My husband and I were recommended, by our midwife, to get in touch with a doula. We had never heard of one before so was a little unsure but as our situation was a little different we thought it was worth a try. My husband works overseas and he was due to to leave for Spain around the time our 2nd baby was due. Our 1st child who is now 3, was born a week early and I went from 1-10 cm in under an hour. This left me feeling extremely anxious and panicky about giving birth a second time, which would leave me with labour pains, getting to hospital as well as getting our 3 year old to grandmas. I needed the security that someone would be there for me and our daughter if anything was to happen while my husband was away.
This is when we got in touch with Becky Lloyd. She came to see us to go through what service she provides. Straight asway we had rapport with Becky. We didn’t need to see anyone else because we knew she was exactly what we were looking for. She provided heaps of evidence of her training and what was comforting was that she lots of experience too.
Becky showed initiative and confidence before, during and after the birth of our son. She was there when we needed and also instinctively gave us privacy without having to be asked. She gave invaluable advice and support that we will always be grateful for. With Becky just a phone call away, no matter what I was anxious about, she was there to make sure the experience for us, second time round was a magical one. Not only did she help with the planning of the birth she also helped me around the house so I could rest leading up to and after the birth. She kept me sane through all the difficulties I faced. Becky, by nature is a caring professional person. She is a mother herself and I felt she was able to relate a lot, whether it was form what she had experienced personally or from the other families she has helped. She is pragmatic and is able to research ideas to help fit our circumstances. She never forced advice onto us and showed sensitivity. One particular instance, which meant a great deal to me personally, was straight after our son had been born. She stayed to comfort me in hospital when I was in distress and chased after the midwives to make sure I had pain relief. She was true to her word, she wanted to make sure this time around, I had a great experience, and I did.
We would be more than happy to speak to anyone should they have any reservations about hiring a doula and would be more that happy to recommend Becky. It was like having another family member in our home. We would love to keep in touch with her. Ceri Roberts 2017
After finding out I was expecting our second child I decided to look into doulas as my first experience of late pregnancy, birth and early life with a newborn was traumatic. I came across Becky’s website after following a link of the Doula UK website. As soon as I met Becky I felt comfortable in her presence as did my daughter. She helped me talk about my daughter’s birth and made me realise that I was not to blame for the fact that it ended in an emergency c-section. I had been carrying a huge amount of guilt surrounding her birth and the decisions I made but Becky helped me to be kind to myself and realise that the decisions I made were with the best available advice I had at the time and also at a time of high stress for myself and my husband as my labour was not progressing despite induction with the oxytocin drip. I felt like my body had failed and I had failed my daughter.
I was desperate to avoid another emergency c-section and really wanted d to experience a normal labour and delivery, in a way to help me move on from my daughter’s birth. My body however, did not want to play the normal rules and I again went overdue buy standard terms. Becky did a lot of research into risks of going overdue and complications of previous c sections and helped me realise that anything up to 42 weeks is normal gestation and even then the dates aren’t always exact. With my first pregnancy I felt the pressure at term from health professionals and agreed to a number of sweeps and an induction at 41 +5 weeks. With Becky’s support this time I felt able to refuse theses interventions that I did not want knowing the facts and being more knowledgeable in general about birth from Becky’s experience.
Becky recognised that I had a lot of anxiety surrounding birth because of my previous experiences so suggested I try reflexology and she put me in touch with an amazing reflexologist. At no time was there any pressure to do this though, I think Becky just knew that something was holding me back from being able to relax and go into labour naturally.
Becky accompanied me to a number of appointments and was an amazing source of strength for me when I had any wobbles about if I was doing the right thing. I went into labour naturally 15 days past my due date. I spoke to Becky on the phone and we had a chare about what was happening and I decided to have a bath to see if the contractions continued. After the bath the contractions got more intense so Becky came over and we realised that this was probably it. My husband wet to get some sleep knowing that I was in safe hands with Becky and I use my birthing ball and tens machine and just relaxing at home. It was so nice having someone as experienced as Becky taking all the worry out of the decisions. I didn’t panic about when to go to hospital because I knew that Becky was there and it was OK. When labour was progressing more and we had arrived at the hospital Becky was a real advocate for my needs. The hospital were reluctant to let me go in a birthing pool as I previously had a c-section. I was upset by this bye didn’t feel like I could push the subject because I was uncomfortable and focused on the contractions but Becky did in a respectful and knowledgeable way and they agreed to let me into the water.
At one point they suggested breaking my waters as labour was not progressing and I looked to Becky for what to do. Se said we don’t need to do that, let’s go for a walk. This was exactly what I needed to do and I progressed to 8cm.
My little boy was borna few hours later. His shoulder was stuck and he had the cord round his neck so it all got a bit dramatic at the end with lots of staff rushing in and they ended up needing to use the ventouse. This last bit of Samuel’s birth does not in any way take away from what a positive experience his birth was for me. I know I have Becky to thank completely for this. I’m certain that if I had not found her I would have had a planned c-section around term and although there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, if that is what you decide to do, I know I would have found it very difficult to cope with emotionally afterwards.
Becky was worth every penny and much much more. Personally for my own mental wellbeing her support was priceless. I was terrified of birth and she actually made it such a relaxed experience for me. I am forever grateful to her for sharing her experience and kindness.
Post Script – 26th Sept 2017
Just driven the road to City Hospital and thinking about our many trips this way a year ago. Can’t believe Sam is almost one. I am thankful every day for meeting you Becky. I am not sure you will ever really understand the difference you have made to my life. (Getting a bit soppy early on a Tuesday am haha.)
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