After a traumatic first birth, I knew that I wanted to do things differently for my second baby. I contacted Anne and was struck by her warm and understanding manner. My husband and I were seeking more continuity of care and support than we had previously experienced… Anne provided this and more during the pregnancy and birth. I chose to plan a home birth, but believe that whatever way I wanted to welcome my baby into the world she would have been fully supportive. We encountered some obstacles in the process of planning the birth but she was always ready to listen and respond with words of encouragement and wisdom as well as facts and reason from her extensive research and continued professional development.
In early labour I was glad to have someone to contact without feeling like a nuisance and Anne regularly checked how I was doing and sent me encouraging messages. Later, she came to our home and I was glad of her suggestions to help me relax and cope with the hard work of birth… tens machine, rebozo, positioning, oils, massage… it was all so appreciated and I know she has many more tricks in her doula bag! But best of all was the positive atmosphere she created with her attitude that birth should be a special experience – and it was. Our baby arrived swiftly and safely in our home and myself and my husband will always cherish those first few hours with our newly expanded little family and Anne ready in the background to anticipate our needs and assert our choices.
In my first birth, I lost my voice and power. In the second, Anne not only was a strong advocate for me but also helped me to make myself heard, making me feel dignified and powerful throughout the experience.