For our first birth, we felt a Doula would provide us with better support before & during the birth; having no close family around prompted this decision.
As for the second time, we knew we wanted Claire back!
Before labour knowing that Claire would attend gave me a very calm, reassured & positive approach to the birth.
Claire's presence & tender loving care during labour made me feel completely supported & protected; this left me completely free to focus on my labour!
After the birth, we had skin to skin & Claire made tea & we all relaxed with tea and mince pies in the lounge. Postnatally, Claire suggested using witchazel on my pads; this provided instant relief & the stitches healed within the week.
For me having you around gave me a peace of mind & I can even say (if it makes any sense at all) that I was almost guaranteed a positive labour experience! My partner also feels the same. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there!
S & L (Milton Keynes)

I wanted a Doula to increase my chances of having a positive birth experience for my baby, my partner & myself. We don't have any close family near us. Claire supported us in our birth choice straightaway and gave us lots of information & how to find out more about homebirth. I am glad she introduced me to J.Balakas' book on "Active Birth".
The use of massage during labour really helped and knowing that Claire was there for me. She had the right attitude i.e. found the right balance between "being" & "doing.
Would you have a Doula next time?
Yes!! This was such a lovely homebirth that it has equipped me with the confidence & knowledge that I can give birth to my babies
S&L (Milton Keynes)

We decided we wanted a Doula for reassurance & added support during the birth. Claire provided constant reassurance to myself and partner, she set the scene – beautifully ~ helped with alternative therapies. Claire was very supportive to myself as my partner had gone to SCBU with our baby - a very traumatic time. We feel that having a Doula made the difference between having a birth that we both just went though, to having an experience we will value and treasure forever.
M&D (Braunston)

Our first was born by c-section, I wanted a natural birth for our second. I also wanted the support of someone who had been through this before to help me cope with the experience & get the most out of myself in order to achieve a VBAC.
Claire was an incredibly calming influence; supportive and positive with both myself & my husband. She was like a little miracle and worth every single penny. We can't thank her enough for everthing she has done. Nothing was too much trouble for her.
C & M (Northampton)

We decided we would like to have a doula due to the shortage of midwives & also to make it as positive an experience as possible.
Claire visited us at home & helped us with everything & anything related to the birth. We had a c-section and during the postnatal period Claire helped with all our questions regasrding our new baby.
Claire is a lovely lady & her help before & after the birth has been invaluable. We really don't know what we would have done without her! Claire couldn't be more suited to the job & has a wonderful personality; she has become a good friend.
G & A Wellingborough

"Claire helped me to understand what choices I had and decide what I wanted. She helped me prepare using relaxation / hypnotherapy and breathing. She had lots of information and was very supportive. During labour, Claire helped my partner and I to remain focused, I couldn't have done it without her. Claire didn't leave until I was ok and remained nearby for as long as she was allowed to. She visited us in the postnatal period to talk about our experience and helped me to feel better about the birth and discussing it fully.
K &T (Duston)

"It was lovely to meet Claire & I found her very empathetic & professional. Every question/query was explored and answered with depth. We wanted to have extra support as we have no family here to support us. Claire was extremely informative about the UK birth process and what I could expect. During the labour & birth she was very comforting & professional to both myself and my husband. Immeadiately after the birth she was helpful and supportive of MY needs as opposed to anyone else. Thank you for all your help. X
Anon (Northampton)