Hi! I’m Sandy, a Doula living in Gloucestershire with my husband and eight year old Golden Retriever, Tiggy. I have worked as a Nurse, Midwife and Health Visitor, and have over 35 years of experience to share with you, albeit in a supporting Doula capacity, rather than giving direct medical advice.

I have two gorgeous children of my own, who have now flown the nest. My birth experiences were very different - I thought that the whole thing would be a breeze as I was working as a midwife at the time! My first labour was induced, my second was spontaneous. I found it difficult to breast feed my first baby, the second, I breast fed for over a year. Two gorgeous children, two completely different experiences. It felt very different, ‘on the other side’!

The more time passed the more I realised how important that birth experience is to your whole family’s health and wellbeing. Having a birth that you feel informed and in control of, helps you to begin parenting from a positive position, stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. I believe that having the right Doula for you, will help you to have a calm and happier birth experience. Finding straight forward ways to manage the pregnancy, birth and postnatal period together. My aim is to support and guide, without prejudice or judgement, to allow every family to advocate for the birth they want as they become or extend their family.

For those of you embarking on birth alone – I can provide the support of a birthing partner, giving emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. For those who plan to birth with your partner, or another close friend or relative, my role is to support you both.

— Sandy Steven RN, RM, RHV, BSC (Hon), DipTrop Nurse