Hi, I am Sarah. A birth and postnatal doula for families who are looking for support that feels like home.
Supporting families across Greater Manchester & online.
Doula care beyond your expectation
You've done the appointments. You've been talked over, rushed, and told to "just trust the process" by someone who hasn't read your notes. You know your body, your history, and your gut, and you're done defending all three.
Maybe this is baby number two and the first birth is still riding shotgun. Or you're planning a VBAC and suddenly everyone from your midwife to your neighbour has an opinion. Maybe you're a long way from home and your mum's advice comes via WhatsApp voice note. Your older kids are asking a hundred questions a day, or you're anxious, overwhelmed, over-researched, and not in the mood for small talk. All of that is welcome with me.
I've been there myself, so I already know what you're not saying out loud. Working with me feels like finally exhaling. You get someone who remembers your story, works research based, and has your back when you speak up. You don't have to be calm, grateful, or low-maintenance to deserve good care.
You're not a case file or a birth plan tick-list. You're a whole person who's about to go through the biggest transformation of your life, and you deserve someone in your corner who gets it.
Contact me
Sarah Tolsma
yourdutchdoula@gmail.com
+447871841661
Postpartum SupportVirtual Support
Birth SupportMeal Prep Service
About me
Eight years ago, I made the bold move to pack up all my things and move my life from the Netherlands to the UK to be with my now husband. With a degree in teaching, I've mainly worked in teaching jobs but I kept having this feeling that there was more to life than that.
When I had my first baby, this became even more clear. Being from the Netherlands, I always thought I'd grow up having some sort of postpartum support, so to not have this available was pretty disappointing, and what ended up lighting the fire in me to become that support myself.
I am a birth and postnatal doula who supports you through pregnancy, birth and beyond with care centred around you. I have first-hand experience navigating the NHS maternity services as someone with a different nationality, which means I understand what it feels like to be figuring out an unfamiliar system while also growing a whole new person inside you.
Testimonials
“Sarah is very committed and loving. She really helped me find my strength after giving birth, which meant I could enjoy my baby and motherhood so much more. Sarah aligns closely with what I find important and doesn't impose her opinion. That makes it so valuable to receive advice from her. I found breastfeeding difficult at time, but with the loving approach, endless patience when I didn't have any myself, and a lot of knowledge and expertise, it all worked out well. Sarah, thank you for your involvement and all your knowledge and expertise..”
— Laura“Throughout all three of my pregnancies, Sarah has been a great support and she’s been with me every step of the way. My pregnancies were not carefree and joyful, but she was always there to offer a shoulder to cry on or just sit with me in silence when there were no words. Not only that: she was also the person cheering the loudest every time we got good news.
Postpartum, she was always there whenever I needed someone to help me put things in perspective, to comfort me when feeling down or inadequate, and of course to dote on the cutest pictures of the tiniest feet. Great virtual company and present during those endless night feeds as well, might I add.
All in all Sarah has always been a cheerleader, a life support system at times and someone I could always count on. Both for a casual chat but also always for expert advice.”
— Naadya“Sarah is a truly sweet, calm, and reliable person. Throughout my pregnancies, she was always there for me, whether I needed to talk something through, wanted advice, or just needed someone who really listened. She was always ready to help, without judgement, and always knew how to reassure me. thanks to her, I didn't lose myself in motherhood either. She helped me remember that I matter too, that I can trust my own feelings, and that taking good care of myself is just as important. I’m so grateful to her for all her support, calm, and love she’s given me.
— Selina“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers - Strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”
— Barbara Katz Rothman