Hi I’m Donella, the face behind Stellar Roots Birth
Before I embarked upon this wonderful role, I was a photographer (newborn & children), I love photos and the ability to capture a memory for a lifetime, so you can absolutely guarantee I will be capturing your magical moments (if you so wish). After the birth of my own babies I realised my priorities needed to shift, and as amazing as it was to capture images of these special moments, I knew I wanted to share these beautiful moments in a way that would really benefit these families. I wanted to support and nurture them, and make sure that the fairy tale story they wanted me to captured in their one image, wasn’t just for a moment.
I’m a coffee addict, creative, love baking and cooking (especially the eating part), riffling through a charity shop, and nothing makes me happier then snuggling up on Christmas eve with my family watching elf in our matching Pj’s, Yes! even in my 40 years, I still love the magic of Christmas!
I’m a big softy, I’ve been told I wear my heart on my sleeve too much but I’ve grown to realise that’s what helps me respond to others. In my doula practice I see it as a strength, I will always bring raw kindness, care and compassion to my role. Other then the love I have for my children and family, nothing makes me happier then making a positive difference to someone. This has become even more apparent since volunteering at a local infant feeding café. I love supporting families through their feeding journeys, and watching a mother leave a little bit lighter and confident.
I love learning, and improving my skill set, and continue to look for things which will enhance my role as a Doula. I’ve always been a perfectionist, I like to research and problem solve, and believe that planning is always key. I may not know the answers to all your questions, but I can assure you, I will always know where to look to find them.
Since becoming a mummy 11 years ago, I have always had a deep passion towards birth and motherhood. The magic created is just incredible, its an absolute privilege I never take for granted.
I have two children of my own, 11 and 8, We are Surrey based, along with my husband of 15 years, our soppy Labrador and our grumpy cat who I randomly came home with one day after popping into my local Morrisons! (True Story) So I understand the navigation of family life, whether you’re first time parents or complete veterans, support is always needed.
PASSIONATE about birth
Feeding SUPPORT
I am a fully qualified peer supporter at Lemon Drops Infant feeding café in Oxted, Surrey. I’m passionate about the quality of care a mother should receive in her forth trimester and feeding journey. After working to support parents each week, I quickly discovered that the care and help I could offer was invaluable and has lead me to extend my research and learning further. I am currently studying to be a Mindfulness Breastfeeding Practitioner, focusing on lactation support and education that priorities emotional wellbeing and infant-parent relationships. This education enables me to provide the best possible care in your postpartum stage.
Birth BIOMECHANICS
Practical and emotional support is important to me as a Doula, not only will I be there to hold your hand throughout this incredible journey, I will provide comfort using gentle techniques to ensure your pregnancy and birth is a positive and empowering experience. Biomechanics will always come into play if you so wish to try it. It allows me to have a deeper holistic understanding into the physiology of birth so that I can support you during the different stages of labour with massage and rebozo comforting techniques. The benefits of using a rebozo along with massage can be amazing. It can create a grounding and deeper connection with you and your birth partner or Doula, it reduces cortisol levels, helping to relax the mother and aid in a natural birth, concentrating on certain pressure points to allow comfort and prevent the use of further pain relief.
My assurance to you
UK Doula Regulations & Doula UK
Although Doula practice is not regulated in the UK, I strive to support my families professionally. I have completed a Doula UK-accredited preparation course with Developing Doulas and am now a proud member of Doula UK. Being a member of their recognition process ensures I follow the highest standards of care to improve my services as a Doula with up to date continuous professional development. I have an incredibly experienced birth & postnatal mentor who is there to provide support for both myself and you as a client, making sure you receive the upmost quality of care. For peace of mind, and to find out more about Doula UK, here you can find me on the list of accredited Doulas.
Qualified Infant feeding Peer supporter and Mindful Breastfeeding practitioner in training
I am a qualified infant feeding peer supporter, completing my foundation course with the Mindful Breastfeeding School. Here I am able to support families with Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and combination feeding on a weekly basis. I am currently expanding my knowledge by studying to become a Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner to enable me to support families at a more advanced level.
Disclosure Barring Service & Insurance
I am fully insured to practice as a birth and postnatal doula with both public liability & professional indemnity insurance.
I am also fully DBS checked and hold a valid enhanced certificate.
