I hadn't really considered having a doula into relatively late in my pregnancy when an independent midwife suggested it to me, but I am so thankful I did, working with Rachel especially post-natally helped me more than I can say.

I guess our story is not unique, but my husband and I were trying for a baby for nearly 10 years and had reached a point of acceptance that it wasn't going to happen for us and then I became pregnant against the odds! Whilst my initial feeling was complete euphoria but the anxiety about this precious pregnancy and baby soon took over, I worried about most things, especially the birth and felt that somehow I couldn't do it. Meeting Rachel gave me hope and confidence, my feelings of anxiety over the birth shifted more toward excitement and I felt in safe and caring hands knowing Rachel was going to be there for us, it reassured me greatly and I felt able to put my trust in her. Rachel was both knowledgeable and confident, and I knew she would be an excellent advocate for me.

During the long latent phase and labour Rachel was an endless support for both me and my husband, I found the labour so hard to cope with and Rachel comforted and encouraged me for hours on end, she was such a strong advocate and voiced my wishes and concerns. The birth did not go how I had anticipated after a failed forceps delivery I had an emergency c-section, over the coming days I found this very hard to deal with and felt distressed, traumatised and tearful whenever I thought about it, which was often and this sadly over shadowed some of the joy I felt at having our precious long awaited baby (Henry). Rachel kept in regular contact with me whilst I was in hospital and came to visit me at home five days after Henry was born. She helped me so much at that visit and I will always be so grateful to her for that, as until that point I felt traumatised every time I thought of the birth. I felt so vulnerable at this is time but was able to just talk with Rachel without fear of being judged; she was compassionate and caring but also offered sensible advice. Rachel stayed for hours and we discussed the birth at length; Rachel had written an account which I have read a number of times since and find helpful to reflect upon.