My first child, Jasmine, was born in November 2006 by emergency caesarean at 42 +2 weeks following 3 days of induction and “failure to progress”. She weighed 11lb 8oz and was laid back to back – hence she got stuck. The whole experience was so traumatic and I'd so wanted to give birth naturally. Problems with low BP during surgery meant it was a few hours before I even got to see her properly and touch her. Bonding with her was difficult and I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress and PND shortly after.

During this subsequent pregnancy, I was scared of a repeat scenario. While I feel I and well informed about pregnancy, labour etc, I knew I would find it difficult not to be swept along in a blur of medical intervention, which I believed would most likely end in a similar way. I wanted an advocate; I wanted a good birth experience, one to be treasured and remembered with joy rather than with pain and sadness. Ideally I wanted a VBAC and after much negotiation was given the go ahead as growth scans were inconclusive. In order to reduce the likelihood of an unplanned section, I consented to an elective if nothing happened before 41 weeks.

My partner and I discussed hiring a doula when we met Rachel at an NCT sale though I'd toyed with the notion before.

The 2 antenatal visits were really useful to consolidate our knowledge of the process of labour, comfort measures etc. It gave us the opportunity to discuss Jasmine's birth, which was very cathartic. We devised a birth plan for both a VBAC and an elective with Rachel's input. She got permission from the hospital to be present in either eventuality.

Just knowing Rachel was there with us, acting on our behalf, helping us negotiate how to make the birth special, supporting Joe and I emotionally was incredibly calming. I felt stronger, more in control of my environment and knew that I wouldn't feel obliged to have any intervention I didn't want.

I got to 41 weeks and nothing happened. Rachel encouraged me to consider my options, though I never felt pressured. We went ahead with the elective. Rachel was by my side as I went through my birth plan with the surgeon and he agreed my requests to have no screen, have a verbal commentary, see and touch the baby immediately, see the gender for ourselves, have photos. She was there as I addressed my concerns with the anaesthetist regarding my reaction to spinal anaesthesia. Rachel was right beside us the whole time offering unwavering support, encouraging me, soothing me, helping Joe the same way. Matthew was born and revealed straight away. He was pretty stuck too and weighed 10lb 1.5oz. She took photos for us and helped me cuddle Matthew when he was brought to me. The birth experience was magical – despite taking place in a theatre. Not exactly the way we hoped, but it was better than we dared to dream. The staff were fantastic, but it certainly felt reassuring having an independent person there with us.

It doesn't end there. Rachel visited us at home a few days later bringing homemade soup and cake! She helped me so much getting my breastfeeding technique right – I so wanted to do it but was finding it difficult. I've never looked back! It's great! We agreed a postnatal package and the doulas became more indispensable – doing chores, shopping, taking Jasmine to the park, letting me rest. Worth every penny! What Rachel helped us achieve in terms of an empowered birth, a fantastic experience - I simply can't put a price on it. If we have a third baby, I'll be hiring them again, definitely.