Name: Sophie Whippy
Age: 31
Occupation: Yoga Teacher & Studio owner at Stretch, Doula / Antenatal Educator at Doula London
Currently living in: London
What makes you happy?
I would be a rubbish mum & wife if I didn’t say my son & my husband 🙂 But I also cherish time to myself. I’m quite introvert and after being around people a lot, I need to hide away and recharge.
Where do you find inspiration?
Mainly people, speaking to people, having varied conversations, listening to peoples experiences, paying attention to my own experiences and feelings.
When did you realise that you were going to be a doula?
I started to become more interested in supporting women after the birth of my son. My reading and interest started to change to research documents on antenatal practices, vaccine health, anything and everything to do with pregnancy and birth! I had a positive experience when I had my son in 2013, but I was also in the dark about a lot of things that retrospectively I should have been informed on.
How do you begin a new project?
Usually by scribbling down ideas, then talking it through with my husband Carl. He’s really creative in his thinking and will always go big with ideas so he pushes me to go above and beyond, and not play it safe which is where I tend to feel more comfortable.
Where’s your favourite place to work from?
The kitchen table, if the house is empty! If it’s not, I like heading into the office. I’m a lot more productive from the office!
Describe an experience you had, that confirmed you, why you are doing what you do.
The first physiological birth I attended was the most amazing experience and the kind words from my client in the days following <3
Name one person who helped you get to where you are today.
Carl – my husband.
What does art mean to you?
Expression and freedom.
Name one women who inspired you on your creative journey?
To name one is super tough. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by women who are carving their own paths; Gail Love Schock, Pandora Symes, Calli Popham, Caroline Bragg, Claire Maddelena, All working in different fields and leading the way.
Which challenges have you met in your work?
Lack of time mainly. Finding the time to study, read and be available for people. Doula-ing especially is hugely time consuming and whilst I love it, especially being on call and waiting for a birth, it means I need a whole support network in place so that I can drop whatever I’m doing to be by her side, sometimes for hours but also could be for days!
What advice would you give to an aspiring doula?
Make sure you can hold space for others and not go into your own narrative. Be very boundaries between your personal opinion and being a support to others. Remember you are there in a service role, and that could mean being a shoulder to cry on, moving the car or holding mums hand whilst she’s labouring. The role is vast and you need to be clear where you feel comfortable. That and don’t take it personally. It’s not about you, it’s about your client!
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