You were our bodyguard in the hospital and helped us achieve our wishes of an undisturbed birth.

I woke at 12:05 am to a feeling of wetness and sure enough, I had started losing my mucous plug. This was shortly followed by contractions which developed through the night. By morning I was in active labour and continued to progress with the huge help of my husband keeping my relaxed and grounded, and the running hot shower I stayed under for hours.

Nancy helped us stay at home as long as possible and knew when the time was right to make it the hospital, and she was bang on; I delivered within 20 minutes of arriving and fulfilled my dreams of a completely undisturbed birth. A wonderful start to little Rupert's life.

The major difference you made was helping Rhys to coach me through active labour. He learnt relaxation techniques during our prenatal session and utilised that when I was feeling panicky and overwhelmed by the sensations. It completely turned my labour around.

The other major difference was confidently knowing and helping us understand when the right time to go to hospital was. It was so great to have your knowledge and advice here as I had no idea we were so progressed. You were our bodyguard in the hospital and helped us achieve our wishes of an undisturbed birth.

Rhys’s thoughts:

You helped him feel confident in knowing what I needed to be able to support me better during labour and helped him navigate the hospital by taking charge once we arrived.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF OUR TIME TOGETHER?:

I loved how you weren't in any rush to leave after Rupert had arrived. I have beautiful memories of how cosy and lovely that time was just after the birth.

I also felt so empowered when you had me check where Rupert was to know when the time to leave was. This was an incredible moment when I felt his head!

WHAT WAS THE MOST HELPFUL THING I DID TO SUPPORT YOU?:

• Supported our wishes with zero judgement.

• Helped us to know when the time to leave was.

• Ensured we were given space and respect in the hospital.

ENOUGH ABOUT ME! TELL THE MUMMAS WHAT THE MOST HELPFUL THINGS WERE TO YOU IN LABOUR?:

My husband coaching me to completely relax and surrender to the contractions. This was a game changer and completely turned my labour around, it became faster and less painful.

DID WE DO ANYTHING ELSE TOGETHER THAT YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?

Placenta encapsulation. It was a beautiful closure for me to consume my placenta and increased my ferritin three fold! It has never been so robust.

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?:

Hire a doula! Absolutely the best investment you can make to ensure you have a positive birth experience and start life with your baby on the right foot.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Acupuncture from 36 weeks

• Postpartum Physiotherapist (I use Sophie Carroll in Bowral)

• Pregactive Pregnancy and Postnatal Pilates program

Love Sarah, Rhys and Rupert Howard

Her presence at the birth was all I needed. She held the space for me and knowing there was a woman in the room who truly trusted me, my body and my baby.

Went into labour at around 10.30pm, everything went so seamlessly and fast. Laboured for a short time in the bathroom before waking Andrew up, asked him to call Nancy to let her know that it was happening. As soon as I had a shower to relax, the contractions went to less than a minute apart. We left for the hospital soon after.

Got to the hospital at the same time as Nancy, walked into maternity, settled into the room and was left alone to labour. Within an hour or so, after just standing against the bed, Nyah made her way into the work without much pushing, straight into her daddy’s arms.

Nancy was so loving and kind from the moment I met her. She held space for me to unravel the fear and doubt I held around giving birth after a previous traumatic birth experience. She went absolutely above and beyond for me.

Her presence at the birth was all I needed. She held the space for me and knowing there was a woman in the room who truly trusted me, my body and my baby.

I can’t fault Nancy, she has a beautiful heart and is exactly what women need .

Later on Nancy helped me with sleep when Nyah was a few months old and it was amazing support!

Andrew’s thoughts:

Andrew was so happy to have you to guide us through pregnancy and birth. He believes the prep session before birth was amazing, not just the teachings but the way you facilitate the couple to connect on a deeper level.

WHAT WAS THE MOST HELPFUL THING TO IN LABOUR?

Just letting go and trusting, trusting myself, my body and my baby.

I feel like your presence at the birth was the most powerful thing for me. To just know you were there and trusting me was all I needed.

You held space for me while I navigated my journey.

WORDS OF WISDOM:

Trust. Trust your intuition because that is what will guide you through this journey.

Love Amy, Andrew and Nyah

My birth was nothing short of amazing!

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My birth was nothing short of amazing! I was able to have the perfect birth Nancy helped me plan for even when midwives had other ideas. I am lucky enough to have it all on film thank you to Nancy. I will forever look back at it and this day and smile with a warm feeling in my heart.

Leading up to the labour, I felt so in control and prepared thank you to Nancy. She was there every time I needed her. If you weren’t there on the day of my labour I doubt I would have had the labour I did, Jason possibly would have advocated my birth plan but at the end of the day he may have listened to the midwives as they are meant to be the experts and there for the mum.

The most memorable moment was Nancy helping me with my plan leading up to the birth, I felt in control and empowered from her.

The most helpful thing you did was helped Jason while I was in labour. He was so calm and I believe that was from your help and support. You went above and beyond.

I believe the placenta encapsulation has helped my mood and my recovery 110%.

I did a lot of googling and I chose you after having that phone conversation, it was so so easy to talk to you and I loved your views. You were an easy choice to make :)

Dad says: Nancy was great to have her there while Lyndell was in labour, I kept her updated and she reassured me if I had doubts, Nancy suggested a position when she thought that Donnie wasn’t engaged which kickstarted active labour and then at the hospital she stood up for what Lyndell wanted with her birth plan.

Can you tell the mummas what the most helpful things were to you in labour?: The tens machine at the start of labour, the epi no leading up to the birth and my breath and relaxing was the biggest tool I had.

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?: Plan, plan and plan. Nancy’s words for my builder partner “When you go to a job site you don't take one tool; you take ALL of the tools you might need. Birth is the same!” 

I listened to absolutely every podcast I came across, did yoga, meditated, read and got in touch with my mind and body

Would you like to rave about any practitioners/websites/podcasts/groups you used during your pregnancy or postpartum to other families?: I used natural birth and baby podcast, my essential birth and pregnancy podcast.

xxx Lyndell, Jason and Donnie

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

Nancy was instrumental in our choice to have a home birth.

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Nancy was instrumental in our choice to have a home birth. Without her planting the seed by asking thoughtful questions & listening carefully the very first time we met, we may not have chosen the path we did. We were blessed to have a few visits with Nancy coming to our home. We always knew that we could get in touch with any worries or questions along the way. We didn't end up having Nancy at our birth. Our baby boy came into the world rather quickly in the end and we ended up having an accidental freebirth. Nancy helped us have a birth debrief and we were able to share our combined version of events. Overall everything about working with Nancy felt informative, supportive and nurturing.

Nancy has a lot of knowledge to share as well as a passion for childbirth & parenthood.

The most helpful thing you did to support me was challenging my comments if I was being a bit black & white or judgemental. And encouraging me to consider new perspectives than I had alone.

Words of wisdom I’d like to share with a family preparing for labour, birth & bringing their baby home:

• Do things your own way; prioritise rest, bonding with your newborn and nutrition in the early weeks.

• Limit visitors.

Practitioners/websites/podcasts/groups I used during my pregnancy or postpartum:

• Mostly ended up reading books as part of doula course e.g. ina may gaskin

• Very helpful to read birth stories.

• She Births course & online blogs by life and lens photography and Angela Gallo have been affirming in postpartum period

Emma, Chris & baby Elliott

Hiring a doula was one of the best decisions we made!

Mum says:

Hiring a doula was one of the best decisions we made. Nancy is an invaluable resource and support, and her skills were pivotal in co-creating our birth experience.

The spinning babies protocol was great, but I mostly remember you sitting on the stairs feeding me banana and chocolate during active labour!

Dad says:

Nancy was a great help to us through the whole experience. In labour, Nancy helped to progress Melanie's labour. She provided the non-medical and emotional support.

What was the most helpful thing I did?: Banana and chocolate!! Haha, nah, everything. Every woman should have a doula...!

Most helpful things in labour?

• Spinning babies techniques by Nancy

• Iced towels

• Food

Words of wisdom: Get support. Be informed. Make choices that are right for you. Do not listen to other people's fear. Trust yourself and your body. Say no to visitors for at least a week!!

Love Mel, Clint & baby Max

We were blown away by the positive impact that Nancy had on our birth.

We couldn't recommend Nancy highly enough. Although we understood before booking Nancy that the role of a doula was to support us during pregnancy and labour, we were blown away by the positive impact that Nancy had on our birth. I have no doubt that had Nancy not been there, the labour would not have been nearly as relaxed or successful. Nancy helped me achieve my goal of a natural delivery without chemical pain relief. Her role was protective and I really felt safe in her hands throughout the whole process. She had amazing knowledge of both pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period and her ideas and suggestions were practical and achievable. I feel very blessed that she was by our side on one of the most important days of our lives and would not hesitate to recommend her as a doula.

Dear Nancy, my most memorable moment was when I began to doubt that I could get the baby out and you reminded me that it was not my previous labour. It re-booted my thought process and gave me a positive boost to keep going. 

I think that the most helpful thing you did to support me was to believe in me and remind me to believe in myself.

The pregnancy massages that you gave me were amazing and helped me manage quite debilitating hip and pelvic pain towards the end. You were very thorough in your assessment prior to the massage which I liked and you had an extensive knowledge of the body and massage techniques. You put me at ease and made me feel relaxed. I also thought it was a great service that you came to my home.

The most helpful things in labour were: 

• Definitely the TENS machine- it was such a blessing and I am so thankful that you recommended it. 

• Your suggestion to change positions from time to time also really helped as did the transition into the water. 

• I also felt that I used breathing more effectively this delivery thanks to your guidance.

• I found hypnobirthing cd very helpful again to get into birthing zone. 

Do you feel that you got value for money? Do the fees reflect the service you received?: To be totally honest, the cost initially looked very high and although we could appreciate why (on-call periods etc) we did have to weigh up if financially we could afford to book you. However, both Percy and I have said on multiple occasions since that it was the best money we have ever invested and that we do not regret it one bit. You never failed to deliver in any aspect of your service.

Words of wisdom: Organise things as much as possible for after the birth to help such as freezing meals, organising a cleaner etc.

- Liz, Percy & baby Elise

My birth was a dream come true!

Nancy, my birth was a dream come true and we owe a massive part of that to the knowledge and support you provided us and for the confidence you had in us. You go above and beyond Nancy!

Having Nancy with us during our labour removed all fear and any doubts. It gave us the opportunity to not worry about anything because we felt assured that with her abundant knowledge we were in safe hands. Having a fearless birth meant that we were able to labour without worry and achieve the outcome we wanted most. 
It also gave my partner and I the space to be more connected and present with each other because we knew we could rely on Nancy's support and knew all our questions would be answered if anything came up. 

It was the best investment we could have made! It made my first birth experience so incredible and what more could you ask for?!

I feel completely and utterly satisfied with Nancy as our doula!!!

My most memorable moments are:

• getting to the hospital to find out I was fully dilated AND

• being in the bath in the candle light with Marcelo and Nancy by my side with the beautiful music playing and reaching down to feel Uma's little slimey hairy head!

The most helpful things Nancy did were:

• showing me how much faith and confidence she had in me to achieve the birth I wanted

• held my legs in the bath

• helped out with info etc in the post labour part when I had a bleed

The most helpful things to me in labour were:

• My partner

• Tens 

• Hot water 

• Heat pack

• Encouraging words 

• Breath

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?: Trust that your body is made to do this. Make sure you are fully informed and sure about the birth you want to have. Breath!!!! Stay calm and (if you can afford it) definitely get a doula!

Love Nicky, Marcelo & baby Uma

Having a doula during the birth allowed me and my partner to completely focus on each other and the birth itself...

I felt like a great load was lifted from my mind and all I had to do was be present with my partner.

Thoughts from mum:

We chose Nancy to be our doula because the connection we felt with her was authentic and her obvious care and respect for our desires were apparent. She is very calming and her confident manner was exactly what we needed.

Having a doula during the birth allowed me and my partner to completely focus on each other and the birth itself knowing that we could rely on Nancy to handle all the logistics and other practical matters. My most memorable moment was when I was about to give birth and Nancy swapped places with my partner to allow him to witness our daughter being born. Nancy did not hesitate to hold my hand and be completely present with me, which I really needed in that moment. The most helpful thing Nancy did to support us was advocating on our behalf with the medical staff to allow us the time we needed at each stage of the induction process. In labour, the most helpful things to me were my partner, the TENS machine and positive news about my dilation.

I would not hesitate to say that having a doula increased absolutely increased our birth satisfaction. The care and support provided allowed us to create a birth experience that we wanted and are proud of.

Thoughts from dad:

With Nancy as our doula, I felt completely able to focus just on my partner knowing that Nancy was handling everything else that needed any attention. I felt like a great load was lifted from my mind and all I had to do was be present with my partner.

The care and support provided allowed us to create a birth experience that we wanted and are proud of.

Love Bianca, Andrew & baby Joy xxx

Nancy exceeded our expectations. I don't know how we could have done it without her, and would use her again without hesitation.

It was such a huge relief to have someone helping out with household chores, cooking good food, caring for Teddy and supporting me with breastfeeding and birth recovery.

Thoughts from mum:

Nancy was at my side throughout my entire labour. She offered support by suggesting different positions, providing alternative tools when I got tired (birth ball, chair, shower etc) and constantly offered me fluids so I could keep my energy levels up. She also guided me when I needed to make decisions about my care, and helped me confidently interface with the hospital midwives. I didn't realise how hard it would be to make decisions whilst in the throes of labour, and I really valued having someone I trusted, who is experienced in the world of birth and babies, to assist in my decision making.

Nancy also provided us with ongoing postnatal support after Teddy's birth. It was such a huge relief to have someone we had built a relationship with helping out with household chores, cooking good food, caring for Teddy and supporting me with breastfeeding and birth recovery. The first few weeks of motherhood are a huge adjustment and Nancy's support, encouragement and advice made a challenging transition so much easier.

Thoughts from dad:

Nancy exceeded our expectations. She was not only informative and diligent but graceful, kind and encouraging. Her positive energy and emotional intelligence improved our experience for the better. I don't know how we could have done it without her, and I would use her again without hesitation. The entire time was memorable, which is to say Nancy was like having an angel around the entire time. Nancy's positive words and encouraging demeanour was so encompassing that it is difficult to say one particular thing was most helpful. It was all helpful. As the husband, and not being naturally comfortable in birth situations, I could not have been happier with how Nancy supported my wife and took pressure and anxiety away from me.

We not only feel we received value for money, but we felt slightly sheepish that we did not pay more.

Nancy not only increased our overall birth satisfaction but having Nancy as our doula gave us confidence and comfort during our first birth experience. I feel like Nancy was part of our family during the birth, and I am beyond words to express my appreciation for her contribution and help.

- Bea

I would 100% recommend her as a doula!

She has excellent knowledge but was cautious to ensure she provided a balanced response so that we were empowered to make decisions for ourselves.

We had the pleasure of meeting Nancy at the She Births® childbirth education course in Sydney. We felt we didn't need a doula for the birth but we had some complications in the final weeks of pregnancy and did contact Nancy for advice and information. We really appreciated her round­the­clock, timely responses to our questions and concerns.

Nancy always went out of her way to provide relevant and informative advice to help us with decision making while we were at the hospital. She has excellent knowledge herself but was cautious to ensure she provided a balanced response to questions so that we were empowered to make decisions for ourselves.

Nancy is calm and practical and I would 100% recommend her as a doula! She supported us with relaxation techniques in a way that was clear and unobtrusive and we found that really helpful.

We also invested in Nancy's placenta encapsulation service and the placenta smoothie. Nancy came to the hospital to collect the placenta and returned the next day with a very tasty smoothie and 150 capsules. I would absolutely recommend placenta encapsulation and the yummy smoothie!!

love Alexa