References & Links

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"Pippa was our moral support and sounding board. When labour finally knocked on our door Pippa was there, holding our hands, both my husband's and mine. During those early days back home she became our crutch and guiding light, helping us understand the little creature that's ours, always had a shoulder to cry on and welcome praise for milestones achieved. If ever we are blessed to have another child, Pippa would probably be the first to receive the joyous news."
Willem & Maria Keogh Catherine, (first baby, emergency caesarean)

"We can’t thank you enough for your wonderful support throughout Carrie’s labour and settling us in after the birth. We look back at the whole experience with fantastic memories, and know how different it would have been without you there."
Rhauri Bennett, Ronan (first baby, home water birth)

"During the labour Pippa stayed with us throughout and was very calming, helpful and supportive. My labour was long and did not go to plan, but thanks to Pippa I naturally gave birth to my beautiful daughter Millie. If we decide to have more children I will be booking Pippa."
Emma & Carl Dewhurst Millie (first baby, hospital birth)

"Pippa was my postnatal doula after the birth of my daughter, Annabel. I found Pippa’s support a godsend in those early days; she was calm, supportive, extremely capable and great fun. After six weeks were up I was miles more confident and thoroughly enjoying motherhood."
Claire Herne Annabel (first baby)

"Pippa was our chosen doula for the birth of our 'special baby' Archie who was some 13 years in the making! I felt that in the tough days ahead she would be efficient, supportive, sensitive and capable to take charge if it became required. In the event there we no tough days and we are in no doubt that Pippa’s support pre/during and postnatal was a significant contributory factor in this. Thank you so much Pippa, we are so glad you were with us in this wonderful journey."
Dame Beatrice Lafon Macdonald & Ian Macdonald Archie (first baby, elective caesarean)

"I truly believe that without your support, knowledge, encouragement and relaxed aura, my labour would have ended in a C-section, which as you know was my worst fear. However, because of all your support I just knew I could have the active birth I wanted. After 60 hours of labour, I don’t know how the hell I did it but I know it was you that got me there!"
Jo & Darren Howton Thomas (first baby, hospital birth)

"Pippa was an excellent source of comfort during the early contractions helping me to stay calm and focused. As they became more painful she helped me find more comfortable positions. When we were in hospital she was brilliant with both me and my husband, and with the hospital staff and the midwife who’d been assigned to me. She was sensitive to my needs but also to the hospital staff’s concerns and requirements. Her advice was, at all times, honest and practical so that there was no sense of her being biased towards one choice. We felt we had her support regardless of the decisions we made. I have no hesitation in recommending her as a doula and believe she made my VBAC experience a very positive one."
Melanie & Matt Bedford, Leo (second baby, vaginal birth after caesarean)

"I was attracted by the fact that a postnatal doula is prepared to support the mother and not just care for the babies. My babies were born by caesarean section and it therefore took me quite a while to recover physically. To be able to hand over all strenuous tasks for a few hours each week was a huge weight off my mind. Pippa was another pair of hands. She added value in so many ways and basically just made the first few weeks of parenting easier and less daunting. Thank you Pippa!"
Emma Wadee Mia & Jack (twins)

Links

www.doula.org.uk - Information on what doula's do and questions to ask a potential doula

www.nct.org.uk - Information on The National Childbirth Trust (NCT), including details of local group, classes and services

www.caesarean.org.uk - Caesarean and VBAC support

www.homebirth.org.uk

www.thegoodbirth.co.uk - information on water birth, home birth, pool hire/purchase. Includes Birth-Pool-in-a-Box (inflatable pools)

www.babycaretens.com - TENS hire

www.valleycushions.co.uk - Valley Cushions provide excellent relief from perineal discomfort following birth; you can hire them from the NCT

www.netmums.co.uk - Netmums is a unique local network for mums with a wealth of information and advice on being a mum or dad in your hometown. Look under West Kent for local information.

www.homebirth.org.uk - Information on home birth including practicalities, research and birth stories.

www.nurturingbirth.co.uk - Access 'The Doula Directory' listing Nurturing Birth certified doulas in your area. Also provides training courses for those interested in becoming a doula.

www.spinningbabies.com - An American site offering comprehensive information on the benefits of Optimal Fetal Positioning for a positive birth.

www.drfoster.co.uk/localservices/birth - Provided by Dr Foster Research. Look up current information on local maternity units and compare services in your area.