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‘During pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period you want someone by your side who is knowledgeable, empathetic, a calm presence, has a sense of humour, and is trustworthy. Joy is all of those things and more.’
— Liz | AB, Canada
Our VBAC journey - Lehanne, Manchester UK
Deciding to have a VBAC was a big decision for me and we knew we needed a doula to help us navigate the tricky waters of VBAC with the NHS. We knew she would help but we didn’t realise she would be the difference between a repeat CS and VBAC! She was there every step of the way even driving me to the hospital, supporting with our other children and just genuinely being a part of our family through our pregnancy and birth.
During labour, Joy’s knowledge of biomechanics was a game changer, especially when our labour stalled and staff told me I was failing to progress and would need a repeat c-section. She knew exactly what positions would help my baby move into the right position and how to keep labour progressing. Whether it was helping me shift positions, topping me up with fuel/drink, supporting me physically, or giving gentle but firm suggestions when I needed them, Joy had the ability to know what I needed-even when I didn’t. I really believe her expertise was a key factor in my VBAC being successful - especially when we were under so much pressure from maternity services to consent to a CS.
In the chaos of labour, when I wasn’t always able to speak up for myself, she was there to ensure my wishes were respected and that I felt heard. She struck this perfect balance of being respectful to the midwives/doctors while standing firm for what I wanted. Knowing she was in my corner gave me so much peace of mind and helped me stay focused.
Joy stayed awake for two days straight, never leaving my side, so that I would always have someone there with me & so my partner could get some rest. Thanks to Joy’s support, I achieved our VBAC and it was one of the most empowering moments of my life. I can’t thank her enough for everything she did for me and our family. If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond to support you in your birth journey, we can’t recommend her enough.
- Rachel | Staffordshire UK
The support received from Joy throughout my pregnancy and fourth trimester has been invaluable and I cannot recommend her services enough.
When I found out I was pregnant I knew straight away that I needed to educate myself further on the physiology of birth to understand how to navigate my way through my pregnancy and formulate my birthing preferences, but as a first time mum-to-be I really didn't know where to begin and actually dreaded the thought of childbirth.
I reached out to Joy who was a fountain of knowledge. She remained impartial and professional, answering my queries by often providing research and statistics to ensure I was fully informed and empowered to make decisions that were right for me and my baby. I began looking forward to birth rather than fearing it.
The later weeks of my pregnancy took me outside of NHS guidelines, but nevertheless, with Joy on hand I was able to ask the right questions and challenge professionals in order to reach decisions that were right me and my baby.
In turn, when it was time for baby to come, I felt confident to trust my body and my instincts, resulting in a positive natural birth, where my preferences were respected by the professionals supporting me.
Postpartum, Joy was still by my side to be the cheerleader I hadn't even realised I'd needed. I'd focused so much of my research on creating a positive birth, but motherhood presented new challenges that, at times, felt overwhelming or just unexpected. But Joy's support and professionalism was unwavering. Once again she was there providing positive affirmations and evidence to help me to navigate a new chapter of my life, enabling and empowering me to make decisions confidently for me and my baby. She was also on hand to provide practical support to ensure this new mum was well-rested, hydrated and fed; therefore able to focus my energy on the little human in my life.
My story could have been so different, but I am certain that Joy's friendly and professional guidance and services were the biggest influence on turning my fear into excitement and guiding me through this part of my life.
“It brings me such happiness that Joy’s light shines upon all the women she is blessed to nurture. To free them from all the stories they have been told and remind them to take strength from the inner wisdom of their bodies”
— Mary | New Zealand
I was so lucky to have met Joy at the beginning of my pregnancy journey. She guided me throughout my pregnancy and was there to answer any and every question that I had. She provided personalized support, and was always nonjudgmental and open in her communication. We discussed a wide range of topics including breastfeeding, colostrum collection, pelvic floor preparation, placenta encapsulation and so much more. I appreciated the safe space Joy created which allowed me to discuss vulnerable topics without judgment. Throughout my pregnancy journey, Joy empowered me and encouraged me to find my inner strength and assured me that I wasn’t alone in my experiences.
Because of Joy’s guidance, preparation and expertise, I was able to calmly and confidently advocate for myself and my baby throughout my 22 hours of labour. This included advocating against a C-section when it wasn’t medically necessary. And I attribute all of that to Joy and her help in encouraging me to get well-informed and empowering me to advocate for the best interests of myself and my baby. I shudder to think how different my birth experience and subsequent recovery would’ve been had it not been for Joy.
Joy’s passion, knowledge, support and guidance during pregnancy, birth and post-partum is unmatched! Thank you again, Joy!!
- Tanja
- Nicola | Surrey UK