Doula Testimonials

"Allison was our lovely doula for the birth of our second child. After an emergency  section and tough start with our first child, we were keen to maximise our chances of a  natural birth and easier early days this time. While I ended up with another c-section, I'm so glad we attempted a different route and  that we had Allison alongside us on the journey. She really believed in my ability to do it and understood why it was so important to me  to try. She was helpful and positive at every stage. In the lead up to the birth she was extremely supportive and ridiculously speedy providing info on any questions that arose. Throughout labour I felt so lucky to have two people there. I really benefitted from massage during contractions and it was a real treat to have the option to have pressure applied in two different areas. It made such a difference. Another thing she did brilliantly was to help us create a special atmosphere in an otherwise pretty medical hospital room. We turned it into a little sanctuary.

She was so kind & enthusiastic throughout the whole process and entirely focused on my husband 's and my needs. She very much made the relationship about us rather than her at all times which requires a special kind of person. One thing I personally found touching is when I found out in retrospect it had been her 2 year olds birthday on a day that we had said to her we hoped the baby would be born but she had not mentioned it. She was also extremely sensitive, leaving the birthing room on two occasions when my husband and I needed privacy. I also found having her there gave me the confidence to have the conversations I needed to have with the medical professionals throughout, with the result I'm at peace with how it all turned out. I would recommend her to anyone looking for personal support in creating a positive birth experience". From a Dad’s perpective I want to thank you for the time you spent with us before, during and after the birth of R. I was a little sceptical about having a Doula, not major reservations and nothing personal – I just wasn’t sure that having another person involved would be the best thing for us. But once M and I decided to go for it then I was all for it.   And in retrospect I’m SO glad we did and I’m so glad we met you.  Its difficult to put into words because you helped beyond words. I’ll try to summarise: You helped me pack for the hospital and you drove me there. You allowed me space when I needed it and help when I needed it. You took some beautiful photos of unique moments in our lives. You supported us when we had difficult decisions to make. Because you had spent time with M and I beforehand you knew what our preferences were when M went into labour, you asked questions calmly on our behalf when we were faced with potential pressure from doctors. You were direct and respectful. I will always remember how you assisted us. It was a real pleasure to share such a special time with you. When my husband and I first discussed getting a doula, we were both skeptical. However, we thought that it would be necessary since he was away a lot for work, and it would be possible that the baby would come before he could get back.  I was worried that a doula might somehow take away from this very private moment between us.  Although we were both unsure, I started researching and interviewing doulas.  I met and interviewed many doulas, and as soon as I met Allison, I knew that she would be perfect.  Leading up to the birth, she was very supportive and knowledgeable.  As a first time mother-to-be, I was apprehensive.  I knew that I wanted a birth without much intervention, but I was unsure of my ability to do that.  From the beginning, Allison was very positive and encouraging.  On the evening when I went into the labor room, I was nervous and scared.  The midwife was loud, quick, and rough—I couldn’t relax and felt very tense. As soon as Allison entered the room, the dynamic COMPLETELY changed.  She turned the medical room into a peaceful place by bringing lighting and shells (I had told her that I loved collecting shells as a little girl, and the ocean calmed me).  She was calming and gentle, but she also was confident in me, strong and well-respected by the midwives.  Allison helped awaken my courage and strength.  She was supportive in all the ways my husband and I needed her to be.  In a situation as personal as birth, Allison found the right balance with support that allowed my husband and I to still experience this very private moment.  She fitted into the moment perfectly.  After our daughter was born, I had complications.  She was given to my husband, and Allison stood by me to offer support, as well as to ensure that I understood what was happening.  When I left the room, she stayed with my husband and the baby to help them. When we look back on our birth experience, my husband and I both agree that hiring Allison was one of the best decisions we’ve made.  There isn’t enough I could write or say to do justice or express how perfectly she fills her role as a doula.  I am forever grateful that she was with us and helped us bring our daughter into the world peacefully.   A dad’s perspective: As a husband and new father, looking back I can’t imagine going through this experience without Allison’s support.  I couldn’t thank her enough for all that she did for us leading up to the birth and during the birth.  She gave me a sense of reassurance and confidence. She was supportive of me, as well as my wife. I knew that my wife and our first child were in safe hands with Allison in the room. That sense of security meant everything to me as a first time father. Birth Debrief In half an hour of speaking to Allison she helped me reveal things about my previous birthing experience that I had spent 3 years trying to understand. This led me down a path which helped me have a totally different birthing experience second time around! Not only that it allowed my early days, weeks and months with my new baby to be positive, peaceful and precious, as my mind was in a calm and contented place from the work we had done before she arrived.  I believe this also led me to having a calm and relaxed baby. Thank you Allison! X Belly binding I loved my Bengkung belly binding session with Allison, such an interesting ancient tradition which all mothers should have a chance to experience.  So easy to do and made such a difference to my posture and overall body awareness in my postnatal recovery.  

I just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU - you are THE BEST DOULA I could ever  have asked for, well beyond my expectations.  Your motherly caring instincts were  shining through and your strong fellow female power made me feel so safe and  protected in such a vulnerable time.  I'm so lucky I had you as my doula to help me  deliver my baby boy.  I would have never had the birth of my dreams without you.   You will forever be part of this amazing achievement and I am so honoured to share  my birth with you.