We have had A LOT of students come through Doula School over the last decade plus of trainings. It’s always so rewarding to follow up with alumni and see where they’re at on their birthwork journey! One student that has been such a positive force in the doula world is Sarah McKee. Sarah trained with us as both a birth and postpartum doula, and has been working in the Toronto area ever since. We have been lucky enough to stay connected with Sarah, as she works at our sister doula company in Toronto called Discover Birth.

Clients always RAVE about Sarah as a doula, with 5-star feedback filling up our inbox. Her energy and positive attitude comes through in her work each and every day. She was nice enough to check in and answer some questions for the blog!

What has been the best part of being a doula the last year?

Attending lots of different births and working with such a diverse group of humans. I have a soft spot for those who have used assisted reproductive technology (ART), queer families & single moms by choice – but I’ve never met a family I didn’t fall in love with.

What is your favourite movie?

I definitely spent a few minutes trying to think of films that would make me sound cool, but…The Labyrinth, The Goonies & Girls Just Want To Have Fun (a not very popular teen dance movie feat. SJP and Helen Hunt) have been my top 3 since childhood.

Most used item in your doula bag?

It varies from birth to birth, but probably my instant heat pack or my giant folding fan. Honestly though, there have been births where I never even opened my bag – my hands and voice were enough!

If you weren’t working in birthwork what do you think you’d be doing?

I absolutely love working with people face to face so definitely would never go back to a desk job. Probably some sort of frontline work – I worked in a women’s shelter in my 20s which was really rewarding.

What advice would you give to a client at the start of their birth journey?

Stack your deck as much as you can (hire a doula, choose your provider and birth location carefully, attend prenatal classes and figure out what’s most important to you in terms of your birth preferences) and then just play your cards. Babies and bodies often have their own ideas – you have to be able to let go of control and ride the waves.

What’s your go-to snack?

On a good day: hummus, hard boiled egg, veggies, crackers, olives (dream snack). Most days: cereal, toast or my kid’s leftovers. If you know, you know.

If humans started a colony on Mars, would you go live there?

I think Mars would be a bit cold, even for me!

What pregnancy or birth related book do you always recommend to people?

Birth Without Fear by January Harshe and The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth by Lindsey Bliss

What’s a hobby you have that people might not know about?

I’ve been a beginner knitter for several decades now – no, I haven’t gotten any better lol

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

Alanis, Whitney or Dolly

Is there a memory with a doula client from the last year that has really stuck with you?

I attended a beautiful homebirth just last week – hands and knees delivery on the bedroom floor and so much love and support in the room. My client later said it was the best day of her life!

What’s the last TV show you binged?

The Letdown – hilarious Australian show about postpartum/parenting challenges. Super relevant to my career and life!

What are your goals for your birth career in the next 5 years?

Most of my goals have to do with continuing education. I’m actually attending a 2 day workshop next month run by an AMAZING educator based out of Philly – all about creating space in the pelvis to allow for more efficient births with fewer complications and interventions.

Thank again to Sarah for chatting with us. If you’re interested in sharing your alumni story on the blog please connect with on Instagram or using this form.