What people say…

Doula Services

‘I feel that I had the birth I had hoped for. Even though we had not planned for an unassisted homebirth there was no panic or worry. It didn’t occur to me that there was no midwife immediately as I had felt so well supported. Rebecca was empowering and yet respectful of my choices and desires. She was lovely to have around, informative, open minded and worked to connect with all the family. She encouraged my husband to support me and was able to free him of some of the minor tasks so that he could do so better! Having her there was just so very easy and it made for a much more relaxed, gentle birth.’ —Leah, Newcastle

 

‘My wife and I long held the aspiration to have a completely natural home birth. From the outset Rebecca provided information, guidance and support throughout the process and we have no hesitation in recommending her and her services to anyone who is seeking the same.‘ —Andrew & Gill, North Yorkshire

 

‘I decided to have a doula because I met a couple of women who were training to be doulas and had really insightful chats with them, plus a couple of friends had recommended it. Also, I knew I wanted another female presence there that wasn’t a midwife or a friend or family member. My doula offered really amazing support. I would now highly recommend doulas to others and will definitely try and do it again should I have another child. I felt Rebecca was a strong but calming presence and most importantly full of wise words both before, during and after the birth.‘ —Jo, Newcastle

 

‘Thinking about a doula? It is definitely worth exploring the idea. The security of knowing that someone you have met and you have discussed your wishes with will be with you when you give birth is comforting while you are pregnant. When the time comes and you call your doula you will experience a great feeling of calm when she arrives (I did).’ -Julia, Newcastle

 

‘Having a doula was invaluable for our birth experience, someone who is calm, collected and committed to helping you stick to your birth plan is a great help. Rebecca did a fantastic job of supporting me and the mother through the process.‘ —Fred, Newcastle

 

‘The best thing my doula did for me? Being an advocate for my wishes, especially with the midwives, and being supportive when things got really intense.’ -Jo, Newcastle

 

‘I wasn’t initially keen on the idea of having a doula, and worried that it would detract from my role as the main supporter and reduce my involvement in the birth. My experience was, however, the opposite of this. Having Rebecca there allowed me to support Judith more fully and concentrate better on the things where I was most needed. This was particularly true in dealing with the medical staff – I always felt I had time to talk to the midwife and the doctors, maintaining a buffer between them and Judith where necessary, without feeling I was neglecting her, as Rebecca was always there to support her.’ -Jon, North Yorkshire

 

‘My birth experience was everything I’d hoped for, even though I do wish sometimes I’d pushed to stay at home for a home birth. Rebecca helped me make decisions at the hospital when the doctors were trying to follow protocol. She gave me and Paul information when needed, but also took a step back when she wasn’t needed.’ -Samantha, Sunderland

 

‘Rebecca helped me to achieve the one thing I had always desired but missed in the boys births- my baby stayed with me until he was 30 minutes old, Daddy had him for a moment and then he came back to me. I dressed him for the first time and gave him his first wash etc. I know these things seem minor- but they were so very important to me.’ -Leah, Newcastle

 

‘Rebecca helped us in many ways during labour, not least in driving us to the hospital! But the main help for me was just being there, whether it was with water, kind words or reassurance throughout the whole first stage. She also provided support and reassurance and the freedom for my husband to deal with medical staff without feeling he was abandoning me. She also helped in asking for time for decisions to be made when things were not progressing.’ -Judith, North Yorkshire

 

‘I knew as the labour progressed that my doula was there when I needed her. After she arrived, I felt a wave of relief as we had built up a relationship and I completely trusted her to get me to the end of the labour safely and with my child delivered onto my chest (although better than that, she was delivered into my arms having been born in the water in the birthing pool!). I think it was that sense of trust in her that was so comforting when I was in transition – even though I was saying I couldn’t do it – my doula was always encouraging, always supportive, always gently there to absorb my fear.’ -Liz, Newcastle

 

‘I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for A. and I. I wish every woman could have the support I’ve had. I feel like my pregnancy was a journey, my positive birth propelling me further, into parenthood. I’m a more confident and determined person all round.‘ -Cheryl, Gateshead

 

‘We thought that it was money well spent. After all, a wonderful birth experience is priceless for baby, mother and father.’ -Nick & Kim, Newcastle

 

‘I was introduced to a more natural and healthy approach to child birth. I was encouraged to think of the experience as something to look forward to rather than be scared of and although I was having a hospital birth, through the books my doula lent me and the classes I attended with her, I was able to de-medicalise my birthing experience and the hospital just became the place I was having my baby rather than the place where I was told how to have my baby. It was the opening of my mind that I think I most enjoyed.‘ -Liz, Newcastle

 

‘Our meetings and preparation made me feel prepared for the birth and gave me confidence. You were a strong female presence throughout labour and an advocate for me. You were there for me the whole time and I felt very supported physically and emotionally. The post natal visit was a good opportunity to de-brief and discuss what happened.’ -Julia, Newcastle

 

‘She came to the hospital and gave me some moral support and breastfeeding support. I mostly liked the fact that I knew someone would definitely be there, who’d had children herself.‘ -L., Durham

 

‘I would definitely recommend a doula to others who are thinking about it. She was there for me but also for my hubby to let him know everything was OK when things got a bit manic.

At first Paul wasn’t so keen on the idea as he wanted the birth of our child to be personal between us, but when I was having loads of stops and starts in labour he agreed to have a second person there as he realised how tired and emotionally draining labour was going to be for him and me.

I would recommend Rebecca as she has a great field of knowledge and has loads of little extras she can do for you like Reiki , hypnosis, and also personal experiences. If I were having another child I would definitely like to do the same again with the doula, but at home, and my hubby would agree.’ -Samantha, Sunderland

 

‘I felt I had somewhere to turn should I have any difficulties. Being shown how to use my sling has made a huge difference to daily life… It was wonderful to have someone to share my thoughts and feelings after the birth with.’ -Cheryl, Gateshead

 

‘Rebecca is non-judgmental which is crucial in assisting someone like me when introducing new concepts. She did not attempt to lecture to me but gently took me on a journey of discovery. Rebecca is a quietly confident character who is passionate about childbirth which is infectious.‘ -Liz, Newcastle

 

‘Should you hire a doula? Do it! And meet a few before you decide, I knew for sure I felt most comfortable with Rebecca after I’d met others.‘ -Jo, Newcastle

 

‘Before the day I must be honest and say that I had a slight concern that it might feel odd or invasive to have someone in our home, at the birth of our child even after spending time with Rebecca in the weeks before the event. You get used to the idea that all sorts of people are going to be wandering around inspecting your naked wife at a birth but you sort of feel, given the option, you’d rather reduce the number. In fact, it all felt very natural. Rebecca was a very calm, soothing presence to have around. She was so non-invasive that I can’t remember when she arrived! Although she was very clearly there for my wife, I didn’t feel pushed out, I was able to do exactly as I wanted and had hoped for. It really was the most wonderful, relaxed experience and I’m very grateful to Rebecca for her part in that.’ -Mark, Newcastle

 

‘Would I recommend Rebecca to others? Absolutely! She is worth every penny and I truly don’t know how I would have got through it all without her.’ -Jo, Newcastle

 

‘It was great to feel continuously supported and have the security of knowing someone who understands your feelings will be present at the birth. It really helped me feel confident. Being pointed in the direction of useful information and literature really helped me feel prepared.’ -Cheryl, Gateshead

 

‘Rebecca was totally, completely and utterly brilliant through out the whole 25 hours between my waters breaking and the baby being born… At any time I needed her she was right there, with a sip of water, a hand to hold, or a friendly voice… All in all she was a complete star; I would not have managed without her.’ -Krystie, Newcastle

 

‘Both my partner and I were really impressed with Rebecca and the experience of having a doula. Rebecca brings the knowledge and confidence that you would hope for from a doula, but what made her input so special for us was that she also works with a rare level of intelligence and sensitivity.‘ -Kim, Newcastle

 

‘In the third trimester of my pregnancy I experienced some conflict with my midwife- which made me really doubt my own instincts and at that late stage ruined what had been, up to then, a good working relationship. Thankfully Rebecca stepped in and was hugely encouraging and supportive to me. She was able to encourage me to trust my own instincts, helped me to revise a much better birth plan and she always put me at ease when she was around.‘ -Leah, Newcastle

 

‘From birth my baby had difficulty latching on and quickly developed a preference for the right side leaving me with mastitis on the left within a week of her arrival. Feeding soon became extremely painful and the cracks in my nipples became crevices. It got to the stage where I dreaded her waking for a feed and was crying in pain. Sarah and Rebecca were an enormous source of support throughout all this. Rebecca in particular provided breastfeeding support, suggesting different positions and techniques for feeding to try to improve my baby’s latch. She also suggested lots of skin to skin contact and encouraged us to have baths together and to co-sleep safely. She made several home visits, bringing us dinner when I was recently home from the midwifery-led centre, which was very nice! When we ran out of options after 4 1/2 weeks she put me in touch with a lactation consultant who diagnosed a posterior tongue-tie which was corrected surgically. There are still some issues, but I undoubtedly would not still be breastfeeding now (my baby is five months old) had it not been for the doula help and support.‘ -Cathy, Durham

 

‘I have to admit I was a little worried that perhaps we didn’t know each other well enough but that was not a concern at all when the time came. You were everything I needed on the day. No doubt you have a good intuition about what is needed in each unique situation.’ -Julia, Newcastle

 

‘We don’t have any family members nearby and your support was very valuable in reassuring [my wife] that she had choices…[after the birth, my wife] became very frustrated recovering from the c-section and on top of that, she also became very exhausted having to remain in hospital for three nights and not getting any sleep due to the noise in the hospital. Rebecca visited her in hospital and managed to calm her down through soothing and reassuring words and some relaxation exercises.‘ -D., County Durham

 

‘Rebecca’s a star who obviously lives and breathes her job and goes above and beyond regularly.’ -Cheryl, Gateshead

 

‘Rebecca is very neutral, friendly, approachable.’ -Ben, North Yorkshire

 

‘I enjoyed making space and time just to think about the baby and pregnancy…The birth art was an interesting and surprising exercise. What I found most useful were simply the conversations, the literature provided, slings presentation.‘ -Valeska, North Yorkshire

 

‘Rebecca is a wonderful support to pregnant women.’ -Suzanna, North Yorkshire

 

‘From day one, Rebecca made me feel comfortable and confident about birthing my baby at home. She came along to an ante natal appointment with me because she knew I felt very anxious about seeing a midwife. She came to visit me several times at home both to debrief my first experience of birth and to help me write a comprehensive birth plan…The support Rebecca gave to me was invaluable. I knew I was not alone and that I had someone to talk to about my worries and concerns.‘ -Fay, Durham

 

‘I loved having the support and being able to ask questions. I found the advice on books/slings very useful…I got a lot out of it.’ -Suzanna, North Yorkshire

 

‘I found breastfeeding really difficult at first. I just did not feel comfortable and some times couldn’t get my baby to latch on. Rebecca could see that I was emotionally and physically exhausted after spending night after night sitting on the edge of the bed trying to feed my baby, so she spent a lot of time and patience showing me restful breastfeeding positions – for example, how to breast feed lying down, and how to support my body with cushions.’ -Fay, Durham

 

‘Visits antenatally were helpful but especially phone calls which were supportive and encouraging especially since I was planning a VBAC and felt I was battling the system to some degree. Rebecca’s help with the birth plan was also very useful and generally, having someone there to just listen to my thoughts, feelings and concerns about the birth rather than make comment on and judge them.’ -Judith, North Yorkshire

 

‘I felt Rebecca understood every pain and emotion I was going through. She was so reassuring.’ -Cheryl, Gateshead

Click here to find out more about my doula services

 

Reiki

‘I had hoped that Reiki would help me get the balance right in relating to the members of my family. It used to be my new baby – then a big gap – then my toddler – then another big gap – then my husband. While my husband was away and I was on my own, I came to appreciate my toddler more (because I spent more time with her and saw how cute she was), and I hoped that with him being back, things would be easier. But they weren’t – we kept snapping at each other, which we never really did before, e.g., trying hard not to show that we blamed each other for forgetting things. It took another day but I feel differently now. It was like a reset to pre-baby times – which is great! I had always thought it should work that way, i.e., just add someone and keep loving the others, but the baby channelled all my available love. Now we’re getting better, it evens out a bit without the baby getting any less. So, whether it was Reiki or not, there was the change I had hoped for. And during the session I felt things changing in my body. I think I was growing stronger. (I’m able to have him in the sling for a good portion of the day, although he’s more than 6 kg now!)’ —B., County Durham

 

‘I loved the Reiki that Rebecca did for me, and I found this very relaxing during labour.’ -Samantha, Sunderland

Click here to find out more about Reiki during pregnancy

 

Antenatal Classes

‘I appreciated the diversity of information offered in the classes, from most basic to detailed suggestions. Doing the birth art, I was able to come close to the experience of the baby living into its experience.’ -Ben, North Yorkshire

 

‘The support at the hospital and in the community was appallingly bad. Luckily the NCT classes had given us enough info to know they were doing things wrong, and know we had alternatives. [Our session was most helpful as it] provided contacts and information on building my milk supply at a critical time. [The follow up support was] brilliant, providing access to LLL and internet info on related topics, and mums who’d had similar troubles. Without [this help] we would have been unable to establish my milk supply and my son would have been on formula. [Rebecca is] a wonderfully warm, reassuring and supportive lady, providing gentle productive advice and support at a very vulnerable time.‘ -S., County Durham

 

‘In the antenatal classes, I enjoyed most the friendly non-clinical attitude to what I was trying to comprehend as a first time mother. The lessons always flowed well, even with the open attitude to questions. I really enjoyed pain coping practices and found them useful…I honestly can’t think of a moment I didn’t enjoy! I gained something from every moment.’ -Cheryl, Gateshead

 

‘I felt like I was acquiring a little bundle of knowledge in the antenatal classes that I could take with me to the birth and afterwards whilst simultaneously exploring how I felt as a mother to be through birth art and our open discussions.’ -Cheryl, Gateshead

 

‘In the classes, I enjoyed most having the opportunity to broaden my horizons and learning breathing exercises. I enjoyed learning about optimum baby positions and use of rebozo. The emphasis on birthing as a natural process with me and my body in control of the process was very helpful.‘ -Liz, Newcastle

Click here to find out more about my antenatal classes

 

Birth Story Work

‘I clearly had lots of emotions surrounding the birth and it felt good to let them out in a safe and impartial setting. Your manner was very compassionate and understanding. I found it very reflective and it certainly made me more clear about things I do and don’t want to happen during my pending labour. It also made me feel stronger to deal with circumstances that may arise this time too.’ -Mother expecting her 3rd baby following a birth story session, County Durham

 

‘The birth story session was really helpful and I feel a lot more able to talk about what happened… I’m finding it very hard to put into words why or how, but it was great.’ -A mother following a birth story session

 

‘I thought it might be helpful to have someone have a look at how I feed and see if they have any comments and suggestions for improvement, since I couldn’t figure out on my own what I was doing wrong. Also I wanted to have the opportunity to discuss feeding and sleep patterns etc. and the birth. Rebecca knows pretty much everything a breastfeeding mum might like to know. I called her when I was doing 90% fine (and definitely better than with my first) and she still had suggestions. After experiencing REALLY pain-free feeding in different positions while she was here, I know that it’s possible and what to do to achieve it. I’d probably be sore by now if I hadn’t called her, and that’s even though I’m a peer supporter and ‘should know’. Thanks for going through my birth story with me, this helped me relate the things that happened to the stages of labour and made me feel even better about the birth.‘ -B., County Durham

Click here to find out more about Birth Story Work

 

Hypnosis

‘At 31 weeks pregnant I started the hypnosis sessions with Rebecca. The first session was an ‘interview’, or rather, a great opportunity to talk about the birth of my first child as well as some issues that troubled me relating to the upcoming birth. This alone helped me feel better in many respects. A few weeks later, we met for the second appointment. This was bliss – I spent about 40 minutes on Rebecca’s incredibly comfortable sofa, listening to her voice. After this session I felt the most relaxed I had been in weeks, maybe months [no this is not an exaggeration for the website, it's true]. When I received the recording of the session, I took the time to listen to it roughly every other day and it helped me a lot to relax, to the point that when I got up afterwards, I looked into the mirror and thought ‘wow, you look much better than this morning’! The last time I listened to the recording was during pre-labour, a few hours before I had my baby, and even then it helped me relax and thus cope better with those contractions.’ -B., County Durham

Click here to find out more about hypnosis during pregnancy