I probably would have benefited from more postpartum care.
/Nancy was such a beautiful presence at our birth. She was so supportive and helped my husband and I stay calm and centered in a birth that didn’t necessarily go to “plan”. Before the birth we had so much fun in our birth prep sessions with her, not to mention the delicious pregnancy massages she gave me in the comfort of my home. I have to say that the real highlight for me was the postnatal visit. After a few days of being in a busy hospital it was SO refreshing to have a visit from Nancy, who did a meditation with us and helped me to feel human again. Thank you so much, Nancy. You are such a genuine, honest and grounded woman and we’re so happy you were a part of our journey xoxo
I choose you to be our doula because we formed a lovely initial connection and I felt safe in your care. Emma Hayes referred you and highly recommended you. I feel that your energy matched mine and that you had a beautiful, calming presence.
I really loved the prenatal massages I received. I felt a bit worried when I found out Sofia wasn't growing and the massaged helped to bring my nervous system back into a state of balance.
I probably would have benefited from more postpartum care. This is something for me to think about if we have another baby. I got so much out of you coming to the hospital once Sofia was born, I would have liked more sessions like that.
What is the most memorable moment of our time together?: Yes! One thing that really stands out to me is when a Dr was trying to (very unsuccessfully) break my waters and I was in a lot of pain, you reminded me that I have a choice and that I can choose to ask him to stop the procedure. It was at that moment that I feel I got my power back, if you weren't there I probably would have kept putting up with him telling me to "relax" and trying to achieve his goal.
What was the most helpful thing I did to support you? Reminded me that I am allowed to birth on my terms.
What did you find to be the most helpful things to you in labour? The yoga we did in the park and the movement that you were encouraging me to do whilst I had the syntocinon drip in. I also appreciated you chatting to the midwives and making my wishes heard.
Dad says: Nancy helped us navigate the hospital system and was a calming presence throughout our time in hospital. She was always informing us of the options we had and also helped to get us out of the hospital and moving around in the fresh air after a few induction attempts that weren't really working. Nancy was generous with her time and always made us feel safe and supported.
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?: The birth of your baby is a life-changing event, and it is so important to be prepared for it, but don't forget about The Fourth Trimester. It is so important to prepare for the birth of you as a mother/ parent and think about what it is that you really need to support you at such a fragile time of deep transformation. Having nourishing food, cooked by loved ones and having a 'fourth trimester' plan, can be just as important as having a birth plan.
Also, remember that you know what is best for your baby, so try not to get swept up in everyone else's advice and instead try to listen to your inner wisdom.
Would you like to rave about any practitioners/websites/podcasts/groups you used during your pregnancy or postpartum to other families?:
Our Family Chiropractic Cronulla
Really helped with my postnatal recovery and overall wellbeing.
Tales From The Fourth Trimester podcast
The Mother Space Podcast (my podcast)
Maternal Instincts Massage
Angela is amazing.
xxx Annalisa, Luke and Sofia
