I highly recommend Rachael at Birth By Nature; she is attentive, makes you feel special, she is positive and a great advocate for what you truly want. My daughter's birth was a very positive experience I will long treasure.
Meg:
Bendigo
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Testimonials
"I literally couldn't have done it without you Rachael. You set up the whole room and made it comfortable, you helped with every single contraction and you supported me thoughout the whole labour when Connor was born. I think you are the reason why I did it drug free. You were an absolute Godsend. Thank you."
...Amanda
Connor at 4 days
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Connor at 9 months |
"Thank you again for being there for us at Ginger's birth it would have been by far not such a rich and beautiful experience without you!"
...Sabine and Richard, Trentham
Ginger
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"Rachael provided physical and emotional support throughout the labour. She was also able to preserve my dignity through the process, something that whilst I couldn’t comment on the time, was extremely grateful that this occurred. Rachael provided the female link in the labour process. While my partner was able to concentrate on communicating with me Rachael was able to provide overall relief using a variety of techniques – massage, oil burners, music, attention to lighting and re draping me. I would suggest that if something occurs that deviates from the birth plan significantly re method of delivery, that the woman’s partner requests time to consider the options allowing input from the doula without the medical staff present."
....Fi and Mick. Northcote
"Rachael arrived at the hospital shortly after we did and it was instant support. Being my first birth I was a bit nervous and scared. Rachael encouraged me that it was a perfectly natural experience. We spent most of the time in the shower where she massaged my back and generally kept me as comfortable as possible. At one stage we were unsure how far along I was so she organised the midwife to arrange a doctor to examine me. Rachael talked to me through the entire experience and showed me how to view it as a natural, positive one rather than a painful one. She kept both my partner and I calm and communicated our wants and needs to the medical staff efficiently and clearly. I went to the hospital wanting a natural safe birth and Rachael played a huge role in bringing that to fruition. Initially my partner was unsure about having a third party present, however it took a lot of pressure off him and I think he will be first on the phone to book Rachael when the next baby comes along."
...Kate and Paul, Bendigo
"From the perspective of husband and father, I would without hesitation recommend Rachael McLeod to anyone seeking the services of a doula. I was noncommittal about the role of doula when my wife engaged Rachael's services for the birth of our third child, but I found her to be exemplary in her professionalism, her sensitivity, and her genuine personal care. Her presence brought special joy to the birth of our little baby daughter. Even though we got very good value for money, Rachael offered a high quality level of care and help that money can't buy. She is a natural.
I would be happy to talk about my experiences with anyone who has questions."
...Fraser Pearce, Bendigo
"Rachael's "Birth by Nature" turned out to be exactly what I wanted. After two very "Medical" births, my third was characterised by Rachael's wonderful support, knowledge of natural pain relief, belief in my body and my capabilities. My daughter's birth was a very positive experience I will long treasure. I highly recommend Rachael; she is attentive, makes you feel special, she is positive and a great advocate for what you truly want. I enjoyed her service so much that I can't help thinking of a fourth child as it was such a joyful labour and beautiful experience!"
...Meg, Bendigo
"You don't realise how the help of a doula can support you throughout your birth until you've seen them in action. They are the birthing angels. Wouldn't go through a second birth without one."
...Cindy, Woodend
""I am an old fashioned cynic who questioned the benefit and certainly the cost of using Rachel to assist Cindy with the birth of our children. I am prepared to admit that I just didn't understand how important her presence would be to both of us. During the birth of our daughter as those around us started to 'flap' Rachel remained a sea of calm. She kept my wife focused on the birth and helped us delivery our baby girl just as we had hoped, naturally. Rachel's no nonsense, calm, pragmatic approach to assisting not only Cindy but me as well cannot be overemphasised. The only way you'll appreciate the benefit of Rachael at your birth is by having her there to experience it for yourself."
...Martin, Woodend
"I was booked into a family birth centre, but transferred to the main labour ward due to a "complication" (meconium in the waters). Darn hospital policies! My preparation for birth involved doing as much research as I could on all aspects and making sure I was confident with choices in my birth plan: I had a decent-sized birth team: partner, doula and sister-in-law who does Qi Gong healing (and who I trust very much). My partner was with me the whole time, doula helped us negotiate the hospital system and sister kept the peace of the room - it worked brilliantly. As well as the birth plan, I had check-lists for everything to help my partner & sister - what to pack, when to call hospital, what will happen when, reminder of the different stages of labour, etc. Initially we thought it was a bit of overkill, but it meant we didn't forget anything in our last-minute rush and everyone knew what they had to do. I also asked many questions in birth classes about hospital policy in various situations and the midwives were very good at explaining the basis for the policies, and ways to ..um.."circumnavigate" them. Of course, you can't prepare for everything - 2 days of pre-labour and 15 hours of intensive, non-stop contractions were not in my plan! Lessons learned: sleep when you can at the start of labour and keep fit during the pregnancy! The contractions were somehow manageable (I had a TENS machine), even though they were difficult and exhausting, and I had supportive people around me reminding me that my body could do this. We set up 2 salt lamps, which provided a beautiful glow in the room and a calm atmosphere - and when we were transferred to the main labour ward we set up the lamps exactly the same, switched all the monitor screens around so I couldn't see them, and muted all those machines that go 'ping'. I barely knew I'd switched rooms. The indescribable elation that I felt when I held our baby in my arms still brings tears to my eyes nearly 2 years on...and I still marvel that she instinctively found the nipple and latched on, without any interference. My main advice: hire a doula or private midwife who you can trust to look after your interests and question everything."
...Elissa - St Albans
Hire a doula for caring labour and birth support in metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria: Contact Birth By Nature
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