"Twenty eight years ago I
attended my first birth as part of Mothercraft training. I was shocked at
the lack of support and compassion for the woman birthing and the rough
handling of her newborn baby. I made a commitment there and then to
support women and their families by providing a loving, nurturing space
for birth. My commitment still stands as I continue to support
women, their partners and children throughout pregnancy, birth and early
parenting. I encourage them to trust and follow their own inner wisdom and
knowledge, to understand what gets in the way of them doing so. My
wish is for all babies to be born into a loving and supportive environment."
Sunderai is a Director of I.C.S.M. After working in childcare
and women's health for 10 years in 1984 Sunderai studied Independent Childbirth
education and became a Doula. She has now attended 170 births. She is
Vice Principal of ICSM and in 2000 became Director of Dial a Doula, providing
support during pregnancy, birth and early parenting. In 2004 Sunderai
established a training program for Doulas and the following year organised
the second National Doula conference. She has coordinated many forums and
spoken at Mothering, Childbirth and Doula conferences since 1992. She
presently conducts Mothercraft courses, Childbirth Education classes,
Calm Birthing sessions, Doula training and co-ordinates Dial a Doula.
"A natural and active birth is the best possible beginning to life for the beautiful souls that choose to join us. And it is more than 'saying no to drugs' on the day. My loving husband and I very wisely welcomed the support of our Doula (Sunderai) who not only provided us both with the knowledge, guidance and encouragement but also with the practical inside information about birthing, preparation and post birth, which enabled us to transition into parenthood, achieve a gentle beginning for our beautiful daughter and be totally confident we did everything possible to contribute to this outcome. We are just so grateful to have had our Doula
support". Susan Doyle-Hosie
"Twenty eight years ago I
attended my first birth as part of Mothercraft training. I was shocked at
the lack of support and compassion for the woman birthing and the rough
handling of her newborn baby. I made a commitment there and then to
support women and their families by providing a loving, nurturing space
for birth. My commitment still stands as I continue to support
women, their partners and children throughout pregnancy, birth and early
parenting. I encourage them to trust and follow their own inner wisdom and
knowledge, to understand what gets in the way of them doing so. My
wish is for all babies to be born into a loving and supportive environment."
