Suzanne Batchelor
I believe that childbirth is one of life’s most exciting and enriching experiences.
Having worked as an NHS midwife since 1998, I have gained a unique insight into the physiological and emotional needs of a woman through all stages of pregnancy and labour. I have also developed a strong interest in active births – and, in particular, water births – with the aim of minimising pain relief and intervention, to achieve the most natural delivery possible.
This principle has shaped my extensive experience in the NHS ‘home from home’ rooms - as well as my continued role as a teacher of active birth classes, which have received outstanding feedback.
To complement my midwifery training, I have specialised in maternity reflexology and massage since 2000, using holistic techniques - including shiatsu - to treat over 1000 pregnant women. I am also qualified in Hypnobirthing© and often put its self-hypnosis and relaxation methods into practice to help labouring women feel more calm, confident and in control.
In addition to midwifery, I have worked as a birth support partner or ‘doula’ since 2005, offering personalised care, comfort and encouragement throughout labour.
My move to become an independent midwife is driven by an enjoyment of this personal, one-to-one setting – and a desire to provide a more exclusive, continuous service through all the stages of pregnancy in an environment of complete safety and trust.
As well as offering my services independently, I continue to work for the NHS for a few days each month to apply my active birthing skills on a wider scale - and to spend time training student midwives.
Outside work, I love skiing, diving and photography – and my passion for travelling and experiencing different ways of life has taken me to over 60 countries around the world, including time spent living in Nepal and Israel.
I have also recently extended my interest in photography to capture the first moments of my clients’ newborn babies on camera – to offer tasteful, intimate portraits of birth that can be shared with future generations.
For further information or to book a consultation email sootybatchelor@gmail.com