Becky visited for about 5 weeks after the birth of our son, visiting our home 2-4 times a week.  She came at an exciting but challenging time.  Becky brought so much warmth, wisdom and humor.  I trusted her implicitly with our son and could sleep deeply when she was here, catching a few hours, knowing he was in such safe and loving hands.  Becky is a really nurturing presence and I felt so much more confident, relaxed and positive from having her support.  Without Becky I would probably have given up breastfeeding – or driven myself completely potty trying to breastfeed – as it was incredibly difficult to begin with.  Happily, we’re still breastfeeding now two months after Becky’s last visit.  Thank you again Becky, I will always be grateful for your support and kindness.

Becky has been a constant source of encouragement, reassurance and practical hands-on support since our first child Poppy, was born in January of this year (e.g. letting me nap during visits, offering to shop for us, etc.) Having Becky as my doula has certainly helped boost my faith in my own abilities as Poppy’s mummy.  She’s helped me to trust my own instincts (something that 14 weeks on, I’m realising the importance and value of) and my confidence has grown as a result.  Poppy’s Daddy is very hands on, but understandably finds the pressures of a crying baby ( Poppy was really unsettled and challenging in the early stages) and a tired and hormonal wife; difficult on top of working full time.  I know he feels reassured that I have someone to provide much-needed emotional and practical support, especially when he is not around. 

Becky has more than fulfilled my expectations re the role of a postnatal doula and continues to be an invaluable source of support to all three of us.  She has a really good balance of knowledge, experience and empathy.  She’s been sensitive to my needs throughout and I’m immensely grateful for her continued support, calmness and positivity.  I would wholeheartedly recommend her as a doula, particularly for women who feel they would benefit from additional one-to one support from another woman who understands the needs of a new mum/parents.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you need any further information.

While I found both midwives and health visitors to be helpful and friendly, I think Rebecca has a completely different and really warm way to impart knowledge and support for breastfeeding mothers.   I think that even after just the first visit with her I felt a lot better emotionally, additionally to being much more informed.  For anyone with issues or doubts during the first few weeks post-partum such a warm and human approach is best.  I am now two months in and can see myself go for the whole recommended breastfeeding period, when initially I worried I might never get the hang of it! I wish the role of doulas is more well known, if they all make such a difference as Rebecca did for me, many more mothers would have a great experience. 

Becky Lloyd was our doula after the birth of our son, Archie, in May and June of this year on a casual basis.  As a first-time mother it was important to me to have someone who was able to provide the appropriate support and baby care that Becky did so well.  She was able to assess the situation and do whatever was necessary. She was always very gentle, attentive and nurturing, particularly with Archie.  It was always such a relief to have her help which allowed me time to relax and catch up on some much-needed sleep.  Becky fitted in very well with our busy household, utilised her experience and knowledge and helped with various other jobs.  She also prepared and cooked some delicious food.  Our family enjoyed having Becky around and benefitted from her motherly wisdom and care.  We wish her every success in the future and feel she has a special affinity with babies.  I’d be more than happy to discuss this refence further if required. 

A huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We couldn’t have done it without you.  Thank you for being so wonderful! We are so pleased that you were there with us for the whole journey and we look forward to sharing it with you in the future too.

Becky was amazing as my doula.  She really helped me deal with the intensity of labour and was a great birth partner who not only supported me but also supported my husband.  I was really happy to be able to have the water birth I desperately wanted after having a c section with my first child.  I had prepared detailed birth plans (one for a water birth in hospital, one for a water birth at home and one for another c section, if it came to that) which I went through with Becky and she was very supportive of my choices. Becky is extremely knowledgeable in the intricacies of birth so I felt very confident having her by my side. She also made sure to help us create a calm atmosphere during labour and birth, which may not be in the forefront of your mind during active labour.

I Just wanted to tell you again how much you really contributed to my ecstatic birth.  Thank you for all your magic. Rowan and I will always be grateful.

Becky is a wonderful lady and doula. Becky is very supportive, caring and helpful throughout pregnancy and labour and postnatal care. Becky has always got a kind word and smiling face.  I can’t thank you enough for all your help and care, you are such a wonderful person.

Thank you!   We couldn’t have gone this long without your support! Thank you sooo much! We wouldn’t’ have stayed calm and at home for so long without you.  You found what we needed most in each moment.

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.)

Labour began with my first baby at 40 weeks = 4 days gestation. My husband and I had been for a long walk.  When we returned just after 3.30pm I went upstairs and lay on the bed to read as I was tired.  Within a few minutes I began to feel gentle tightenings in my belly but had no pain, so didn’t feel the need to change anything I was doing.  By 5pm they were still happening and were about 2 minutes apart, so I told my husband that I thought this may be the start of something.  I asked him to start dinner so we could eat in case things progressed quickly.  I decided to go in the bath for a couple of hours with my book and chatted to a lovely friend on the phone about how exciting it was that the baby might be here soon.  We laughed and joked and she timed my tightening for me.  I still felt absolutely no pain.  By 8.30pm the tightening were longer and stronger so we decided to call Becky, our doula.  I suspected I might have been wasting her time, as there was still no pain, but with er experience, Becky knew it was time.  I had always hoped I would birth overnight, free from the distraction of daily activities, bright lights, traffic noise and telephone calls. 

With Becky on the way, my husband readied the bags and fed the cat. I put on my hypnobirthing anchor music, took myself to the corner of the bedroom and knelt at the side of the bed to breathe through my intensifying tightenings.  My husband silently rubbed my back.  I knew things were happening now and I was so excited.  This was my time, my baby was coming! 

Becky arrived and took over the massage.  I was so pleased she was here, things had really ramped up during her journey.  The three of us remained there, in the dark, for the next couple of hours.  We called to let the hospital know so they could ready the birth pool and soon I knew we needed to go because the tightenings reached about 1 minute apart. 

We arrived at the hospital at around midnight.  I wanted to go in the pool straight away but unfortunately, I was denied as I had refused a vaginal examination.  I thought carefully and decided to consent to one.  They found me to be 1cm dilated and told me to go home. I explained that I could not move, so I definitely couldn’t go home.  I knew I was in active labour, despite the findings of the examination.  Becky, supportive as ever, asked to speak to the midwife outside.  This was exactly why I decided to have a doula and Becky in particular, because I knew she would advocate strongly for me, given her previous testimonials and  from what we had talked about antenatally. 

Becky soon reappeared with cups of tea and toast and said we were ok to stay.  We had asked the midwives to stay out of the room and they did.  She turned off all the lights and made the room as cosy as possible, displaying my oxytocin board and getting out familiar blankets and pillows. Toast and tea are my favourite meal but I couldn’t touch it.  I was in my birthing zone and in hindsight was entering transition. I had about half an hour of what I would describe as pain – I thought I was losing my mind a little and couldn’t think straight.  I asked for drugs, Becky said okay, and then did nothing about it, as I would have wanted! Nothing was helping and I became a little upset.  Becky encouraged me to get up.  I was lying on my side after the examination) It took a great deal of effort and I held onto her as we swayed through it, my face buried in her neck.  I was tired and was encouraged my Becky to take regular sips of sugary juice we had brought with us.  I suddenly felt a huge pressure at my bottom – and Becky suggested we retreat to the bathroom, and I sit on the loo as that is a good position for labour.  That’s when things changed – the sensations suddenly felt like they had some meaning: I was euphoric, like I was having an out of body experience.  The whole world fell away and my inner warrior was released. I feel extremely emotional as I recall this, as it was totally joyful and empowering and yet almost impossible to describe.  Incredible intense pressure coursed through my whole body in the most wonderful way.  I roared like an animal with pleasure – it was so exciting and wonderful, yet I felt so calm and in control.  My body was made for this – there was no pian now. I knew my baby was coming and I reached down to feel.  I could feel baby’s head but couldn’t quite understand it at the time. The midwife must have heard my vocalisations change and she came in to check on us.  There was a small amount of meaningless conversation and then she said she could see baby’s hair – I think it took her by surprise, nut it was no surprise to Becky and me.   

Calls were made to fill the pool and Becky dutifully obliged.  I found it very difficult to break out of my zone to get off the loo, despite desperately wanting to and a sharp word from the midwife was all that was needed. I briefly went to all fours on the bed until the pool was full enough, and then as soon as it was ready I leapt over the side.  Tightenings had been back to back with barely any gaps up until this point, but as soon as I sank my belly below the water I was gifted a few seconds between each one to refocus.  I could feel baby’s head descending and slipping back a few times between tightenings.  Then the midwife announced two more pushes and baby would be here!  “One for the head and one for the body” she said.  With the next push baby’s head arrived, and with the next came her shoulders and body – I felt her swim out of me) felt her shoulders wiggle free and her legs kick away.  Magical.  I couldn’t reach her easily from my position on my knees, so the midwife caught her and I turned around ad was handed my beautiful baby! A girl, Eliabeth, born at 3.14am.  She didn’t cry, she didn’t need to, she just looked at me and gently blinked.  A perfect undisturbed, gentle birth.” She doesn’t know she’s been born,” said the midwife softly, “she thinks we’ve all come inside to be with her.” I was elated and experienced the natural high was expecting.  “I could do that again and again.” I exclaimed.  My husband came closer to meet her, tears in his eyes and a lump in his throat.  “Could I have had her at home I asked?”  “Yes, no problem,” came the reply and I swelled with emotion – I had done it. I had birthed my baby easily, in the most natural way possible, without any intervention.  There are no words to describe my joy both at the time, and now recalling it again. 

When Becky and I met, it was like a meeting of souls – we instantly became friends.  Throughout everything Becky held the space for me to birth as I wanted, she protected me from unnecessary noise and chatter, so I could listen to my body and have the positive birth experience I so desired.  She was quiet, gentle, but fiercely positively supportive.  She shares my belief that birth is a completely natural process and the way to let this happen is to simply be present, quietly observe and encourage as needed.  In the antenatal period she gave me great confidence in my body’s ability and affirmed all my feelings.  She got to know me as an individual and it felt like I was the only person in the world to her throughout my pregnancy, birth and postnatal period.  She was essential to my birth story and although I am sure I could have done it without her, I absolutely wouldn’t have wanted to! If I am blessed with more children, I hope they will be born at home with Becky by my side.  Thank you Becky, from the bottom of my her – the difference you make to women’s lives is immeasurable, the world would be empty without you in it. 

Postscript 

It is impossible to express in words how grateful we are for everything you have done for us. We will always consider you as being a friend in our lives and we will ensure Lizzie grows up knowing about you and how you helped bring her into the world.  There are many things I could not have done without you.  THANK YOU.  All our love, Ailsa, Andy and Lizzie 2019.