Empowering births and new parents, through pregnancy, labour & birth and beyond.
Ruwa was nervous at our first meeting. Soft-spoken, she asked about my role as a doula for her birth. I walked with her in pregnancy and birth and when she went into labour, I met her at the hospital. Her birth changed everything. She was shown how powerful her birthing body was and that she… Continue reading Ruwarashe’s Birth Story
Hailing from New Zealand, I had never met Pip in person, but she was referred to the Relax Into Birth Hypnobirthing course by a dear South African friend of hers, who had also completed the course a few years earlier. She was so excited to share her story with me after she had given birth,… Continue reading Pip’s Birth Story
Petra is a very strong mama who I met when she was pregnant with her first baby. Firm and determined, she never gave up all through her two birth experiences. It was lovely getting to know her as a mama also living in the Valley and this is the story of her second birth, where… Continue reading Petra’s Birth Story
It was my honour to walk beside Aimee and Ryan for the birth of their baby girl Kenzy. Here is their story... When I think back on my “Birth Day” it was nowhere near what I expected, despite all my reading and “scenario-planning.” And to be honest, I wasn’t convinced I needed a doula in… Continue reading Aimee’s Birth Story
Pregnancy Awareness Week takes place annually and this year's theme was about empowering parents for their journey to birth. I was there representing Relax Into Birth, talking about doula care and relaxation techniques. Many thanks to Sister Lindsay Donnachie, Carline and Vaughanine for arranging such an inspiring event. Sister Donnachie reminded women about their invisible… Continue reading Pregnancy Awareness Week at one of the best hospitals in town, Life Vincent Pallotti!
As birthworkers, we just cannot do this work without someone just there for us, waiting in the wings. Gayle is my mentor and friend and I have learnt so much from her. Here's ten reasons why I am thankful to Gayle (I'm sure there are more than 10!): 1. JUST BEING THERE: I know that… Continue reading Celebrating my doula sister, Gayle Friedman
I'm about to share the the latest statistics from 2017 for the Birth Options Midwifery team - and they are unbelievably good! The team is comprised of Glynnis Garrod, Susan Lees, Angela Wakeford and Bernice Jehring Down. Birth Options Independent midwives can attend both home and hospital births at Vincent Pallotti and Melomed Tokai with… Continue reading Birth Options Midwifery Team Statistics 2017
Here I am pictured with Christa Bussack ... a little tired, an hour or two after midnight, but still looking fresh (maybe a bit too optimistic?!) 😀 Even through the early morning hours, Christa maintains her sense of humour and effervescence in the maternity ward. If you have stayed over at Vincent Pallotti, you will know her kind face… Continue reading Meet Christa Bussack