I hadn’t heard of doulas until I was listening to a podcast after my first, very traumatic experience of birth. When I found out I was pregnant again one year later, I knew I would need the emotional support and security of having a Doula. I contacted Anne early in my pregnancy and was immediately struck by her deep knowledge and passion about birth. I decided to deliver in the Active Birthing Centre at the Royal hoping that we would be able to create a beautiful calm space for birthing my second baby. We also opted to do the hypnobirthing course to help prepare.
When the day came, I was having irregular surges all day and assumed it was early labour – that evening my waters broke and we called Anne. Soon after she arrived, I started trying to get ready to go to the hospital but once I changed positions things started moving very quickly and I could feel the baby moving down. I wasn’t going anywhere! Anne began helping me through surges which were right on top of each other and my husband left the room to ring the ambulance. A few minutes later my daughter was born. I was in complete shock but Anne reassured us that everything was fine and was able to guide us through the next steps after birth until the ambulance arrived. Anne turned what otherwise would have been a terrifying experience into a beautiful moment that I will always cherish. After the birth we were able to get a full golden hour with our baby in my own bed and started feeding within the first half hour.
I had hoped for a drug-free, natural birth but wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it – the emotional support provided by a doula is the most powerful drug I have experienced, without the side-effects! I couldn’t recommend Anne more. She has a wonderful calm, reassuring presence and is very knowledgeable about all aspects of birth.