Just knowing I had Nancy made me feel more confident.

I went into labour on my due date, my partner Ryan and I laboured at home overnight (about 10 hours) with contractions slowing by morning. We rang the hospital regularly but my contractions were not close enough for us to head to the hospital. We both were beginning to feel extremely fatigued and my confidence was crumbling by the minute. Nancy came to check on us, as soon as she arrived and hugged me my whole body relaxed, I felt calm and fell asleep finally! We all thought it would be a long labour so Nancy left with the intention to return in a few hours. However, clearly Nancy's visit was all my body needed to progress my labour as moments later my daughter was born extremely quickly and unexpectedly at home in the shower!

Nancy helped me overcome my fear of birth through providing emotional support, educational resources and support to develop plans for birth and postpartum. My birth did not go to plan but I know without a doubt that Nancy's guidance and support is the reason we were able to handle the unexpected situation so well.

I believe Nancy's reassurance, gentle touch, empathy and love helped my labour to progress (perhaps too quickly haha)! She provided me with exactly what I needed to feel calm and safe.

Just knowing I had Nancy, her knowledge, skills and emotional support available to me throughout my pregnancy made me feel more confident in myself and my ability to birth my baby. I also loved visiting Nancy for massages throughout pregnancy - these visits helped enhance our bond and I learnt something new each time! Even postpartum when I was really struggling with motherhood and my communication with others faltered, Nancy never stopped reaching out and letting me know she was there for me. Although I couldn't articulate my feelings or experience during those early days until much later, having Nancy's support when I was ready to talk was incredibly special. Thank you Nancy :)

Nancy's massages were the highlight of my week during pregnancy! I highly recommend her massage service especially if she is your doula - it is precious time to get to know each other and form a stronger bond as well as a great chance for Nancy to understand your body better.

Nancy provided everything and more! My only regret is that we didn't contact Nancy earlier or have her visit earlier during my labour :) Definitely great value for money, Nancy offers so much for women and their partners to help them through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I could have capitalised on her knowledge more just because she is so wonderfully talented and sooo generous with her time but I do feel I got exactly what I needed :)

Louise Loader recommended Nancy - she felt we would connect beautifully and she was so right! From our first meeting Nancy radiated kindness, warmth and inner strength, I just knew she was the doula for me.

Dad says:

Nancy's wealth of knowledge and emotional support proved beyond helpful during Keita's pregnancy and labour. Most importantly, Nancy helped me become the best possible support person for Keita.

What were the most helpful things for you during labour? I had a tens machine, birth mantras, affirmations, massage devices, fit ball etc but the thing that helped me the most was my partner's ability to provide counter pressure on my lower back. And that's Thanks to Nancy's guidance and what we learnt at the Illawarra Birth Class.

If you were to share words of wisdom with a first time family preparing for labour, birth & bringing their baby home, what would it be?: Get Nancy on your support team and be kind to yourself.

Would you like to rave about any practitioners/websites/podcasts/groups you used during your pregnancy or postpartum to other families?: 

Louise Loader - Natal Nutritionist 

Louise helped me in the lead up to pregnancy, throughout pregnancy and postpartum. I have learnt so much from her - how to nourish and take care of my body, important resources and services, emotional support and so much more. I highly recommend Louise, her services will no doubt enrich any woman's motherhood journey. 

Zelinda Turk - Berry Allied Health

Zelinda is wonderful, she specialises in pregnancy and is absolutely essential for helping ease pregnancy pains and prepare the pelvis for birth. 

Little Eco Baby - Nappy Service

This reusable nappy service was the best gift we have received! Amazing service - easy, convenient plus a fantastic way to help the environment. 

Feed Mama First - Meal Service

Delicious and nutritious postpartum meal service run by two fantastic Mums from the South Coast. I have ordered these treats multiple times during pregnancy and postpartum - so yummy!!

Nurture and Grow - Private Midwives and Lactation Consultants 

I completed an antenatal breastfeeding course with Emma (very helpful!) and we had a lactation consult with her once my daughter was born. Without Emma visiting us so quickly and showing me an alternative feeding position I would not have found the confidence to continue to persevere with breastfeeding my daughter.

Lauren Whitfield- Inhale Pilates

Reformer pilates was my favourite exercise during pregnancy. Lauren helped me gently and safely move my body throughout my pregnancy, helping me prepare for labour by increasing my strength and stamina. She is an absolute legend! 

Irene Acupuncturist - The Kiama Clinic 

Irene helped relieve my morning sickness during the first trimester as well as regular appointments throughout my third trimester to encourage my baby's growth (doctors said baby was small) and eventually induce labour. I went into labour on my due date and my baby was born a healthy 3.1kgs, take from that what you will :)

Caitlin McCartney - South Coast Pelvic Health 

Caitlin was fantastic at guiding me to strengthen my pelvic floor during pregnancy and to prepare for birth. Our appointments post-birth were essential for my recovery and to help me begin to feel like myself again.

Illawarra Birth Classes

Run by two local doulas this was a great opportunity for my partner and I to learn about birth and labour together. He learnt the only thing that managed to help me during my labour at this class - counter pressure!!

Love Keita, Ryan & baby Manaia-Eve