Radiant Mama
Our Team
Sarah Baker: Doula & Breastfeeding Support
Sarah Baker: Doula & Breastfeeding Counsellor
I have been a practicing birth and postnatal doula since completing my training with Birthing Wisdom in 2009. I love the process of getting to know each woman/family, tailoring my support to fit individual needs and circumstances, working together with the aim of enabling the mother and baby to experience an engaged and satisfying birth. It feels such a privilege to be invited to companion families through the enormous transformation of pregnancy and birth.
I can also offer one-to-one support in preparing for birth and beyond whether or not you wish for a doula at your birth. This can include breastfeeding education as well as breastfeeding support once your baby is here. I co-facilitate the Radiant Mama Sharing Circle in Totnes
Olivia Seck: Fear & Trauma Release
Olivia Seck: Fear & Trauma Release
I attended my first birth in my late teens but didn‘t train as a doula until 2000. Shortly after, I qualified as a hypnobirthing practitioner and I have been training in and teaching all aspects of birth work ever since. Now, in my 60's I draw from my large basket of skills and knowledge whenever I need to but the main focus of my work as a doula is to create a calm and connected space where labour can progress as it needs to and the new soul can be welcomed in joy. Much preparation is done together before the birth (inc.Hypnobirthing), so that on the day we can meet the experience of Birth with presence, connection and a deep gratefulness for being part of the miracle of birth.
Sarah Webb: Mentoring
Naveena Goffer: Biodynamic Craniosacral & Birth Work
I'm offering Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy from the beautiful garden studio in my home in Buckfastliegh and from the Natural Health Centre in Totnes. Biodynamic Craniosacral is a subtle but very powerful touch therapy that help regulate the nervous system through revisiting a deep space within us that holds imprint of our system in health.
I'm trained as a midwife since 2007 and excited to offer for the first time in the UK birth-work care and support for pregnancy, Labour and birth and the postpartum period including breastfeeding consultation.
Please feel welcome to give me a call if you want to know more about my work book a session or a home visit. Naveena ♡
About Doulas
When continuous labor support was provided by a doula, women experienced :
• 33% decrease in the use of pitocin (syntocinon)
• 28% decrease in Caesarians
• 12% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
• 34% decrease in dissatisfaction with the birth experience
• more success in establishing. breastfeeding.
In most traditional cultures, there would be a wise woman working alongside the midwife, holding and comforting the labouring woman. More recently birth companions/doulas have been fulfilling this role for the whole birthing family. Modern birth companions/Doulas are women especially trained to give emotional and practical support during the pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatal period,
What does a doula do? ( from www.doula.org.uk)
The services offered by a doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother-to-be/parents-to-be. A doula’s role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation . Every birth is unique and therefore every woman’s experience is also unique.
Before birth the doula will meet with the mother (or couple) face to face, up to 4 times and then be available by phone or in person for additional meetings if necessary.
During labour the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula’s most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.
After childbirth the doula may follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal doula. The actual tasks in the practical support postnatal doulas provide varies enormously. One of the big benefits of having a postnatal doula is that they are there to support the family, not carry out a specific task, so they do what is needed (within reason!). They can provide emotional support for mothers and couples, offer breastfeeding support, be a help around the house, look after baby while mum/ partner nap or have a bath, help with older siblings, make meals, help with dinner time or the school run, help overnight so the parents get more sleep. Whatever is needed to help a family relax and have a positive experience of life with a baby.