My VBAC was the most empowering experience of my life.

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:

• Women’s health physiotherapist: Anna at Her Connection

• Pilates: Lauren at Inhale Pilates

• Chiropractor: Melinda at Taylor Chiropractic

• Acupuncture: Sandy Hewitt Acupuncture

Podcasts:

• The VBAC Link

• VBAC Birth Stories

• The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

• Australian Birth Stories

• The Good Enough Mother Podcast (Dr Sophie Brock)

Groups:

• “The Village” through Nancy’s Facebook group

Love Amanda, Brian, Audrey and Charlotte

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 found Nancy's support crucial to being able to react to my partner's needs.” - says Dad.

I felt instantly supported when I first talked to Nancy over the phone as she was so attentive to my birth plan and wanted to help in any way she could. She was also so positive about our birth journey and I really needed that since my first baby's birth was traumatic. Thank you for being our Doula Nancy! :)

We chose you because you wanted to support us as a family and that really meant a lot to us. You have a way of communicating that is very nurturing way that I found really helpful. Given that my first baby's birth was traumatic, you made me believe I could have a positive birth experience.

I also really loved how the post partum sessions were tailored to my requests. I was always so excited to see what you could cook up for us in the thermomix and spend some time chatting:)

Antenatal sessions were really special as I had a chance to connect with you, my baby and my husband in preparation for our labour journey. I loved the affirmation cards and the time spent to connect with Geoff as we embarked on this journey.

Nancy, you gave me a massage post partum which was amazing! I felt calm and relaxed during the massage and she was very attentive to my comfort level. Infant massage information was really great as well.

What was the most helpful thing I did to support you?: You helped empower me to take control of my baby's birth and to be an active participant equipped with evidence based resources.

What did you find to be the most helpful things to you in labour? : Vocalising and mental focus to be strong and empowered. I needed someone to talk me through the contractions and you helped me a lot with that Nancy.

Words of wisdom: The Birth journey is a unique journey filled with so many emotions form the highest of highs ti the lowest of lows. Nothing will ever really prepare you for your journey, but some words of wisdom would be to accept that things will not go according to your plan and you have to adapt in the moment. Also be prepared as much as you can with knowledge about your birth options. For example active birth, explore home birth, birth centres and Midwife programs at the hospital.

Practitioners/websites/podcasts/groups you loved: I love the Australian birth stories podcast. This helped prepare me for my second baby's birth after a traumatic first birth. The work of Rachael Reed was also very informative.

Words from dad:

As the primary support for my pregnant wife it can be difficult to know what is helpful and what is hindering in the moment. I found Nancy's support crucial to being able to react to my partner's needs. Nancy always kept me included in the journey, and I found it easier to fulfill my role in our pregnancy and birth. Our birth would not have been the same without Nancy. I never felt removed from the journey, but empowered to provide the support I could.

Nancy made herself available to us at all times during labour. She was able to effectively communicate with us when we had low sleep, and had to make difficult decisions. Nancy's advice was proven to be correct many times during our pregnancy and birth. Her wealth of experience was invaluable.

When we ended up in an emergency C section Nancy stayed with me all the way until I could reunite my daughter with my wife. This was a particularly difficult time which was made bearable by having Nancy at my side.

I honestly believe Nancy's support made our pregnancy and birth a thriving experience, rather than just surviving it. Our outlook was positively transformed throughout the journey.

I would be happy to recommend Nancy to any pregnant couple. I felt the care far surpasses a private hospital.

Love Melissa, Geoff, Eli & Isabel

We really can't picture going through the birthing experience without Nancy as our doula.

We really can't picture going through the birthing experience without Nancy as our doula. We wanted a natural birth, so Nancy's SheBirth's background and experience helped us immensely in preparing for this, using active and calm birthing techniques including yoga, massage and breathing. She helped us prepare mentally as a couple for what to expect and how to deal with all different situations that may occur on the day.

This helped us through a three-day labour, which resulted in the vaginal delivery we were hoping for, and we couldn't have done it without Nancy's constant care and support before during and after the birth. We loved the chance to de-brief about the birth with someone that was there to clarify what happened and reassure us that we made good decisions on the day. I would highly recommend Nancy as a doula for anyone.

Dear Nancy, I vividly remember spending time together during the prenatal appointments and laughing/talking about our ideal birth over Tim's pumpkin risotto. Every moment we spent together was always warm and inviting and we loved having you in our home. You listened to us and got to know us thoroughly. You helped us start the conversations between us that helped us decide what kind of birth experience we wanted and how we were going to approach it together on the day. You made us feel that whatever decisions we made, that they were right for us.

Words from dad:

I just felt that it was so great to have another person there for Alex in case I needed to leave the room for food/bathroom etc. I really thought it was great to have that extra support on the day and prior to bounce ideas off and to I felt like you were always there to ask questions at any time.

The most helpful things in labour were: 

• TENS!

• Mantras, reminding us of those throughout the day.

• Helping to focus on breathing.

• Helping us feel relaxed and at home in the birthing suite, because you felt relaxed in that space and already knew it so well.

• You lending us the TENS, candles and fairy lights so we didn't have to buy that stuff for the 1 day.

Words of wisdom for a family preparing for labour, birth & bringing their baby home:

Towels! Haha - no - Hire a Doula! Or better yet, Hire Nancy if you are so lucky to get the chance.

Educate yourselves, it takes away the fear of the unknown.

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

• Podcasts: ABC baby talk, Fear free childbirth

• SheBirths

• Ina May Gaskin books

Would you recommend me?: Yes

Overall Satisfaction: 10 out of 10! You exceeded our expectations in every way to help us achieve a positive and fulfilling birth experience.

Love Alex, Tim & baby Elodie

Nancy is a multi-talented, fountain of knowledge and goes out of her way to provide a fantastic personal service.

The first-hand accounts of increased energy levels and helping with milk supply were just too tempting to ignore.

I’d listened to other mums’ feedback and read lots about placenta encapsulation. The first-hand accounts of increased energy levels and helping with milk supply were just too tempting to ignore – I had really struggled with my milk supply with my first son.

I booked my placenta encapsulation with Nancy and have had no such problems with my second baby. My milk supply is good and my baby is thriving! Yes, I get times when I’m exhausted but generally I feel really good physically and emotionally despite feeding multiple times every night and looking after an energetic 4 year old.

Nancy is a multi-talented, fountain of knowledge and goes out of her way to provide a fantastic personal service. She's also a beautiful person and is a pleasure to communicate with. Nancy came recommended by a mum friend who’d used her doula services and I can see why.

I will be recommending her to my friends!

My milk supply is good and my baby is thriving!

- written by Marie & baby Bo

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 helped me to find my own sense of permission in the birthing process so that I felt at ease and in control.

Nancy helped me to find my own sense of permission in the birthing process so that I felt at ease and in control.

Thoughts from mum:

Nancy was my doula for the birth of my second child, Luca. I debated having a doula this time around, not because I didn’t think I needed one, but because I was considering putting the funds towards a post­natal doula instead. After meeting and getting to know Nancy, I ended up doing both. Nancy became my doula less than three weeks before the birth. However, in that time we managed to form a strong connection, develop a birth plan and talk through my fears and anxieties.

Birthing Luca did not go exactly to plan yet was exactly how it needed to be – restful, nourishing and joyful. Nancy is an intuitive and perceptive doula. She helped me to find my own sense of permission in the birthing process so that I felt at ease and in control. I was so glad to have her as my doula and my birthing experience is one I will treasure forever.

Nancy also helped significantly during the post­natal period as I juggled care of my newborn and older daughter, with no other family support around. I loved that she would turn up at my house each week and do whatever needed doing without me even really having to ask.

The most helpful things were talking through my fears and anxieties, constant communication during pre­labour, knowing she was there during each aspect of the birth process and that I could talk to her about the many decisions; and the acupressure was really great!

Birthing Luca did not go exactly to plan yet was exactly how it needed to be –restful, nourishing and joyful.

Thoughts from dad:

Nancy was great ­ she was the right mixture of attentive and respectful and knew exactly what to say and do at all times. She's a very supportive person and this was invaluable throughout the planning stages and the birthing itself. Highly recommended!

- written by Brigid, Djad and baby Luca

Having Nancy as our doula made the whole birth story so much more positive!

She provided me with a whole toolkit of strategies ... from pre- labour to post-natal care.

Thoughts from mum:

Nancy is a deeply generous and conscientious person and has all the skills and knowledge required to help you prepare for your birth so that you feel confident and comfortable facing it, and handle whatever situation eventuates on the day. We’re so happy we had the benefit of her knowledge, skills, and warm personality to guide us along the way. Even in a clinical hospital environment, Nancy helped turn it into something warm, comforting, and reassuring.

She was deeply generous with her time, meaning we had plenty of opportunities to practice the physical/practical skills needed during labour, and Nancy was always reliable, responding quickly to calls/texts and the emerging situation. I absolutely got value for money!

Nancy helped increase our overall birth satisfaction by encouraging a lot of healthy preparation, as well as the ability to feel confident the choices made were my own. It’s also deeply reassuring to have someone prepared and organised on “your team” on the day, other than your partner. Nancy has a strong, confident presence that’s immediately reassuring. She’s also very philosophically mature while being super easy to talk to.

Thoughts from dad:

Having Nancy as our doula made the whole birth story so much more positive. Even though it ended in a caesarean, we can rest comfortably knowing we prepared as well as we could, stayed healthy and focused, and made choices that were our own. It also helped me, as a partner, to understand more of what my wife was going through, and she provided me with a whole toolkit of strategies to help her at each stage of her pregnancy, from pre­labour through to post­natal care.

by Justine, James & baby Willa

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