Client Birth Stories.
Real birth journeys from some of the families across Norwich and Norfolk, that have been supported by me throughout pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.
From trauma-informed care and high risk pregnancies to physiological births, caesareans, and breastfeeding challenges, these stories show how my personalised doula support helps parents feel confident, informed, and empowered.
Charlie’s Birth Journey.
Supporting the whole family through birth.
Charlie came to me during her first pregnancy.
This would be her partner’s third child, but his previous birth experience had been traumatic, leaving him feeling extremely anxious about what might unfold for Charlotte and their baby.
Although this was Charlie’s first birth, her partner was carrying fear from the past. That anxiety was very real. Rooted in previous experience and concern for the people he loved.
We worked together as a team.
We explored hypnobirthing techniques, physiological birth, and what happens in Charlie’s body during labour. Helping both of them understand the process, not fear it.
Alongside birth preparation, we supported Charlie’s partner to explore and challenge the emotions that arose from his past experience.
Because birth trauma affects partners too. And they deserve support, not silence!
Charlie went on to have a physiological vaginal birth.
She stepped fully into her power. Tuning into her body, following her natural urges, and birthing in the way she wanted.
With the support of myself, another doula, and her partner, Charlie felt held throughout labour.
And just as importantly, her partner was supported too. Enabling him to stay present, grounded, and involved during the birth.
Birth support isn’t just about one person.
When both the birthing person and their partner are supported, incredible things can happen.
Ellie’s Birth Journey.
From fear and uncertainty… to trust and strength.
Ellie came to me during her second pregnancy.
Her first birth had been traumatic, with complications she hadn’t expected. Leaving her feeling anxious and unsure about birth this time around.
This pregnancy followed years of IVF.
A journey filled with hope, heartbreak, and resilience, which eventually led to this much longed for miracle baby.
Those experiences stayed with her throughout pregnancy.
From early on, Ellie experienced hyperemesis, making pregnancy physically demanding as well as emotionally complex.
During her pregnancy, we focused on support, information, and helping Ellie feel held through an emotionally complex journey. Knowing that plans might change along the way.
During pregnancy, the unexpected happened.
A close family friend tragically lost their baby.
For Ellie, already carrying anxiety following years of IVF, this understandably heightened her fears.
As pregnancy progressed, Ellie’s hyperemesis returned, leaving her exhausted and depleted at a point when she most needed rest and reassurance.
Around this time, Ellie discovered her baby was breech.
Taking everything into account - her physical wellbeing, emotional load, and previous birth experience, she felt that a planned caesarean was the safest and most compassionate option for her and her baby.
And that choice was completely valid.
Before her final midwife appointment, Ellie decided she wanted to try one last thing. Just to see.
We spent some time exploring gentle movements and positions to encourage baby into an optimal position.
At her appointment the very next day…
✨ Baby had turned ✨
And with that, something shifted for Ellie too.
With her baby now head-down, Ellie felt able to change her plan once again.
She went on to have a vaginal birth, feeling informed, supported, and confident in the decisions she made.
Birth isn’t about forcing a plan.
It’s about feeling safe, supported, and trusting yourself — even when the journey is complex.
Ellie’s strength was always there.
Rosie’s Birth Journey.
From anxiety and uncertainty… to calm and clarity.
Rosie came to me during her second pregnancy.
In her own words, some days she felt crippled with anxiety after her previous caesarean. Unsure whether to plan another, and fearful of the unknown either way.
Much of Rosie’s anxiety came from constantly thinking about birth.
Would she have another caesarean?
Could she labour?
What if things didn’t go to plan?
It made it hard to fully enjoy her pregnancy.
Together, we worked through hypnobirthing tools and techniques.
Over time, Rosie began to feel calmer, more relaxed, and more able to be present. Allowing her to enjoy her pregnancy, rather than living in constant anticipation of birth.
Throughout pregnancy, we explored evidence, statistics, and options. Without an agenda.
Not to push a particular outcome, but to help Rosie feel informed, confident, and in control of her decisions.
By the time Rosie reached 41 weeks, she felt clear.
After exploring the evidence, statistics, and her own feelings, she decided that a planned caesarean was the best choice for her and her baby.
This wasn’t a default decision. It was her decision.
Rosie went on to plan and have the caesarean birth she wanted. One that felt calm, considered, and personal to her and her baby.
A positive birth isn’t about the mode of birth.
It’s about feeling safe, heard, and in control.
After the birth, I supported Rosie with breastfeeding and postnatal care. Helping her recover, build confidence, and settle into life as a family of four.
Birth after caesarean can bring a lot of emotions.
Rosie’s journey is a reminder that informed choice, emotional safety, and support matter. No matter the outcome.
Stephanie’s* Birth & Feeding Journey.
A story of courage, complexity, and persistence.
Stephanie came to me during her second pregnancy. Her first labour hadn’t gone to plan, and her baby experienced shoulder dystocia. Leaving Stephanie unsure which path to take this time and carrying a lot of understandable fear.
This pregnancy was classed as high risk due to Stephanie having type 1 diabetes. Alongside this, Stephanie was preparing for birth as a single mum, navigating pregnancy, decision making, and emotional load largely on her own. Stephanie didn’t come with a fixed plan.
She came needing space to talk, to question, and to feel supported. Particularly important when making complex decisions without a partner beside her. Together, we spent time exploring evidence, research, and options.
Not to push a particular route, but to help calm Stephanie’s nerves, rebuild confidence, and support her to make informed decisions that felt right for her and her family. By the end of pregnancy, Stephanie felt clear.
She chose the path that felt safest and right. Feeling confident, informed, and supported in her decision. After the birth, Stephanie’s journey didn’t suddenly become easy.
She faced a challenging breastfeeding journey, and as a single mum, this required consistent, layered support. I supported her throughout. Offering practical help, emotional reassurance, and signposting her to additional services when needed. Progress wasn’t quick or straightforward. There were setbacks, persistence, and a lot of emotional work. Alongside careful attention to Stephanie’s mental health.
Today, Stephanie’s baby is thriving. It took time, patience, and support to get here. And that journey matters. Some journeys are complex from start to finish. Stephanie’s story is a reminder that informed choice, consistent support, and compassion can make a difference. Especially when someone is holding a lot on their own.... give me caption with optimal hastags and keywords for seo, best amount. and also alt text to add.
*Name changed for anonymity
