Having Rachel for the birth was fantastic because no matter how many classes you go to or books you read or people you speak to nothing can quite prepare you for what you are going to go through mentally and physically at the birth.

She was a constant source of reference for me and the encouragement and advice she gave was just what I needed for reassurance and confidence which I could then use to comfort and reassure Kate.

You see a completely new side to your wife or partner at childbirth from fear to excitement, anxiety to relief, levels of self doubt and belief you've never seen before. Rachel helps to guide you through these emotions and ultimately reach the right decisions for both you and your wife. She doesn't force opinion or tell you what's right or wrong but puts options in front of you and backs you 100% whatever you choose.

For us she was very much in the background for the first parts of the labour as we were doing so well ourselves. She didn't impose herself at all and kept out of the way in the kitchen. Her only real involvement was when we decided it was right to call the midwife. Something we would, I'm sure, have done far too early if she wasn't there.

When we progressed into the later stages she was brilliant at keeping the midwives under control and ultimately on our side. We would have been taken to the hospital a lot earlier than was needed if Rachel hadn't been there to keep them in check.

She helped us make the right decision as to when to go into hospital. We gave things the best possible chance to have our baby at home but had to go into hospital for the last bit. Rachel was a great sounding board to help us make that decision.

Once at the hospital I was a bag of nerves and while Kate had to be made ready for the theatre I was not allowed to stay with her. Rachel stuck with me and helped me re-focus by explaining exactly what was going on. By the time we joined Kate for the last bit I was ready to support her again.

Everyone from parents, family members, friends and strangers has an opinion about childbirth and what is the best way of doing things and the right way of looking after the baby. In the whole these opinions are based on personal experiences and not any real science. A Doula gives you real facts and figures and highlights real options. The best way for having and raising a baby is really the best way for the parents and how it works best for their beliefs, lifestyles and situation. Rachel respects our decisions on parenting and offers great support to Kate on how to handle the questions that inevitably come. She is always ready to chat on the phone or come around and offer support that is not filled with emotion or experiences that often friends and family have.