Special Start Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Services specialises in offering quality childbirth education, labour and post-partum support for those women and babies considered high risk, those for whom natural birth is not an option, and those who would like a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean).  There can be many reasons for having a caesarean birth, but the health and safety of mother and baby are the primary reason for this medical intervention. Statistics from the Department of Health show that one in four babies is born by caesarean in England.  

Special Start believes that birth choice is a very personal decision that the mother and her partner are best qualified to make with accurate and informed medical advice. We respect all birth choices as unique to the mum, baby and that situation. Our childbirth education focuses upon educating and empowering ourselves to make those decisions. As a birth doula, we are happy and qualified to support both elective caesarean and homebirth VBACs (having personally enjoyed both birthing options). In the postpartum period, we excel at assisting caesarean mums and babies, who may be experiencing a bit of difficulty establishing breastfeeding. We also compassionately and empathetically offer de-briefing for traumatic birth experiences.

Special Start was founded by Terri O’Neale, a mother of six whose first birth was a traumatic emergency caesarean followed by two homebirth VBACs. She came full circle to emotional acceptance when her fourth son was delivered by emergency caesarean as well. In the fifteen years between her first and second caesareans, she was astonished at the changes which had made the procedure a more family centred experience. To read more about her story and birth trauma, click here. Out of those experiences has been born a passion and commitment that all women and especially those with caesarean births deserve the Special Start that childbirth educators and doulas provide. Terri has recently completed her certification as birth and post-partum doula. She is almost finished with her childbirth educator(If you would like to help her finish this please check out the Special Offers page).