THE NURTURING BIRTH TEAM
Sarah Sayer
owner & facilitator
I trained with Nurturing Birth back in 2009 and went on to build a busy doula business in Bournemouth. Over time I added mentoring and course facilitation into the mix, and eventually found myself stepping into the leadership of Nurturing Birth.
Fifteen years (and an alarming amount of coffee) since attending my own doula course, and somehow here I am – still as passionate as ever about the perinatal world but now using that passion to help new doulas carve out their own path.
I live just ten minutes from the Dorset coast, with my partner of 30 years, two grown-up kids who are both brilliant and exhausting in equal measure, and a very badly behaved rescue dog – known affectionately as “The Dickhead Dog”. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me on the beach or wobbling about on my paddleboard.
Our Collective Spirit
We’re a small but mighty team of experienced doulas, mentors, facilitators, and admin magicians - all passionate about guiding you.
Together, we bring warmth, real-world insight, and unwavering support from your first taster session to your thriving doula business.
Danielle Fox
facilitator & mentor
Learnt the highs and heart-tugs of this work firsthand, Danielle now beautifully orchestrates our mentoring programme. Based in South Wales, she unwinds on horseback—her happy place in the countryside.
Simone Dyer
facilitator & mentor
Trained with NB in 2019, grew into mentoring by 2021, and joined the facilitator team in 2024. Simone brings deep experience from birth and bodywork, and finds joy in travel, nature, music- and holding soulful spaces like women’s circles and cacao ceremonies.
Melanie Di Tommaso
Coursework coordinator & mentor
Doula since 2010, grandma-ing like a champion (four children, five grandchildren and counting!). Melanie’s commitment runs deep - born from her own challenging birth experiences, she pours care and advocacy into supporting other mothers. She’s also a cooking and Bloody Mary connoisseur.
Sarah Newman
Admin fairy
A new doula who jumped in wholeheartedly - her first role supporting a lone twin parent. Also a yoga and meditation devotee, Sarah dreams of far-off places, and fills our team with calm and organisation (and a touch of travel-inspired wonder).
MISSION & VALUES
At Nurturing Birth, our mission is simple: to support doulas at every stage of their journey and help them build careers that actually work in the real world. Our courses give you all the essential doula knowledge plus the practical business tools you need – because, let’s face it, passion doesn’t pay the bills. The world needs more doulas, and we’re here to make sure they’re not exhausted, broke, or winging it.
Our Values
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Growth: We believe in learning, evolving, and occasionally making mistakes (preferably not catastrophic ones). If you’re not growing, you’re stuck – and that’s no fun.
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Community: Birth work can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. We build real connections, mentorship, and support so you’re never fending for yourself.
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Sustainability: More long-term careers, less burnout. We teach doulas to set boundaries, get paid what they’re worth and actually enjoy what they do.
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Inclusivity: Birth is for everyone, and so is our training. We welcome doulas of all backgrounds, because diversity isn’t just nice – it’s essential.
