Sarah Del Borrello.
Birth Doula & Photographer | Perth, Western Australia
It’s so nice to meet you,
I’m a birth doula and birth photographer based in Perth. I’m also a mum to two girls, Amara and River, and married to my high school sweetheart, Mitch.
I’ve lived in the Rockingham area my whole life, and had both of my girls here, my first at Rockingham General Hospital, and my second at home in Baldivis, where we live now.
My life is a beautiful (and sometimes messy) mix of mothering my girls, supporting women, photographing families and births, and running this business from a house that somehow has sparkling skirting boards but a kitchen bench so cluttered there’s no room to make toast.
There’s things I’m still figuring out, but there’s also a lot I’ve learned along the way. Those are the parts I’m most excited to share with you through my work and services.
Sarah Del Borrello
Birth shapes us. Support matters.
How I found my way into birth work
Two births, two completely different experiences, one goal.
Before becoming a doula, I was an early childhood and primary teacher. I loved many parts of that role, but being confined by policy meant I could not always work in the way I knew was best practice. With so many kids, it was also impossible to meet everyone exactly where they were and offer the personalised care I wanted to give.
Looking back, the foreshadowing feels almost funny because my heart has always been in one-to-one support.
I could see myself teaching for a few more years, but deep down I knew it was not where I would stay forever.
Then I had my first baby. I loved her more than anything, but at the same time I felt completely lost in my own identity. Returning to teaching was not an option. The version of me who existed before motherhood did not feel like she existed anymore.
My first birth was very medicalised and completely different from what I had prepared for. I entered motherhood feeling anxious, unsure and disconnected from myself, while still trying to “have it all together” because that is what I thought being a mum required.
Only seven months later, I was pregnant again with my second baby. That entire journey felt different. I had just begun to find my feet in motherhood and was regaining some of the confidence I had always been known for. My second pregnancy felt supported, calm and steady. Even when I experienced a large unexplained bleed at full term, I still felt safe and in control of my decisions.
My second birth is one of the best days of my life, possibly the best. I am sorry, Mitch and Amara, but it is true. I had never felt more capable, powerful, feminine or strong. Those feelings followed me well into postpartum and changed how I saw myself as a mother.
Experiencing those two births so close together opened my eyes to how deeply support, information and autonomy shape not only our birth experience, but how we feel about ourselves.
It was not a single moment of clarity. It was a slow unfolding, an understanding of how often we are conditioned to hand over decisions or difficult moments to someone else, and how easily we can lose our autonomy in the process. It also showed me how challenging it is to stay grounded and informed without the right support.
This is what led me into birth work and birth photography. I did not enter this field to promote one type of birth. I am here to walk alongside women so they can feel informed, confident and respected, no matter what their journey looks like.
My approach to doula support
Calm, evidence-based, thoughtful and centred around you and your experience.
There’s a wide range of ‘types’ of doulas out there. Some are more holistic, some more clinical, some more spiritual. I like to think I sit somewhere in the middle, prioritising strategies and techniques that are evidence-based and practical. I don’t offer things I don’t believe in or see value in, and I won’t interrupt the flow of your birth unless there is a good reason behind it.
I see myself, or any doula, as a type of intervention. Not in the unwanted or unnecessary medical sense, but in the sense that my presence and support will influence your experience. That is why I work with a lot of intention. I spent a lot of my time at births sitting quietly, observing and being a steady, reassuring presence in the room. When I speak, suggest a position change or introduce a new strategy, I want to feel confident that the benefit is worth interrupting the rhythm of your labour and the intuitive process you’re already following.
When you do need some more hands on support, information to guide a decision, or someone to support your voice, I am right there. But I never jump in just to “do doula things”. Every action has a reason behind it and every suggestion is made based on your labour, priorities, values and experiences. Everything I do is centred around you and your experience.
I am also a big believer in preparing your birth partner and helping them feel confident and involved. Birth is often a family or couples experience and the support that comes from the person you love can be incredibly powerful. When your partner is the one offering comfort or speaking up for what you want, it strengthens your connection and sets you up for a beautiful start to parenting together.
Your journey, your pace, my guidance.
Walking With You Through Birth
Think of my role as your doula like having an experienced guide on a hike. Maybe it is your first hike, or maybe you have hiked before but this is a completely new track. You and your partner walk it together. I am just behind you with the map, an understanding of the terrain and a sense of what might be coming up next. I have not walked this path in exactly these conditions either, but I know how to navigate it.
Your body knows how to move forward and find its rhythm, so I don’t step in for the things you are already doing well. But, you still have to carry your own gear, and sometimes that feels heavy. So, I carry a backpack too, and when you need a break I can take some of the weight off your shoulders. My backpack also has a few helpful bits and bobs to make the journey feel easier. For the sake of the metaphor, imagine that includes a charcuterie board and your favourite cold drink.
If you reach rocky patches, step off the track, feel unsure or need direction, I am right there with the insight to guide you without taking over your journey. It is your experience, and I am simply here to help you navigate it with confidence.
Get to Know me
The real person behind the work
Chatty, honest, down to earth and a little chaotic (in a good way)
Outside of birth work, I am a mum and a wife doing my best to keep up with the laundry, stay present with my girls, and enjoy the beauty and fun in between the mundane. It is really hard to separate who I am from what I do because the families I support become such a meaningful part of my life, and this work is so fulfilling that it never really feels like work at all.
But here are a few things about me that might give you a better sense of the ‘real’ me and person you might like to invite into your birth space.
What inspired you to become a doula?
My own two births. My first was over medicalised and left me feeling so ‘thrown off’ and unsure of myself. My second was calm, supported and empowering. Experiencing both extremes showed me how much support, information and autonomy shape how we feel about birth and ourselves as mothers.
What’s your favourite moment to witness in birth?
That moment when a mum lands back in her body after her baby is born and realises she actually did it. It is the most incredible look in the world, its like she’s just realised her own strength.
What’s your go-to self-care ritual?
Op-shopping, a hot shower or a massage (usually in the place at the shops). Nothing fancy, just simple things that work for me.
If you weren’t a doula or photographer, what could you see yourself doing?
Honestly, I have no idea. Right now I’d probably be a stay-at-home mum. Because this work called me so strongly I haven’t considered anything else.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
That I once voluntarily chose to perform a solo song and dance about wee in a school musical called Urinetown. There is a recording out there somewhere haunting me forever.
How would you describe the way you support families?
Calmly, individualised and without judgement. I give you evidence, options and support, not pressure or an agenda.
Where do you feel most at peace?
Snuggled in bed at night with my hubby and my girls. That’s my happy place.
What do you love most about birth photography?
Capturing the moments mums don’t get to see for themselves. The connection, the strength, the tiny details they won’t remember because they’re busy birthing a human.
I also love photographing women when they are deep in labour land and thier eyes are closed, its such a peaceful part of the birth journey and they always looks so beautiful.
What do you want women to feel after they give birth?
Respected, informed and proud of themselves. I want you to walk away feeling confident and capable, no matter how your birth unfolded.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians while I edit photos, ordering grocery delivery even though I live five minutes from the shops, and drinking my morning coffee out of a cocktail glass because it’s more fun.
I love getting to know people
I’m not into small talk about the weather, but I love real conversations about who you are, what you value and what has shaped you. I feel most at ease in one-on-one connections, not big groups or surface-level chit chat.
I love anything creative and spending time with my family. They are my whole world, and supporting families and capturing their stories feels like the most natural extension of that.
Professional Development & Industry Engagement
Awards & Recognition
- 2024 Birth Photographer of the Year – Awarded Silver for excellence in storytelling and artistic capture of birth.
- 2024 SHINE Photo Awards – 23rd Edition – Silver Award in the Birth Category, recognising creativity and technical skill in documenting birth.
Professional Memberships & Advocacy
- International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) – Active member of a global network dedicated to upholding the highest standards in birth photography.
- Doula Network Australia – Engaged member of Australia's national association for birth and postnatal doulas, committed to peer support, professional development, and advocacy.
- Perth Birth Link – Volunteer member of a consumer-led organisation advocating for respectful, evidence-based maternity care and improved birthing options across WA.
Training & Certifications
- Better Births After Caesarean, Clinicians VBAC Workshop (2025) – With Dr Hazel Keedle
- Better Births With Consent (2025) – With the Maternity Consumer Network
- Pregnancy Massage & Pelvic Pathways Training (2025) – With Vicki Hobbs
- VBAC Workshop (2024) – With Dr Hazel Keedle
- Birth Cartographer Training (2024) – With Catherine BellList Item
- Acupressure & Chinese Medicine Principles for Birth Workers (2023) – With Kate Thompson
- Platinum Level Birth Doula Training (2023) – Doula Training Academy
Industry Contributions & Engagement
- Panel Guest for the “Festival of Dangerous Ideas” discussion at the Strength to Progress Conference (2025)
- Attended the Strength to Progress Conference (2025)
- Attending The Convergence of Rebellious Midwives (2025) – A national gathering centred on collaboration, critical thinking, and community in birth work and maternity care.
- Hosted a multi-photographer creative shoot (2025) - with 15 models, supporting photographer collaboration and artistic development.
What I want for you
A birth experience you feel proud of and a story you never want to forget.
Whether you’re planning a homebirth or an elective caesarean, I’m here to support you without judgement, just good old fashioned love, care and support.
I want you to walk away from your birth feeling respected, confidently and connected to your own strength.
No matter how birth unfolds my goal is that you feel proud of yourself, grounded and fully supported.
Whether I’m there as your doula, your photographer, or both, I’m there to help you write the birth story you want.
Sarah x
Let's Connect
Ready to feel supported and prepared for birth?
Whether you’re looking for a doula, birth photographer, or both, I offer straightforward, evidence-based guidance and calm, continuous support from pregnancy through postpartum. My role is to help you understand your options, feel confident in your choices, and capture the moments that matter most.
If you’d like to learn more about how I can support your birth or photograph your story, you’re welcome to reach out for a consultation.
Your birth, your story, your way.
