You really helped me take control of my own pregnancy and labour.

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My waters broke early, at 37 weeks at 5am, contractions were really light until about 5pm and I put the TENS machine on when they started to ramp up. Nancy was on the phone to Karl as I laboured, guiding him to help me manage each contraction, and she came over at about 4.30am. After sitting on the toilet through a few contractions I felt baby drop and knew it was time to go to the hospital at about 5.30am. My contractions sped up in the car, and by the time I got to the hospital they were very intense, but we still walked all the way to the birth unit (where I threw up all over the hallway). I got straight into our birthing suite and had a very strong contraction as I was getting into the bath, and was worried the baby would come right there, But I made it in, and started pushing, completely unguided, my baby River was born in the water at 6.44am after what felt like about 3 pushes.

I came into this pregnancy with lingering trauma from my first birth. Too much intervention and not enough knowledge left me feeling disempowered, with really negative thoughts about birth and postpartum.

Through my pregnancy, Nancy gave me the tools to understand why I was feeling like I was, and allowed me the space to let go of my past trauma. In our sessions she helped me build the confidence to have a strong birth plan, as well as giving myself permission to practice some much needed self care in the lead up to my birth.

As I was labouring, Nancy provided really critical support to my husband. Thanks to her coaching, he was able to calm me down when my waters broke early, avoiding an unnecessary trip to hospital. Nancy was communicating with him via text and phone throughout the labour, and he was in turn able to provide me with the best support possible. When she did arrive in person, she knew exactly where I was up to, and what I needed to do to get the baby into the right spot. When we got to the hospital she spoke to the hospital staff so Karl could support me, and guided both of us to the birthing suite, supporting me through each contraction.

As I got into the birthing bath and began to push, she was with me all the way, and was communicating with the midwife so neither me nor Karl needed to be concerned with anything other than the birth of our child.

After he was born, Nancy stayed with us, helping me manage communication with the hospital staff and making sure my birth needs were met - including a natural 3rd stage and delayed cord clamping. Postpartum she helped us navigate breastfeeding and managing having a toddler and a newborn at home. She also helped with my toddlers sleep patterns which started to take a turn after River was born, and helped us to manage the transition.

Having her there to debrief really completed what was a cathartic, healing pregnancy and birth experience, and allowed me once again to believe in myself and the strength of my body to create and birth two healthy, happy children.

Nancy did so much for us. We hired her to help us with the birth but we got so much more out of the experience and it has bought us closer as a couple than we ever thought it would.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF OUR TIME TOGETHER?

One main thing you kept telling me was the fear/tension/pain cycle, and this helped me relax as I had to actively think about releasing the tension so I would feel less pain. It kind of acted like a mantra for me as my contractions became more intense.

You also made me ask “why” whenever something was presented to me, and that really helped me take control of my own pregnancy and labour.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO OTHER FAMILIES WHAT THE MOST HELPFUL PART OF THE DOULA SUPPORT WAS FOR YOU?:

It was more your presence during those critical times. During the labour at home when you arrived, your presence was calming for me. Particularly when I was feeling exhausted, but you knew it was my endorphins kicking in, you said “you’re not tired, you’re just really high, which means your baby is so close!” It gave me the strength to keep going.

You helped me make the hard decisions which would help me in the long run for example, although I hated it at the time, you didn’t accept the wheelchair to go up to the birthing unit, but rather held my hand and walked with me. It was painful but it was what I needed to get the baby to the right position so that when I hit the bath water all I needed to do was push.

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

  • TENS machine was a life saver. I actually don’t know how I got through my first labour without it!

  • Having a mantra really helped, mine was “open mouth, open cervix” so I remembered not to clench my jaw, it really helped me to remove a lot of the tension.

  • Creating the right environment. I used candles with a scent that I loved, and kept everything dark and moody with a good playlist to boot, it really helped to calm me down and get the oxytocin flowing.

WANT TO TELL US ABOUT MASSAGE?

I got several massages from Nancy and they helped so much, from relaxation and tension reduction in the early days (and the chance to catch up/ask questions/vent), to moving fluid around in the last weeks, it helped so much. My husband and I also did the Pregnancy Relaxation Massage for Couples Workshop with Nancy which has been incredible because Karl can now give me better and more effective massages if I’m feeling tight or exhausted after looking after the kids. Would definitely highly recommend!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHER FAMILIES ON THIS PATH?

Trust your body. It knows what to do. If you relax and lean into the process instead of trying to manage it you will have a much smoother ride with a better outcome. Also, time has no place in labour and birth. It will take as long time to as it takes, and timing things and looking at the clock makes it much more stressful!

IS THERE ANYONE ELSE THAT WAS AWESOME TO YOU DURING YOUR JOURNEY?

There was an incredible doctor at Wollongong Hospital who stitched me up, I can’t remember her name but she referred to herself as the “hippy doctor.” She asked my consent before doing anything and gave me the full run down of the pros and cons of what was happening so as I was fully aware of what I was consenting to. She was really incredible and made me feel safe and supported in a pretty vulnerable situation.

Karl says:

Having a doula definitely helped during labour as Nancy was able to answer all my questions and I was able to give feedback on Colette’s progress. This communication freed up Colette’s mind and she was able to concentrate/focus on her body which resulted in a smooth delivery. The massage workshop was an added bonus as we continue to use these techniques now.

Love Colette, Karl and Baby River

My VBAC was the most empowering experience of my life.

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A few days shy of my due date I woke up with mild cramping, and knew things were starting soon. After a long prodromal labour and many supportive texts and phone calls with Nancy I found myself needing her beautiful presence at my home birth. She immediately made me feel safe and held, and for the rest of my labour she was there by my side assisting with positions, massage, and intuitively tending to my needs. Because of the relationship we had built during my pregnancy, I could surrender to the process (which was a long one!) and trust my body. I transferred to hospital with Nancy’s words of encouragement in the front of my mind. Not long after arriving I had my VBAC and it was the most empowering experience of my life.

Nancy offered such supportive and reassuring advice during our time together. During pregnancy she helped me work through my fears and concerns for labour which was fundamental in achieving my vbac. She had complete confidence in me from the start, and this made me feel so secure in trusting myself and doing my own inner work.

During labour Nancy’s support was unwavering, and she was there by my side every step of the way. Her calming presence was reassuring as I worked through my contractions. She supported our family beautifully by being my rock when my toddler needed my husband, and I was able to fully relax and be in birth. Nancy had an incredible ability to preempt my needs which really helped my comfort levels during labour.

Brian says:

It was really reassuring to know that Nancy was there to support Amanda through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She brought a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to her care, and she helped me to better support Amanda during labour. I would recommend every birthing couple hire a doula, we are so grateful she was with us.

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

In the early hours of the morning we took a walk around the streets of my neighbourhood, chatting and laughing in between contractions under the glow of the full moon. She could sense that I needed a change of scenery and the fresh air and movement took my mind off the intensity of contractions.

When we decided to transfer to hospital, Nancy had such powerful words of encouragement that became my mantra for the rest of my labour and birth. This really helped me to stay present and trusting of my body and my baby.

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

So many things! But I really appreciated how Nancy used her knowledge, experience, and intuition to guide me through different positions during labour. She knew that labour stalling was one of my fears and she helped me make space for baby to move into an optimal position for birth.

I had regular remedial massage with Nancy throughout pregnancy which relieved my aches and pains and made pregnancy easier from week to week. During labour, I was so grateful to have massage as a tool for pain relief and it helped me relax when I felt physically and mentally exhausted.

WHAT WERE THE MOST HELPFUL THINGS TO YOU IN LABOUR?

  • I found squeezing a comb in my hand along with the TENS machine really helpful during contractions and this got me through most of my early labour.

  • The birth pool was amazing in the later stages, and Nancy used a cold compress of my forehead and warm running water on my sacrum which was so soothing.

  • Focussing on my breath during contractions and trying to relax as much as possible in between them was the best tool I had.

  • I couldn’t stomach much food during labour but having quick sources of energy onboard was so important for my stamina. I had sips of soft drink, spoons of honey and sports gels.

HOW WAS YOUR POSTPARTUM?

The postpartum support Nancy provides is amazing and I feel it’s one of the best investments a new mother can make. She has filled my fridge with food, helped with outings in the early days, offered support and advice in a respectful way and really eased the transition from one to two kids. My toddler especially looks forward to Nancy coming to help!

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU GOT GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY? DO MY FEES REFLECT THE SERVICE YOU RECEIVED?:

Absolutely, I’m not sure you can put a price on the level of care that Nancy provides. She was always there if ever I needed her and she truly goes above and beyond for her clients to help them achieve the best outcome. She brings an impressive skill set and real world experience to the work that she does, and my only regret is that I didn’t have her support for my first pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

WHY ME?

I found Nancy on Instagram, and I knew after our first phone call that I wanted her as my doula. She was friendly and empathetic, and I felt she genuinely wanted to help me achieve my birth desires. Her experience in Spinning Babies, yoga and massage were appealing to me.

WORDS OF WISDOM:

Find a doula who you connect with and who you feel you can trust to support you and your family. Visualise your ideal labour and birth and postpartum and create a support team to help you achieve this. Trust in your body and the process of birth, and when in doubt, breathe.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Practitioners:

Podcasts:

Groups:

  • “The Village” through Nancy’s Facebook group

Love Amanda, Brian, Audrey and Charlotte

We felt zero fear. We were calm and confident.

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Vali was born after a fast and intense but absolutely beautiful homebirth. I've never felt more loved, supported and empowered than in those few hours. I was basking in love, and forever grateful to my birth team for allowing me to feel safe, confident and to have a completely physiological, undisturbed water birth from the comfort of my own home. I still think about it with tears of joy in my eyes.

Wonderfully transformative.

No chance my birth would have been what it has been without Nancy! She gave my partner and I all the tools (practical and mental) we needed to have a wonderful birth experience. We both felt super excited and prepared. To me, it was like having an experienced and knowledgeable friend who was there to guide me through the biggest transformation of my life to make it a positive and ultimately very empowering experience.

The birth happened quite fast and this meant that at one point I honestly thought we would have this baby alone but we felt zero fear, we were calm and confident.

Nancy's knowledge on that day was everything and I'm positive I was able to have the homebirth I wanted thanks to her. She's extremely experienced and an incredible human being who knows how to listen and guide you no matter what your birth preferences and personal/religious/spiritual beliefs are. I'd strongly recommend a couple of massages during your pregnancy on top of the doula prep sessions if you can. They made me feel amazing and a lovely way to connect further with Nancy. The postpartum debrief was fantastic too.

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

Your experience on the day truly made the biggest difference. I'm sure that if it wasn't for you, we would have transfered to hospital or had the baby alone at home. Both would have been OK I'm sure but you were able to help us navigate a fast moving birth while allowing me to stay in my space and completely calm.
You also helped me moved to find the best positions to birth in and I know I would absolutely have not even tried to move and try different things if it wasn't for you. Probably wouldn't have reached the pool on time either!

WORDS FROM NICK:

To be really honest I questioned how much we would need a doula, seeing as we had a private midwife and I felt like we had a decent support network around Deb. Turned out it was an incredible decision to work with Nancy and I attribute a large part of a perfect and beautiful natural birth to her support. She was totally engaged and keen to answer any questions we had, both in prep and in labour. Nancy gave us a huge amount of confidence and made Deb feel totally prepared for the birth process. On the night of baby Vali's birth Nancy was absolutely incredible and I really don't know what we would've done without her. The midwife was at another birth and things moved along really quickly. Nancy took control of the situation without being demanding and guided us so smoothly through the process. All in all I am so grateful for the opportunity to have Nancy work with us, it was amazing.

WHAT WERE THE MOST HELPFUL THINGS WHILST YOU WERE IN LABOUR?:

  • Get a tens machine. Rent one, borrow one, buy one. Just get one 😉

  • Get frozen blueberries, Nancy gave me one between each contraction when I was pushing, it felt amazing and delicious and like heaven between the surges.

  • We're told to exhale slowly but I found that inhaling slowly and focusing on getting that oxygen in made a big difference (thanks Nancy for the tip!)

  • Write down and work through any fear you might have, even the silliest ones.

I got massages - with Nancy - during my pregnancy and highly recommend them. I felt great after each one, especially when things really start to stretch and move in the late second/third trimester.

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?:

I questioned how much support I really needed ("women have been doing this for thousands of years, surely I can do it too, no big deal") but ultimately realised getting a birth team I truly trusted and preparing myself and my partner properly was an investment I would never regret. Bringing a baby into the world changes you, your relationship with your partner, your family unit, etc. Getting the support you need is a great way to make sure this change is a positive, empowering one. It's about the birth yes and having the experience you truly want but it's also about the mother you will become.

More practically, prepare "a trimester in advance" so that you can spend your last trimester preparing for the fourth trimester and what comes after the birth. This is easily overlooked and so important!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RAVE ABOUT ANY PRACTITIONERS/WEBSITES/PODCASTS/GROUPS YOU USED DURING YOUR PREGNANCY OR POSTPARTUM TO OTHER FAMILIES?:

Anna from Her Connection is a fantastic women’s health physio.

Love from baby Vali, Deb and Nick

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

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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

You held the most healing space I’ve experienced.

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Flic says:

I experienced a stop-start contractions over 4 days. My baby was posterior and I experienced very strong hip pain. I was so grateful for the incredible guidance and support of our doula Nancy who gave us the confidence to navigate those days at home for as long as we could before we transferred to hospital.

Nancy was the greatest decision we could have made for our entire pregnancy, labour, birth and post-partum. From the moment we met her she felt like the big sister role I needed - supportive, caring, passionate, educated and honest. Nancy has an incredible way of providing information, but also leaving you feel in complete control of your decisions - something I’ve learnt is so important in the birth space.
Whilst my birth and labour didn’t unfold how we had envisaged, I felt totally supported and still endlessly proud of how we navigated it. I honestly believe that without Nancy, my birth outcomes would likely have looked very different and the flow on effects would still have an impact on me today. Nancy knew what was important to me and she honoured that at every step of the way.

Andrew says:

Nancy helped with massage, spinning babies techniques, understanding my wife’s needs during labour, practical things (ie. remembering to eat), someone to talk to who cared for my wife but wasn’t too closely related.

My love, what is your most memorable moment of our time together?

Where to start!?!? You met us in the beautiful sunshine and had me doing acrobatics off massage tables, you dried and brushed my hair with so much love, you stared into my eyes whilst I navigated contractions on the toilet - feeling more helpless than ever- and you asked me what I wanted 🥺, you shared with me some of the most profound and vulnerable moments when you knew the time was right, (you made me go on that f$%*ing walk to the beach! Haha), you did not leave my presence for 24hrs, you laughed and cried with me, you slept on a hospital couch, you stroked my back in the bath, you advocated for me. You helped me remember how proud I was of my birth and labour and the journey we took to bring our boy into this world. You held the most healing space I’ve experienced and made sure I didn’t loose sight of what happened and it’s importance. To this day, “Trust Yourself” is still written on our weekly calendar whiteboard in your writing….I cannot bring myself to rub it off as it always brings a smile to myself as I think of everything you walked alongside us for.

And the most helpful thing I did to support you?

Maintained honesty. This was one of your most incredible qualities the whole way through. You were always upfront and steady, we knew there was no BS. It was amazing as I knew I could always go to you for anything, but you wouldn’t sway my decision. You would give me so much relevant information, a shoulder to lean on and I knew I would walk away with a decision that was still mine.

What were the most helpful things to you in labour?

  • Nancy.

  • My husband - we had communicated a lot prior to labour about what we wanted, and he had done a lot of his own reading too so I knew no matter what, we were on the same page.

  • Education. Read, listen, watch - do whatever it takes to know all the options you have. You can’t always control what happens in your birth but there’s nothing more empowering than being able to walk away knowing you did everything in your power to make decisions that were right for you.

Was there anything else that helped?

  • Couples Pregnancy Massage Workshop - this was so great and Nancy transformed the way my husband could relieve any tight back/hips throughout pregnancy. It was such a nice thing for us to do together.

  • Placenta encapsulation - I loved this! Nancy was so quick getting them to me, and super informative about the process.

  • Post-partum doula service- so good! Delicious meals, Snacks, debriefs, chats, EC and cloth nappy lessons..someone who was there during labour to share with after was the best!

WORDS OF WISDOM:

Cook and freeze as many meals and snacks as humanly possibly for your post partum period. Like, all the meals and snacks. Do not stop making meals and snacks.

Is there anything/anyone else you’d like to recommend to families getting ready to birth?

  • Nancy

  • Australian Birth Stories Podcast

  • Rhea Dempsey books/interviews

Love Felicity, Andrew & baby Otto

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.

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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

You were relentless in your support. I love you for that.

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Labour started in the evening and was low key over night. I then woke up and spent most the early morning napping, texting Nancy and walking around my block. By the afternoon transition had hit me and I was feeling worried about my ability to do it alone (Nancy wasn’t allowed into the hospital due to covid lockdown). My husband got us into the car on our way to the hospital where things inevitably slowed down. It all happened quite quickly that we only phoned Nancy in the car on the way there so she couldn’t rationalise with me as I was already planning to stray from my birth plan and get an epidural as soon as I walked in.

Upon finding out I was 8cm on arrival my husband and I cried tears of joy and triumph. I swear I heard the “eye of the tiger” riff play in my head!

After watching the film birth time I knew I needed support. I went home and contacted Nancy that night, I thank my lucky stars that she had one spot left as I was a late addition.

Nancy was so gentle with me but fierce with her passion for positive birth outcomes. Nancy had the answer to everything, she spoke to my need to expose injustice and she educated me not only in the process of knowing I can birth without intervention but also supported me through some of hardest times post-birth. Nancy is a born nurturer and her ability to be a presence in your life that resembles a wonderful mother figure, a baddass activist and best friend who is intelligent and understands many perspectives is her super power.

I don’t even know what I would have done without her.

Alexander says:
Nancy gave me the tools to support Em during labour, how to read her body language and understand the spiritual side of a birthing woman. Nancy taught me to use my voice to advocate for Emily and our baby.

What is the most memorable moment of our time together?
Breastfeeding issues caused me a lot of heartache. You were relentless in your support and options you provided. I love you for that.

What was the most helpful doula thing I helped with?
Educate me! I now use the information you taught me and the resources you sent me to help others and that is the best gift!

Also breastfeeding and postpartum doula support. You would arrive and things would get better. You would let yourself in, make a cuppa for me, bring some snacks and let me ramble. Thank you.

What did you find were the most helpful things through your labour?
TENS machine and breathing!

Do my fees reflect the service you received?
10000%

If you were to share words of wisdom with a first time family preparing for labour, birth & bringing their baby home, what would they be?
Nothing is permanent, always call for help!

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

Practitioners:

Podcasts:

Resources:

Love Emily, Alexander & Jude

I got my VBAC! You truly helped me see things differently!

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I had a 12 hour med free labour that was the most empowering moment of my life. A few interventions (with consent) but I achieved my VBAC.

During my pregnancy you helped me keep positive and always made sure to remind me that I was the only one who was in charge of my birth plan as at times I would doubt myself. I was attempting a VBAC so it was all very scary for me but with your guidance I felt at ease regardless of what the outcome may have been I knew you would be there to help me jump every hurdle that came my way.

During labour/birth I needed an extra voice, a support person who was knowledgeable and would help me stay in a good mind set. You did just that and more. You reminded me of my birth plan and reminded me that I was in charge of my body and that I had the choice to decline or accept certain medical interventions.

My partner felt supported by having you there and felt at ease knowing that together as a team we would achieve my vbac dreams. The guidance/ suggestions in the lead up to the labour/birth allowed him to go into the birth with an open mind and a better understanding of how he could help me bring my baby into the world.

What is the most memorable moment of our time together?: Honestly your positivity is something that always stuck with me. The way you viewed birth was eye opening and truly helped me see things differently when it came to what I want. You made me realise that It is me who is in control of birthing my baby.

What was the most helpful thing I did to support you?: Absolutely everything! No but seriously, you focused on my wants and needs. You helped me get closer to my VBAC dreams! Which might I add, I got my VBAC :)

Do you feel that you got good value for money? Do my fees reflect the service you received?: Yes, definitely! I recieved the best care!

Enough about me! Tell the mummas what the most helpful things were to you in labour?: Tens machine is a MUST! That really helped me get through majority of the pain as my labour was a pain med free labour.

Would you mind letting me know how you found me and why you chose me?: I found you on the VBAC facebook group as you were recommended by others. 
I chose you the moment we spoke on the phone, there was just something about the way you spoke that resonated with me.

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?: As cliche as it sounds, always believe in yourself. You know your body best and only you are in charge of how you birth your baby. The unknown can be scary sometimes but once you hold your baby for the first time somehow you just know that this is where you were meant to be.

Would you like to rave about any practitioners/websites/podcasts/groups you used during your pregnancy or postpartum to other families?: I listened to the VBAC podcasts as well as followed the Australian VBAC group on facebook.

Love Yesim, Orhan and Altay

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

An experienced support person that knew me, my preferences, my history and would advocate for me as I would for myself.

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After a breech elective c-section and a lifetime of traumatic surgery, I was desperate for a supportive and empowered VBAC. Nancy believed in my dream as much as I did. When the going got tough and my confidence waivered, she still believed in me. Surrounded by a supportive birthing team and with the knowledge that they wanted me to succeed, I lived my dream. A healing, empowered VBAC to meet my baby boy.

IMAGINE I WASN'T THERE. TELL ME ALL ABOUT HOW I HELPED YOU AND HOW IT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE. :

The most important thing for me was knowing that there was an experienced support person that knew me, my preferences, my history and would advocate for me as I would for myself. You did all of that and more.

Even though I knew you may not be in town for Ronan's birth, I trusted wholeheartedly that you would find me a doula that could meet these needs (and you did!) I was blown away by your deep knowledge about each of the things that popped up during my pregnancy and labour and by your clear-headed approach to navigating the birthing system I chose (and the challenges that come from working within that system). Each time we hit a road bump or a road block, I knew that there was someone in our corner who would provide us with personalised support and advice, unincentivised by anything other than helping us to figure things out.

I never doubted for a second that we had the right person to support us through this journey (and the comfort of that knowledge may have been even more important than the practical experience itself).

Adam’s thoughts:

Adam found it helpful that you showed him how to use hands on techniques, particularly the rebozo which we used at home in early labour. He also found comfort in knowing that there was a second person supporting me and that it wasn't solely on his shoulders. He said he was impressed by you lining up Alyssa to support us on the day and that he felt you had made a concerted effort to find the right person to do that for us.

YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT OF OUR TIME TOGETHER?

I cannot express enough gratitude for your practical and emotional support as we navigated the GDM testing challenges. Although I felt the GDM results were inaccurate and I wanted to make sure we had a true diagnosis, I felt defeated. I sobbed in my obstetrician's office that my VBAC dream was dead. But you still believed in me. You reminded me to believe in myself. When I couldn't take the practical steps needed to move forward, you took them for me. You went above and beyond to arrange a new test for me, and I truly believe this pivotal moment changed the course of my pregnancy and led me to the birth experience I had hoped for. I will never forget it.

THE MOST HELPFUL THING I DID TO SUPPORT YOU?

I pride myself on being deeply informed and yet, everything I discovered or questioned - you had deep knowledge about it that I could tap into.

  • Spinning babies, check.

  • GDM testing, how cortisol and glucose interact as you get up in the morning, check.

  • Rebozo, check.

  • How to think about decision making around public and private hospitals when attempting VBAC, check.

  • VBAC statistics, check.

  • Induction methods and their impact on physiological birth, check.

  • I could go on.

I also felt that, not only did you have subject matter expertise, you deeply understood me, us as a couple and our goals, and you were able to tailor that practical information in a way that helped us to make decisions that reflected our goals.

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

  • TENS machine, absolutely!

  • I had hypnobirthing tracks that I had listened to during pregnancy and listened to at home in early labour. Alyssa asked Adam if I had a playlist and actually put it through the sound system at the hospital too, which we hadn't thought about and was wonderful (and thanks to you, Adam knew exactly how to get into my phone, into the app and find those tracks!)

  • I sat on the toilet for a bit at home with my feet on some yoga blocks, which I liked.

  • Used a scarf for some rebozo at home and a yoga ball to rotate my hips around.

  • I had some essential oil that I rubbed in my palms and smelled (I had been putting some in my baths during pregnancy too so it was a familiar, relaxing smell.

Alyssa did a great job during labour and I'm so thankful you found her for us. One thing I felt like you might have done differently (and possibly this was, in part, because labour was my first time meeting her in person!) was that you may have been a little more forceful (in the best way) in encouraging me to push myself to move around/try some of the spinning babies moves towards the end. Alyssa suggested it but I couldn't even entertain the idea and she backed off straight away. I feel like you might have pushed me a little to do it (and in retrospect, I would have appreciated that).

HOW DID YOU FIND ME?

You were recommended in the VBAC Australia and VBAC South Coast/Illawarra Facebook groups. I chose you because I wanted someone who was well informed and a strong advocate. I wasn't looking necessarily for emotional support, but more a person that I knew I could rely upon to champion my preferences in circumstances where I knew I may not be able to do that myself. Knowing you were there and that I had a great support team in place allowed me to relax and trust that I would be taken care of.

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE FAMILIES READING:

Growing your family is an emotional, overwhelming and intense, love-filled experience. Feeling all the feelings is part of the journey and every journey is unique. Each time we've had a baby, I have cherished the people who helped us navigate each roadbump, cheered with us when we felt joy and created space for us to adjust to our new normal when our little love arrived. Gather your support team and buckle up for a wonderful adventure!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RAVE ABOUT ANY PRACTITIONERS/WEBSITES/PODCASTS/GROUPS YOU USED DURING YOUR PREGNANCY OR POSTPARTUM TO OTHER FAMILIES?:

  • Dr Steven Thou, my wonderful OB, and Dr Daniela Susic, my wonderful back-up OB who I felt equally supported by.

  • Julie at Kirrawee Natural Care Clinic.

  • Acupuncture at The Dao Health Clinic (Caringbah, though I believe they've moved to Burraneer).

  • Spinning babies daily exercises.

  • VBAC Australia Facebook group.

  • Nancy Anderson Ab Rehab for postpartum recovery breathing exercises.


BONUS

This is the list of recommendations I keep and share with friends:

THINGS I LOVED
(There are other things we have that I didn't love or am lukewarm about, like SRC compression shorts, our baby monitors and our travel cot. Anything I didn't absolutely love doesn't make this list.)

Pregnancy
- Align tights (Lululemon)
- Bae the label
- Belly bandit support belt https://bellybandit.com.au/collections/maternity/products/upsie-belly?variant=3053456195624
- Compression socks
- Pregnancy pillow https://www.smilobaby.com/products/nursing/pregnancy-and-nursing-pillow

Labour preparation
- Spinning babies daily essentials exercises
https://www.spinningbabies.com/
- Chiro and acupuncture
- Epi-no (this I am lukewarm on but I do think it made a difference)
- Hot Mama tea - The final push

Birth
- Doula
- Tens machine https://blissbirth.com.au/
- Bimby and Roy underwear
- Calm birth school hypnobirthing mediations

Postpartum
- Period underwear a few sizes up from your normal (I did Modibodi, https://www.modibodi.com/collections/french-cut, nicer than disposable mesh undies but doesn't matter if they get bloody)
- Tom Organic Maternity pads (softer than the other brands)
- Medela hydrogel pads https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/products/breast-care/hydrogel-pads
- Hotmilk Lingerie (nursing bras)
- Peri bottle (for vaginal delivery)
- Peri ice packs can use in underwear for vaginal delivery or on scar for C section (or make padsicles for vaginal delivery - Google it) I liked these ones - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07Z99RMTN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
- Bra heat pads (for engorgement)
- Nancy Anderson's ab rehab

Videos
- Breastfeeding how-to (these were the instructions I found helpful and used with both babies - https://youtu.be/rbbsPjg8Y5I)
- Jess Hover Baby 101 videos

Baby gear
- Snoo
- Dock-a-tot
- Carrier (I prefer the Boppy especially for sub-5 months, Adam prefers the Tula). Carriers are worth trying on because they fit differently on different body shapes. https://www.boppy.com/products/boppy-comfyfit-baby-carrier
- https://babytula.com.au/
- Pram (again, try them out. We went Joolz Hub for the single and the Valco Snap Duo for the double)
- Velcro swaddles and knotted gowns
- Highly recommend a rubber changing pad for easy wipe down

Hospital bag
- Period underwear a few sizes up from your normal (I did Modibodi, https://www.modibodi.com/collections/french-cut, nicer than disposable mesh undies but doesn't matter if they get bloody)
- Tom Organic Maternity pads (softer than the other brands)
- Medela hydrogel pads https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/products/breast-care/hydrogel-pads
- Comfortable nursing bras (I'd suggest the soft pull aside ones for the first week - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0813BXPBG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_1ZQJMH5TJER6R806BK9X) / breastfeeding friendly PJs (or robe - some new mums prefer that with nothing underneath) if planning to breastfeed
- Peri bottle (for vaginal delivery)
- nappies, wipes, vasoline (for the meconium - easier nappy clean up)
- clothes for you/baby to wear home
-lip balm
- sleep mask
- water bottle
- travel toothbrush/paste kit, deodorant, hairband etc.
- any regular medications
- thongs/slippers
- stool softener
- phone charger (long cord since the PowerPoint might be far away)
- snacks

Love Steph, Adam, Asher and Ronan

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

I didn't see Nancy when she arrived but I felt her presence instantly.

/

I went into labour on a sunny Saturday morning. I spent the morning blissfully alone, watching the ocean and welcoming each contraction with love and surrender. By early afternoon my husband was back from a surf, Nancy and Rachele had arrived and it was on! By 3.30pm my boy was in my arms and he was heaven. I had done it and it felt incredible.

I didn't see Nancy when she arrived but I felt her presence instantly. I was draped over a birth ball and she entered the room without announcing herself, I knew she had arrived and relief washed over me. She sat beside me and held space and I felt her support. Her quiet, calm energy continued to give me strength throughout the afternoon. She reminded to fully relax between contractions, which allowed my body deep rest between the surges of intensity. She was always there, with a drink, a cold flannel, a helpful reminder and the most supportive, loving energy.

Later, in the pool Nancy spotted that I had gone from diving into each contraction to holding myself back from the peak of the intensity. She said 'let it get big' and it was just what I needed to hear. So simple but I knew exactly what she meant and so I surrendered to an intensity so huge I thought I would actually split in two. It worked a treat and my boy crowned not long after.

You were pivotal in my preparation - you helped me believe that I could do it and I could do it at home! You basically strong armed me into having a home birth and it was the best thing I have ever done so that was pretty helpful! x

You also helped me with placental encapsulation - done with so much love and care x

Lovely, do my fees reflect the service you received?: Yes absolutely

Would you tell the mummas reading what the most helpful things were to you in labour?: 

  • birth pool

  • cold flannels scented with essential oils

  • very loud vocalising

  • a welcoming of the intensity 

  • enjoying the tripy high of the oxytocin

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?: 

  • Listen to your intuition. Nobody knows your body or your baby better than you do.

  • Hire Nancy!

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

  • Indie Birth course / podcast

  • Free Birth society podcast 

  • Book - Sacred Birthing

Love Louise, Dan & baby Huxley