Hey, I’m Sarah.
I am based in the beautiful Bundjalung Country, Northern Rivers, NSW.
My little business is called Nurture the Parents and it’s about caring for the people who have the big, important, job of having and raising children. Nurture the Parents is an evolving space and more exciting things are coming soon.
I am a mum, qualified Social Worker, and I’m also currently a student Birth and Postpartum Doula. More information on my birth and postpartum services can be found below.
who is it for?
anyone who is a parent, which includes the carers of a child who are:
expecting parents;
biological parents;
step parents;
foster carers;
adoptive parents;
kinship carers;
individuals who have taken up primary or shared responsibility in raising that child.
philosophy:
The philosophy behind Nurture the Parents is that parents should feel heard, seen, supported and empowered while they do the big, important, job of having and raising children. Parents should have access to relevant information and support, recognising that every family is unique, with different backgrounds, strengths and needs.
about me:
Sarah Lovett
My name is Sarah and I'm so glad you're here.
I grew up in the Northern Rivers and I am overjoyed to be back here with my family, since spending the last 10+ years living and working in Queensland.
I am currently studying to become a Birth and Postpartum Doula with the Australian Doula College. I am a qualified Social Worker and have worked a number of different roles since graduating in 2018 from the University of Queensland.
Prior to that, I worked as a Disability Support Worker, primarily with children and families.
When I have time, I love doing any of my many hobbies including: cooking nourishing meals, getting out into nature, writing, making jewelry, and arts and crafts in all forms.
I have been told by others that I am calm, kind, reflective, non-judgemental and empathetic.
I work with a focus on relationships and strengths, as opposed to deficits. I have a deep interest and understanding of trauma, mental health conditions, domestic violence, child development, and the social model of disability.
I believe that people are the experts in their own lives and every individual is different and unique in their own right. I strive to be inclusive of all people and am always open to learning more about others.
student doula services:
I am currently completing a course to become a Birth and Postpartum Doula with the Australian Doula College. I am required to support three experiences (i.e. 2 x births and 1 x postpartum) and I would be deeply honoured and grateful to do so. I also have a valid Working With Children Check and First Aid & CPR Certificate.
Free Meet & Greet
- If you are considering hiring me for either birth and/or postpartum support, we would have an initial 'meet & greet' free of charge, at a cafe or park near you.
- This provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and see if we 'click'. It would be no longer than an hour and there is no obligation for you to hire me at this point.
- After this, you would then contact the Australian Doula College to let them know if you would like to hire me.
- For more information on booking me as a student, you can contact Doula Services at: bronwyn@australian
doulacollege.com.au or call the Australian Doula College on: 02 9518 0841.
Birth Support
- Three antenatal visits: these are usually 2-2.5 hours each in your home and are for birth preparation. Visits are individualised to your needs, however we may cover some of the following: getting to know each other; birth plan/wishes; previous births; fears or concerns; the doula role; partner or support person's role; relaxation strategies; resources; labour positions; expectations about the day.
- Birth support: this would involve being on call and attending your birth. I would provide emotional and practical support and guidance to you and your partner or support person.
- Two postpartum visits: this would also be individualised to your needs and may include debriefing about your birth and any further support (listed under the postpartum section next).
- I am also available by phone during this time.
Postpartum Support
- 24 hours total of in-home support. This would be anytime from birth to six weeks after the birth. The visits would be worked out between us. It may look like: 6 x 4 hour visits, 12 x 2 hour visits, etc.
- Postpartum support can include, but is not limited to:
- Practical support like cleaning and cooking
- Occupying older siblings while you focus on baby
- Emotional support like listening and recommending resources
- Breastfeeding or bottle feeding support
- Support with sleeping and settling baby
- Support with bathing and dressing baby
- What to expect in nappies
student doula pricing:
To receive either the birth and/or postpartum support, an administration fee of $495 (including GST) is payable to the Australian Doula College. This fee covers administration, insurance, the 24/7 on-call helpline and a portion goes to the Doula Heart Network to provide support to the vulnerable.
household help & cleaning services:
I believe parents, in general, could do with a lot more support. Outsourcing household tasks can alleviate pressure and allow you to be more present with your children, or have more time for yourself.
I make my own natural cleaning products to minimise exposing little people, and big people, to unnecessary chemicals and toxins. I can bring these along to use in your home, or I am happy to use your products if you prefer.
Household help and cleaning may include, but is not limited to:
washing the dishes, sweeping or vacuuming floors, mopping, hanging out the washing, folding and putting washing away, picking up toys and clutter, taking rubbish out, wiping down surfaces, making the beds, cleaning the toilet or shower, and more.
Free Quote
- I will come to your home at a time that suits us both to provide a free quote.
First Clean
- The first clean will generally take a bit longer, and the quote will be reflective of that.
General rate
- Quotes are based on the rate of $50 p/h. This assists me to cover costs of administration, fuel, supplies, etc.
gifting options:
Nurture the Parents packages make a great gift too, whether it be for a birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, a baby shower, or just because! If you are thinking of gifting someone the thoughtful gift of support, please send me an email with the support you had in mind for your loved one.
"What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but in exchange, it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” - Nicholas Sparks