Testimonials, birth stories and pictures

The families who have shared their birthing and parenting experiences here hope that you might be encouraged and inspired by them. They have given permission to post their testimonials, stories, feedback and pictures so that you might feel more confident in embracing your own unique journey through parenthood.

Birthing with Bi-polar and epilepsy
I knew, that if I believed in myself, had people who believed in me and the right support the challenge would become a dream come true. Erika, your belief in me and invaluable support was definitely part of a dream that made a wonderful thing happen.

Home birth after a Cesarean
I gave birth to our little boy at home, with no interventions, no drugs, no stress. I laboured the way that felt right for me, and birthed in the position that came naturally. My husband caught his own son, and it is an experience that we will never forget in a million years. Thanks must go to my wonderful support team - Erika our doula, and Karen our midwife, without whom we would never had the fantastic experience that we did.

The internal journey of a long labour
Jon, mum, Erika, and Jennie stood by me completely throughout the whole experience. They were all pillars of strength and love. They held the torch for me in the dark when I couldn’t see the way forward. I believe that I would not have achieved a natural childbirth without them.

Two Births - A Marathon and a Sprint!
Erika rang the hospital and my husband (he was taking Leo to my mums) and drove me in her car. I chose the back seat. About half way to the hospital my waters broke (fortunately I was sitting on a towel). When I told her, Erika said just what I needed to hear: that’s good, we’ll be at the hospital soon; the pressure may feel more intense, breathe with it.

Childbirth preparation with a toddler
Erika's presence brought strength and support to my partner when times got a bit tough. I appreciated her patience and words immensely during transition when I was in a bit of a state, and her timely offerings of drinks, hip massages and encouragement. She talked us through decisions that had to be made, and listened with respect when I was requesting things I didn’t think I would be requesting!

Effies home birth
Alongside the midwives, having Erika's skills and calm presence was one of the most important parts of our planned homebirth. She helped my husband and mum (who were a bit scared of the drug free home birth) feel at ease and important as they witnessed the power of birth.

Mirandas VBAC story
Not only were Erika's teachings and advice a useful tool during labour and birth, I was able to apply a lot of them to my life in general (as well as the relationship with my husband and son), and it allowed me to enjoy my little family and appreciate what I had all the more. I have been able to carry much of this since Liam's birth. As well as the personal benefits for me, the benefits for us as a family of 4 are amazing too. The family dynamic is a happier, stronger one, with a happier, more confident, more relaxed mama running the show.

Melissa - Waters ruptured for 4 days before labour started
It was the hardest thing I've even done but I'm so proud of myself that I kept going. The birth centre midwife was amazing, she had me doing the flights of stairs at 4am with ctx every 2 minutes (I wasn't happy at this point at all) to get Zoe in a better position as she was still posterior and up high.

Our VBAC with Erika
I was so determined to birth my baby naturally so I knew I had to do my research and get outside support that wasn't affiliated with the hospital. I had heard of doulas but didn't know much about them. It soon became very clear that....

Kerrys induction birth testimonial
"We felt comfortable immediately after meeting Erika, she has a great sense of humour and is passionate about her role as Doula. On the day she was nothing short of miraculous, she spent as much time on her knees as I did birthing our son!!!

Home Birth after a cesarean
Erika was key in helping me through my concerns with my first birth, and giving me great information in the form of a VBAC workshop to know I could have a VBAC at home.

A fast natural Birth - 1st baby

Natural water birth in a hospital

preterm birth with lots of determination
I went into labour unexpectedly at 36 weeks, and given that I felt like I still had a lot of preparation to do (mental and physical) I think I did really well. Next time, I hope to be able to trust myself enough to follow my gut, no matter what it is in relation to.

Happy birthing - natural birth for 1st time mother

VBAC success for Melanie
I am on such a high still from completed my VBAC. It has been a very healing experience. I'm so glad that I trusted my body and gave it a go. Thank you for helping empower us and helping me to experience the amazing feeling of giving birth :)

Natural birth for dads too
This first time birthing mother has the father of the baby catch his little girl with the assistance of a midwife.

Birthing with Cerebral Palsy

My VBAC and making an informed decision
....at one point, the pressure was put on quite strongly to have a caesarean. My Mum asked the doctor to leave us so we could discuss it and we agreed that the doctor's reasons did not seem strong enough to have the caesarean, so we put it off, and baby recovered his heartbeat and there was no more trouble from doctors after that.

natural birth for an independent single mother

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Testimonials, birth stories and pictures

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