Sally supported one of my clients whom is a potential victim of human trafficking before during and after the birth of her child.  Sally showed extreme sensitivity during this process and built up a good rapport with the client in order for her to feel comfortable with her presence and support during the birth. 

My client cannot speak English and Sally was very aware of ensuring that communication was understandable through use of pictoral and translation service.  She reassured the client by answering any questions that she had and was very mindful of the client's cultural needs.  We discussed safeguarding process as this is an integral part of providing services for our clients.

During the difficult process of the client's induction, Sally was on hand to answer any questions the client had and was easy to talk to.  I have spoken to my client for feedback and she states the following

"She was very caring and helpful during the delivery process.  She gave donations to me after my baby was born.  I received all the help I needed from her and she was really nice.  I would highly recommend her to other people.  Thank you very much for being with me during this time."

Medaille Trust



Ahead of my due date Sally and I had some Zoom calls and she was great support, making some suggestions about ways in which I could help prepare myself for the birth and manage my anxiety. She checked in with me frequently in the run up to my due date too, just to see how I was getting on and offer more reassurance.

On the day I went into labour I messaged Sally to give her a heads up I was in labour and she had sent some lovely messages back with lots of positive affirmations that I could do this. There was a point during labour, in the very wee hours of the morning, when I started to become quite frightened as we had called our homebirth midwives to update them that things were progressing and they had advised they couldn't get to us for another 45-60 minutes and that I may need to call an ambulance to transfer to hospital if I thought I was nearing the pushing stage. At that moment I just wanted to hear Sally's voice of reassurance and to keep her posted in case I really did end up in an ambulance to hospital and so we called her. 

If I'm honest I don't really remember exactly what was said on that call but I remember how Sally made me feel. Just hearing her voice helped me refocus and regain my sense of control. She was so calm and confident that I would be ok. I remember her sense of excitement that this was it, I was going to meet my baby soon! - and it was genuine excitement too, all the more lovely given that I had just woken her up! I remember her saying she wished she could be there with us, but just that short phone call really did bring her into our birth space with us. I'll be forever grateful for that as I feel that her reassurance, along with Tom's calm confidence, kept us on track for the homebirth I wanted. 

Contacting a doula was not something I had ever considered before in my previous labours and, if I'm honest, I probably wouldn't have thought of had it not been for the pandemic. I am so very glad I found Sally however and it's totally opened my eyes to the wonderful service they offer. If I were to have another baby I would contact Sally without hesitation. I'm so grateful to her. 

Kirsty (during lockdown)


I found Sally on a web search and after a couple of phone conversations and my partner and I both meeting separately for a coffee with Sally, we knew it was a good fit.
 
I felt she had a laid- back, non judgemental and motherly energy. These were important qualities as we didn't want to feel pressured by opinions and points of view. I especially wanted a female, consistent presence during my second birthing experience. I found Sally a huge support when the moment came and I went into labour. She calmly came to our house and we all travelled to the hospital together. Sally was a great listener and knew just how to help in the labour room. Whether it was offering around her homemade energy balls or calmly holding my hand or gently telling me how to breathe; I found her presence and energy were exactly what I had hoped for. It also helped from my perspective, to have a third person in the room aside from my partner. It helped keep things positive when we were tired.
 
I had PTSD from my previous birth experience and although delivery this time was emergency c section (again), my decision to have Sally at the labour helped me to feel in control and happy, reducing potential trauma. I wholeheartedly recommend her doula service to anyone reading this.

Lottie.