I have always enjoyed helping people and am passionate about babies and children.

I was born November 1969. I am British and a non-smoker.

I have had five children who were born in 1987, 1990, 1999, 2004 and 2006.

Bringing up each of my children has brought its own challenges and each one has brought an entirely different experience.

For my first birth all control was taken out of my hands and I felt bullied into an epidural which I felt delayed the birth.

I was made to feel too scared to pick my baby up for the following hours after the birth, so with my second baby I decided to remain in control and had a much better and completely drug free birth, even though he was back on back.

For my last three births my body had it down to a fine art; they were all two hours 38 minutes with the eight minutes being the second stage and all drug free. The last two have been born at home and with my last I also had a physiological third stage.

One of my sons is disabled, so I have spent most of my years looking after him, but he is now attending a wonderful school which has allowed me to pursue my ambitions.

My third child, as a baby, cried day and night but with the experience of having previous children I knew this would not last forever and so still did manage to enjoy his early days very much (and I still do he is my little entertainer!) The youngest two are a delight, and last but by no means least I'm proud to say my eldest is now a primary teacher after successfully negotiating university.

I love being a mother and I still feel it is my biggest achievement.

I have dedicated my life to my children and the rewards continue to be amazing.

I have a very supportive husband, family and friends who have encouraged me to find my way and new babies are where my heart is!

I have had the pleasure and experience of being both a young mum and an older mum and have enjoyed and continue to enjoy it all.

Sallie Shelley, September 2008  

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