Introducing forum expert, midwife and doula, Sarah Bournon

Let’s hear a bit about your background….

 

My childhood was spent moving around the country every few years, 17 times in all! Some of my best early years were spent in Mauritius, where I lived for 3 1/2 years, around the time of Mauritian independence. I have also spent time in Devon, Hampshire, Lancashire,Oxfordshire, Sussex and North Africa. It goes without saying that I was sent to boarding school, in the grim days of no phones or contact with family, just a letter on a Sunday!  I immersed myself in sport and made friends that have lasted a lifetime! 

And what about your field of expertise? How did that come about?

 

It came as no surprise to my parents when I chose to train as a nurse and midwife. As a seven year old, I wanted to gather up the children playing in the Mauritian streets, take them home, bathe and feed them!

 

I trained in nursing and midwifery at UCH and St Mary's Paddington. After just a few weeks, I was delighted to have my first experience of birth. It was this moment that certainly influenced the path that I took, and the way in which I chose to practice midwifery.

 

 

A wonderful elderly but highly respected matron took me in to witness the birth of twins, and she impressed on me the wonder of what I was about to witness, and what a privilege that it was to be there. The experience has never left me. Now, to be active in enabling and encouraging women and their partners in pregnancy and birth, is, without exception, a unique privilege. 

 

I now live in the Leicestershire countryside, with my partner, a wonderful man with a huge zest for life. This is a relatively new area for me, and I love it! I have two lovely adult daughters,  who live too far away for my liking!  My german shepherd died recently, and I am looking forward to having a puppy,  to explore more of the countryside on my doorstep with.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

 

I think that one of my best achievements recently, has been to come through a very bleak period, and to come through fighting and feeling-  I have so much more to give! I have been so fortunate to follow a deep desire, to continue to support women through pregnancy and birth - no longer as a midwife, but to transfer those skills, and gain others, as a doula.

What word or phrase do you most overuse?

 

The phrase that I probably most overuse is :- Trust your body and have confidence in it- your body knows exactly what to do! 

What is your next big goal in life?

 

I don't believe that I have a specific goal at the moment, but I would like to make small positive achievements on a daily basis, and to appreciate each moment of every day.

What do you enjoy in life?

 

I love food and wine, don't we all, and cooking together. It is a very important part of my day. I tend to enjoy everything that carries a health warning! 

Coffee or herbal infusion?

 

Coffee! I would travel for miles to find the best coffee shop, with great home baked cakes. 

In order to keep the extra pounds at bay, I do run with two ladies, both are older and fitter than me, and more committed than me too. I also love swimming, and walking. Yoga and mindfulness are both on my to do list! 

And a last thought…

 

I am very pleased to be able to offer two places per year for anyone who feels that doula support would make a difference for them in their pregnancy, labour, and birth, but would perhaps find it difficult to find the funds.