Sarah Farhangi
Certified Birth Doula (DONA)
Early Childhood Educator
doulamamasarah@yahoo.ca
604-339-3001

I began working with infants and their families as an early childhood educator in 1996. Over the next eight years I was intrigued by the mother’s stories of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and being a mama to her child. I wanted to make a difference in their lives even before they came to us in the early childhood period. I sat in on an information session about doulas. I was inspired both by the concept as well as the spark in the eye of the speaker when sharing her experience as a doula. I wanted to capture the passion within me and nurture labouring women and their families. I took the doula training in 2001, just in time to assist Bonnie (my doulamamas partner) with the birth of her first child.

My passion is women and the babies they nurture in their bellies, throughout the birth process and at their breasts. Each birth is as unique as the woman carrying the child. I am honoured to be a part of such a life changing event. I strive to make each birth the most positive experience possible to allow the mother and baby relationship to flourish.

I became a mother myself in September, 2003 to my son Kai. The experience of labour and giving birth has given me a new enlightened perspective on the entire process. I chose to give birth without interventions or pain medications under the care of a midwife. I laboured in the comfort of my own home, surrounded by people I knew and cared for. I pushed Kai out in a pool of warm water with only the flicker of candlelight and the force within my body guiding him. My doulamama Bonnie helped me get through many hours of back labour and encouraged me along the journey. My partner participated at his comfort level and stayed close where I needed him. Kai was healthy and born in a calm, rather romantic atmosphere. He latched onto my breast very soon after his birth as I gazed euphorically into his brown eyes. My decision to give birth naturally at home came from a lot of research and was an informed choice, the best for me and my family.

In November of 2006 I gave birth to my second child River. His birth also taught me valuble lessons as a mother and a birth professional. He was born at home in water, surrounded by a fabulous team of women, my partner and my 3 year old son. It was an all new experience having my first born look to me for wisdom and calmness. We grew as a family that night, not only in numbers, as we bonded with our new babe.

Our family is growing…in August of 2009 we welcomed a baby girl into our lives. She was also born gently at home in the water. Her birth taught me once again that you never know what you are in for in the work of birth. Her big brothers were there to support mama and give her love. What a gracious surprise to get a girl!

I believe each woman has the right to be educated about options so she too can make the appropriate choices regarding her own unique birth experience. I trust each woman’s intuition and ability to give birth in the way she chooses and support her in doing so.