.” Kirsti Q, first time mum to Tobias, born March 2023

“I feel so fortunate Sarah was my doula for my third birth. As an American I was nervous about navigating the system in the UK so that was my initial reason for hiring her. But Sarah brought so much more to my birth journey than just navigating the NHS! She was an amazing emotional support for both my husband and I. Our meetings before the birth left me feeling confident and excited. We worked through all my fears and past trauma from previous births. I learned so much from her about childbirth and I absolutely loved her birth class. I was surprised how much I didn’t know even after giving birth two times before! In the end, I was able to have the home birth of my dreams and I know it was in huge part because Sarah helped me plan, answered all my questions, taught me loads, and helped me feel confident in my decisions. Thank you Sarah for all your wisdom, going above and beyond to support me and for helping me achieve the most amazing and transformative birth. I wish all women could have you in their corner guiding them through this life changing experience.” Mel B, mum to Bennie, born January 2023

“Thank you so much for your support, advice, wisdom, compassion and so much more during pregnancy and labour. You made us feel informed, confident, and at ease with our decisions every step of the way. In a way, I’m extra grateful for you given the plan didn’t go to plan! We are thrilled with the result either way.” Reggie M, mum to Olivia, born November 2022

“From the moment Sarah entered our home with our new born baby boy in our arms we felt incredibly comforted by her presence. Sarah was there to help answer the unending questions we had, effortlessly clean and tidy up the house without us needing to ask and gave us the breather we so desperately needed in those early days - be it to rest, go for a quiet walk or even a river swim! We felt totally comfortable leaving our baby in her care and always looked forward to her visits. She came into our home a stranger, but left a friend.” Katy G, mum to Monty, born March 2021

“Lucy has been a joy to have with us for occasional overnight doula care. She’s been brilliant at not only taking great care of our daughter who always greets her with a big smile, but also discussing all sorts along the way, such as baby development, weaning and more.” India H, mum to Willoughby, born July 2020

“Lucy helped us to grow in confidence as we got to know our son and how to look after him. She walked into our lives when we were at our most vulnerable - first-time parents, with a much-longed-for newborn, recovering from an traumatic birth - and cared for us so all our energies could be spent on caring for our son and recovering from the birth. Her gentle support and encouragement helped us become the parents we wanted to be; getting our unexpectedly challenging feeding journey back on track, sifting through the plethora of advice thrust upon new parents so we could choose what was right for us and our son, and reassuring us that we could do this. Most of the good advice I actually still remember from the 4th trimester came from Lucy. We still sometimes find ourselves saying to each other "I wish we could have Lucy back". Every new parent should have a Lucy.” Cat M-O, mum to Kit, born December 2019

“I just wanted to be sure I thanked you again for everything! You really were so great during the whole pregnancy, birth and post birth time. I was so glad to have someone I could ask my zillion questions to! I feel like I couldn't have had a better birth experience! You are so good at your job it's inspiring! I wish more women around the world were able to have such a positive birth experience. I could argue that doulas might be the answer to seeing a higher percentage of positive experiences! So thank you!” Katy W, mum to Adalyn, born August 2019

“I don't really know how to adequately express how much Birth Baby Balance has affected my whole life. My birth with Valentine was completely transformed by having Sarah there and no matter what has happened before or since nothing will ever take away how special and amazing it was for me and for Valentine!” Sadie S, mum to Valentine, born April 2019

“After a difficult first birth which ended in a c-section I really wanted to try again for a natural birth with my second, but felt under confident. I found Sarah at Birth Baby Balance and straight away found her calm, reassuring nature and her abundance of knowledge and knew I wanted her to be my doula. She kept me calm on the lead up to the birth and after which definitely helped with my natural birth. We used Sarah postnatally too and It was just so lovely to have such a positive person on our journey second time around. We also attended Sarah’s baby massage course which was such a lovely bonding experience for me and my baby, as having an older child I didn’t get much one on one time with my baby. I also made some lovely friends which I still keep in contact with.
I wish I’d known about Birth Baby Balance with my first baby and Sarah, who is an inspiration to many.” Raquel W, mum to Daphne, born March 2019

"Having Sarah as our doula for our second son's entry to the world made a huge difference to our experience of birth and we wholeheartedly recommend her. I was traumatised by the birth of our first son, which was a lonely and overwhelming experience. By contrast I feel proud of the birth of our second son - I actually enjoyed a lot of it - thanks to Sarah's preparation before labour, and support during and after our son was born.

Sarah's presence actually allowed my husband and I to feel closer during labour as she was so reassuring and we knew we did not have to grapple big decisions on our own. When challenges arose she simply helped us make our own decisions which felt very empowering and safe. Sarah is wise, practical and on your side: a brilliant and intuitive birth partner. Don't hesitate to invite her to your birth!"   Molly W, mum to Joshua, born April 2016

“Initially sceptical at the idea of having someone else at the birth of our second child I quickly became at ease with Sarah during her pre-birth visits and found her both extremely knowledgeable and a calming influence. During the birth Sarah became one of the team but knew exactly when to step in or let us have our private moments.”  Tom W, dad to Charlie, born Jan 2016

"Sarah came to us as a post natal doula when the twins were 4 weeks old, she took over the night shift for us for two nights a week. It was a God send, enabling us to refresh and get some much needed sleep, we couldn't have got through those first few months without her!" Sasha, mum to Lauren and Martha, born December 2015

"I contacted Sarah when pregnant with my second boy. My first birth had been tricky, an induction that resulted in a rather scary caesarean. I was nervous for my second go, particularly as I had to choose between a VBAC and an elective caesarean. I knew a VBAC was the better option for many reasons, but it required me to be brave, so I thought a doula would be a good idea to support me through it. Up until the last minute I hadn't quite decided what to do, and Sarah was very supportive and kind, offering good advice but making very clear it was up to me and that she would be by my side whatever. My husband was also grateful for her presence, he had had a scary experience the first time too.

She was a wonderfully calming presence during the birth, and I think the times we met before the birth were just great. She was empathetic and had a good sense of humour, and there wasn't the hint of superiority in her responses to my worries and thoughts. The birth went well, in that I went into labour naturally and had our boy half a day later, at the JR, with no intervention. It was really quite a healing experience, and Sarah's presence was greatly appreciated.

I think everyone should have a doula, and I recommend Sarah to anyone considering one. And believe me, I was sceptical." Lara B, mum to Jacob, born 2015

“I am positively evangelical about having a doula in general, and Sarah in particular. For my first birth, I was keen to have a natural birth and avoid drugs if possible. Sarah played a key role in helping me achieve this. My labour was long, and she was there from the very beginning offering just the right sort of support for both me and my husband. She pushes you along when you need it, and comforts you when you’re starting to flag. I found having her with me kept me confident and calm, as she has the wonderful ability to fill you full of her own belief that you can achieve whatever goals you have for your birth experience. She helped me get through 36 hours of labouring, to successfully birth my first child with only gas and air, which was fantastic in and of itself. But another great thing about Sarah is that she doesn’t stop taking care of you once the baby arrives. She was always there at the end of the phone when I needed her post-birth. One of the best things she does is offers a ‘de-brief’ of the birth. She takes you through the birth story she writes for you and I found this an invaluable way to help me reflect upon what had happened and how I felt about it.

When I became pregnant again I had no doubts that I would want Sarah with me again. This time around I had decided I wanted to have an epidural, a choice Sarah supported just as much as she’d support my decision to do without one in my first birth. I cannot praise this aspect of Sarah’s care highly enough. He focus is always on helping you have the birth you want, whatever that is. She gives realistic, knowledgeable advice to help you achieve that. From the minute she arrives with you at the hospital you feel you’re in great hands because she knows the midwives and how things work so well. She gets on very well with everyone around her, and so becomes an organic, supportive part of your overall care — she works with the midwives while always looking out for you and your needs. And all the while, she has one eye on your partner, making sure he or she is also taken care of, keeping them going and helping them to support you to their very best ability.

In my view, everyone should have a doula when they give birth. She is your advocate in the room, your shoulder to lean on and your sounding board when you need it. I cannot recommend Sarah highly enough!” Imogen G, mum to Ollie born 2010 and Sebastian born 2014

“For the birth of my second baby I decided I needed all the help I could get to achieve a natural birth, especially since I’d had a caesarean section the first time round. Despite the reassurance from midwives at the hospital that I would be treated in the same way as a first time mum, I wanted to ensure my birth plan was kept to as much as possible! Sarah was not only the guardian of my birth plan but a calm and reassuring presence. She encouraged me when I was tired and even made me laugh during my labour! My husband was also reassured just knowing that she would be there when I went into labour, and it meant that he could focus on supporting me, while Sarah took care of some of the practicalities. I had an amazing birth experience, it wouldn’t have been the same without her and we cannot thank her enough.” Sam T, mum of Audrey, May 2013

“When pregnant with our second baby, our midwife recommended we talk to Sarah to discuss labour and ways to cope naturally as the birth of our first son had been induced, resulting in a highly medicalised labour and birth.

We found Sarah’s calm, pragmatic and positive approach to birth really reassuring and it seemed natural to want her with us for the duration of labour as we knew she would bring a calm and gentle approach. We had never even considered using a doula before as we didn’t think it would be our cup of tea and previously never appreciated what a reassuring and supportive role a doula could play in a birth, and in our case, ensuring that we had the labour we wanted.

Our second labour was very long and drawn out but with Sarah’s help and encouragement we were able to handle the contractions and found the whole process to be a very powerful and rewarding experience. It was also incredibly bonding for my husband and me, as well as with our emerging baby boy - which is a testament to Sarah’s sensitive approach. Sarah did not leave our side for 3 days. She basically moved into our house, timing every contraction and helping with breathing techniques.

When we arrived at hospital we were all exhausted. Sarah was able to update the midwives and miraculously managed to convert a bright, clinical hospital room into a much more relaxing, comfortable place to be in 30 seconds flat! It was particularly reassuring to have Sarah at this point as she was familiar with the midwives at the JR, who seemed to know and respect her opinions. While our midwife was brilliant, it was Sarah who pulled everything together having been with us from the start - she even mopped up my broken waters!

If we had not had Sarah as our doula we are sure that we would have set off for hospital and been sent back a number of times and generally spent a lot more time in hospital rather than at home. The whole experience would certainly have been far more medicalised and stressful. Sarah’s presence ensured that we could labour at home in a calm and natural way. Sarah stayed with us until baby Guy was safely in our arms, feeding well. We could not recommend her highly enough and will always feel indebted to her." Amy H, mum of Guy, born August 2012

“We could not have managed without Sarah’s support and calming presence. She helped us negotiate our way through a hospital birth, with smiles and laughs along the way. We will never be able to thank her enough and she is a huge part of Archie’s birth. Having the birth story written down, as it unfolded, was the most amazing gift to have and read afterwards. It will be part of Archie’s life story that he will have for ever. I wish I had such an account of my own birth. However the best thing about having Sarah alongside is her invaluable support afterwards. Neither of us have parents living close by, and so having Sarah’s visits after the birth filled that gap. Knowing that I can always phone her for no nonsense support and advice gives a huge safety net to our little family.”   Fleur W, mum of Archie, April 2011

“Sarah was doula at my home water birth. She did everything we needed, from befriending my children beforehand, through baking muffins with them during the labour, to boiling pans of water on the stove when the hot water ran out. Most impressively she managed to both massage my back and hold my hand - underwater - during the final stages of labour. She ended up soaking wet and with backache - a heroic effort! It was so reassuring for us all to know that there would be at least one, calm, friendly, familiar person with us on the day and we were all really pleased that Sarah was there for us.”  Jayne J, mum of Daisy, Feb 2008