How we work together During pregnancy - I prefer to meet with you at least a couple of times (partner and birth support team at least once if not more) before labour to build a trusting and respectful relationship. We explore and discuss your goals and look at how you can best plan and prepare for birth, such as: Exploring any fears or concerns you might have Clarifying and writing your birth plan Discussing birth options Building confidence Practicing calm/hypno birthing techniques and more. The aim is to find how I might best support you and help you to be ready. I also incorporate my coaching and NLP skills to support this process. I am available by phone and email between visits. 1 week prior to the due date and until the birth I am ‘on call’ and will need 1-2 hours (pending distance to you) before being present with you in labour from the time you call. Rarely unexpected circumstances such as illness or attendance at another birth make me unavailable for labour support. To cover those times, a back up doula can attend the birth. You have of course as much say about who that is, so meeting or having a phone conversation with her before the due date is an option. (I can recommend some for you). In labour – Even if you do not yet need me, call me when you think labour is beginning. This allows time for any preparation that needs to be done and offers encouragement and an exchange of information. I can come to your home, the birth centre or hospital and transfer with you to the place chosen for birth when needed. I stay throughout labour and birth. I generally remain for 1–2 hrs after birth. Postpartum – I remain in phone contact with you to see how you, the baby and other support people are going. We arrange a suitable time for me to visit at your home in the coming weeks for a birth debrief and follow up support. Fiona and Jason's Testimonial Erika – heartfelt thanks to you from myself, Jason and baby Struan. I can’t tell you how invaluable you were to me during our birth experience. Without you being with us at home I am sure that we would have gone to hospital much sooner and that I would caved and gone for the pain relief. I couldn’t believe it when we got there and the midwife said I was 8 cm dilated! You then helped me through the hardest part, that last 2 cm, and when I thought I really couldn’t do it any more (and we both know that’s what I was thinking!) you helped me cope just one contraction at a time, encouraging me to try different positions and telling me how strong I was and how close I was to holding my baby boy. I know I was a challenge for you – I fought you and the process almost every step of the way – but you stuck with me, stayed strong and didn’t take any of my bull****!!! The result was a natural birth, and a beautiful, healthy and happy baby boy. Your dedication to helping women have a safe, natural and amazing birth experience is truly apparent in everything you do Erika, and your commitment to that is only to be admired. Thank you once again – Jason and I would recommend you to anyone seeking a birthing partner who will help make the experience a joyful one. Love from Fiona, Jason and baby Struan