Victoria, first time mother to Isla from Collingham
After having a relatively uncomplicated and positive birth (gas & air only, and a water birth, at Harrogate hospital) I arrived home and discovered that I did not have a clue what I was doing. I had trouble breastfeeding Isla and could only get her to latch on using a nipple shield. She lost quite a lot of weight during the first couple of weeks and I felt very distressed and alone. My husband had to go back to work after his paternity leave and we have no family in the area. Although my mum visited for a couple of days every week she could not be here all the time. I had heard of doulas from antenatal yoga and nct classes. I rang a couple but was really impressed by how nice and understanding Emma was on the phone. Emma came to our house and chatted to me (and my rather sceptical husband, who kept on asking what a 'doula' was!) and then spent 20 hours with us over the course of about a month. Emma really helped us all to get through a very difficult time. She provided practical support such as helping with the housework (a must as I was breastfeeding constantly!) but also advised me about breastfeeding and in general about babies' welfare and development. Isla and I were both really happy and relaxed whenever Emma had visited us. Emma went away and researched any problems that we were having, and came back with an article or book for me to read the next time. She was also just really sweet and encouraging. My best friend referred to her as "the doula from heaven" and I'd have to agree. Next time I have a baby (!) I am planning to have a doula during the birth onwards as I think if Emma had been there from the beginning to help me with breastfeeding I would not have had the problems I did.
