Testimonials and Birth Stories -
READ what our families are saying about The Birth Yurt and Doula Care!
Breathe Your Baby Classes
"The whole class is so valuable to us both!! We both have increased confidence about having our baby and the birthing experience. It has encouraged us to both read more books at breathing etc and also doing breathing and meditating exercises daily. Couldn't be happier with the whole class and experience!!!" (Mum)
"Breathe your baby class has given myself and my partner the confidence to have a natural birth. It has provided us with strategies to overcome the fear of child birth and look forward to the birthing experience. The class has provided us with information that allows us to be in control of having our baby!" (Mum, C)
"This class really solidified my confidence in myself – that I can birth my baby! It allowed me to focus my hopes and goals for my birthing experience, understand what resources I have within myself, what I am in control of and not. It helped clarify my partner’s support role and responsibilities too". (Mum)
"With a focus on the experience of giving birth rather than just the physiological processes that take place, I and my partner got exactly what we wanted from The Breath your Baby course. We took away practical tools to help us actively contribute to what will hopefully be a calm and positive birthing experience." (Mum)
"...the class put equal emphasis on the partner and myself in regards to our thoughts and expectations about birth; before that it was mostly/exclusively focused on me as the birthing mum."
Calmbirth Classes
"Oh my goodness... Rachel, I can't thank you enough!! My labour was so freakin awesome, almost orgasmic I would say!! I had a completely drug free water birth that went for 4 hours from start to finish. I am unbelievably proud of myself and I have you to thank for this amazing experience!!! We are all doing wonderfully!" R, Canberra.
"The birth of my beautiful daughter, Eve, was everything I wanted it to be. Calmbirth Classes and Rachel's sharing of knowledge gave me the tools to have a calm and beautiful birth. My doctors were preparing for complications due to a pre-existing health condition, ready to intervene at any stage, almost giving me no hope of the natural birth I wanted. But Calmbirth had given me a sense of power, allowing me to believe my body was ready to do its job. Using Calmbirth techniques and Rachel's support I had a wonderful, natural labour of only 5 hours.
I must thank Rachel for her advice and positive attitude. She was open-minded, kind and sincere. There was no pressure and my anxiety over being a "young mum" was put to ease almost immediately. Since the birth I have even heard my partner saying he was most grateful for Calmbirth classes as they prepared him as a support person. I have no hesitation in recommending Rachel as a Calmbirth Practitioner (or Doula). Thanks Rachel." - Elizabeth
"Rachel, Calmbirth and the arrival of Carys: While pregnant with our second child, a daughter, I knew I wanted a very different experience than the one we had with our son who was delivered by caesarean at 41+5 weeks. In addition to making changes to my health care providers we enrolled in Calmbirth with Rachel. From the start I felt reassured that this was the right path for us as Rachel’s serene yet positive and compelling delivery of the Calmbirth content and ability to involve the participants really resonated with us. All of the reasons why things didn’t work well for us last time became clear, as did all the reasons why our path to a better birth was open to us and ready when we were. The faith I had in myself was reinforced by Rachel and the techniques we learned, in particular the breathing and meditation methods. These were very useful not only during the birth but in the lengthy lead up to it. After much patience and love being directed her way along with regular monitoring our beautiful little girl Carys was born by drug free VBAC into water at 42+6 weeks. She came in her own time and in perfect health and is an absolutely joyful addition to our little family. I found this birth to be so empowering and rewarding and know that I owe a significant part of that to Rachel and all the skills she imparted to us. Thank you Rachel. With gratitude, Megan"
"I just want to say a huge thank you for the weekend classes, they were absolutely mind blowing! I feel so much more positive that I can labour our baby girl :-) We are so relieved to have done this course, and we totally recommend it to anyone who would like to make themselves aware of what actually happens during labour and how you can be positive through the intensity of contractions & labour". A and A
"Yes our expectations were definitely met. In fact we feel the classes have been THE MOST valuable resource to us". Mum
"I would recommend it thoroughly to all new dads to be. You have inspired confidence and made me aware as well as given me tools to cope with this enormous change in my life. Thank you". Dad L
"I participated in Calmbirth® classes with Rachel late into my first pregnancy in 2007. I recall being quite nervous about labour, and a little sceptical that any birth could actually be ‘calm’ and even pain-free. However, I felt relaxed and comfortable with Rachel straight away. She has a gentle confidence in women’s ability to give birth naturally that is very reassuring, especially to an anxious first-time mum!
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed each Calmbirth® class. The sessions were quite long, but I found that the time went really quickly because of the way Rachel presented the material. Each session included practical information about the birthing process, dvd presentations, as well as relaxation time. Rachel explained everything very clearly and gave me plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The best part was, she always had the answers! Nothing was taboo and she never made me feel silly for not knowing even the most basic things.
Rachel has so much knowledge regarding pregnancy, labour, birth and mothering. Her practice as a doula adds to her own experiences of giving birth. Her understanding and familiarity with so many different births enhanced the material of the Calmbirth® classes. It was lovely to hear ‘real’ birth stories and comforting to know that while every birth is different, it is always possible for labour to be a positive and enjoyable experience.
For the record, the birth of my son Eli was wonderful. The breathing and relaxation techniques Rachel taught me in the Calmbirth® classes helped get me through a very long labour. Despite having some intervention, Eli was delivered naturally and is a beautiful healthy boy. I firmly believe that I would not have been able to endure labour without the knowledge and skills I gained from the Calmbirth® classes. I have no hesitation in recommending Rachel as a Calmbirth® practitioner. I am so grateful to her for everything she taught me". Mum
Doula Testimonials
"Thank you so much Rachel for supporting us to have a beautiful, calm, present and deep birth. It was an absolutely incredible experience for us. From the moment we met you we felt like you were a part of our family, and had joined our special "birth team". We felt so comfortable around you as you brought a warm, knowledgeable presence to all of our meetings. You helped us to address any concerns and fears we had, and showed us that birth is a natural, peaceful process. As a result, any concerns we had disappeared and we were able to create a very positive, open and warm birth space, which completely supported and nurtured the birth we wanted. The birth of our little boy was the most gorgeous, empowering and deeply moving experience for us. We still talk about it all the time! During the birth you were like a gentle, kind guide watching over and supporting us - like a beautiful friend being a part of the process. We felt that you cared very much about us and our needs. We really can't imagine it without you, thank you so much. We now have a smiling, shiney, delectable little baby boy, and a great birth story to tell him one day!! " Katie and Amanda
"I wasn't sure what Rachel's role would be at my first birth, but I approached her because I wanted someone else to be there for me in addition to my husband. On the big day, Rachel provided gentle and discrete support for both myself and my husband, while also respecting the space of the hospital staff. Rachel was a calm and confident voice, helping me have the birth I wanted to have. We are so glad she was there with us to share our marvellous day". Jess
"I had a 30 hour labour and an emergency c-section when I gave birth to my little boy, Tom. While labour was hard and a bit dramatic, it was not at all traumatic - I felt in control and empowered ....and I put that down to Rachel, my doula, helping me though. In the weeks before Tom's birth, Rachel and I spent time together talking through my fears and expectations. Rachel helped me put my fears into perspective and develop some strategies to deal with them when they bubbled to the surface during labour. We also talked about the physical side of labour, the importance of remaining calm and going with the flow of what your body is doing. We practiced breathing and relaxation. During my labour, Rachel was with me in the birth suite throughout. When I was getting tired or frustrated she pepped me along. Rachel was my link to the nurses and doctors - helping me understand what was going on, and helping the nurses understand what I wanted. When it came to decisions, Rachel helped me think things through and make the right decision for me. Having a doula is like having a coach in your corner - someone completely, 100% on your side - standing up for you, caring for you and supporting you. I thank Rachel from the bottom of my heart, for being there for me and helping me give birth to my beautiful baby boy". Helen
"Nothing in the birth of my daughter Georgie went as I had planned. I ended up getting induced, having an epidural, having an episiotomy and being threatened with a cesarean. All things I really didn't want. In truth, for the most part of my labour I felt rail- roaded, tied down, and not heard. So not an ideal labour haha, I didn't have an ideal pregnancy though either so that was part of it.
My partner had to go to Sydney for work when I was six months, and I found out really late into the game that I had gestational diabetes and couldn't give birth in the hospital I had planned everything in. It was all a big shmosal haha.
The only thing that really went right was having Rach.
I had her whilst pregnant, in labour, and post, and honestly she was my life raft. She helped me to really connect with and communicate to Georgie during the labour, which was amazing; I felt as though she could really understand me in there. She empowered me during the pregnancy; when I felt upside down she gave me healing and put me the right way up again. She helped me heal after the labour when I felt masses of guilt, and she taught me the most valuable thing in labour and in life...to breathe." Sarah
Birth Yurt - Birth Stories
A warm welcome to Scarlett
"... At 4am you woke me up with a kick, followed by some cramping. This had happened the night before so I thought it may just be more Braxton Hicks but as the sensations grew stronger I took a Panadol and popped into the shower to get some heat on my back. Time passed and the shower felt good, so good that I didn’t want to get out… and then I knew that this was it. You were coming...
Welcome lovely Ella!
I can still remember vividly the moment Ella came into the world, was laid on my chest, opened her eyes and looked straight into mine. I hope I always will. The memory of the preceding birth has faded a bit, but what is still strong is the feeling of being supported and loved throughout...
"The whole class is so valuable to us both!! We both have increased confidence about having our baby and the birthing experience. It has encouraged us to both read more books at breathing etc and also doing breathing and meditating exercises daily. Couldn't be happier with the whole class and experience!!!" (Mum)
"Breathe your baby class has given myself and my partner the confidence to have a natural birth. It has provided us with strategies to overcome the fear of child birth and look forward to the birthing experience. The class has provided us with information that allows us to be in control of having our baby!" (Mum, C)
"This class really solidified my confidence in myself – that I can birth my baby! It allowed me to focus my hopes and goals for my birthing experience, understand what resources I have within myself, what I am in control of and not. It helped clarify my partner’s support role and responsibilities too". (Mum)
"With a focus on the experience of giving birth rather than just the physiological processes that take place, I and my partner got exactly what we wanted from The Breath your Baby course. We took away practical tools to help us actively contribute to what will hopefully be a calm and positive birthing experience." (Mum)
"...the class put equal emphasis on the partner and myself in regards to our thoughts and expectations about birth; before that it was mostly/exclusively focused on me as the birthing mum."
Calmbirth Classes
"Oh my goodness... Rachel, I can't thank you enough!! My labour was so freakin awesome, almost orgasmic I would say!! I had a completely drug free water birth that went for 4 hours from start to finish. I am unbelievably proud of myself and I have you to thank for this amazing experience!!! We are all doing wonderfully!" R, Canberra.
"The birth of my beautiful daughter, Eve, was everything I wanted it to be. Calmbirth Classes and Rachel's sharing of knowledge gave me the tools to have a calm and beautiful birth. My doctors were preparing for complications due to a pre-existing health condition, ready to intervene at any stage, almost giving me no hope of the natural birth I wanted. But Calmbirth had given me a sense of power, allowing me to believe my body was ready to do its job. Using Calmbirth techniques and Rachel's support I had a wonderful, natural labour of only 5 hours.
I must thank Rachel for her advice and positive attitude. She was open-minded, kind and sincere. There was no pressure and my anxiety over being a "young mum" was put to ease almost immediately. Since the birth I have even heard my partner saying he was most grateful for Calmbirth classes as they prepared him as a support person. I have no hesitation in recommending Rachel as a Calmbirth Practitioner (or Doula). Thanks Rachel." - Elizabeth
"Rachel, Calmbirth and the arrival of Carys: While pregnant with our second child, a daughter, I knew I wanted a very different experience than the one we had with our son who was delivered by caesarean at 41+5 weeks. In addition to making changes to my health care providers we enrolled in Calmbirth with Rachel. From the start I felt reassured that this was the right path for us as Rachel’s serene yet positive and compelling delivery of the Calmbirth content and ability to involve the participants really resonated with us. All of the reasons why things didn’t work well for us last time became clear, as did all the reasons why our path to a better birth was open to us and ready when we were. The faith I had in myself was reinforced by Rachel and the techniques we learned, in particular the breathing and meditation methods. These were very useful not only during the birth but in the lengthy lead up to it. After much patience and love being directed her way along with regular monitoring our beautiful little girl Carys was born by drug free VBAC into water at 42+6 weeks. She came in her own time and in perfect health and is an absolutely joyful addition to our little family. I found this birth to be so empowering and rewarding and know that I owe a significant part of that to Rachel and all the skills she imparted to us. Thank you Rachel. With gratitude, Megan"
"I just want to say a huge thank you for the weekend classes, they were absolutely mind blowing! I feel so much more positive that I can labour our baby girl :-) We are so relieved to have done this course, and we totally recommend it to anyone who would like to make themselves aware of what actually happens during labour and how you can be positive through the intensity of contractions & labour". A and A
"Yes our expectations were definitely met. In fact we feel the classes have been THE MOST valuable resource to us". Mum
"I would recommend it thoroughly to all new dads to be. You have inspired confidence and made me aware as well as given me tools to cope with this enormous change in my life. Thank you". Dad L
"I participated in Calmbirth® classes with Rachel late into my first pregnancy in 2007. I recall being quite nervous about labour, and a little sceptical that any birth could actually be ‘calm’ and even pain-free. However, I felt relaxed and comfortable with Rachel straight away. She has a gentle confidence in women’s ability to give birth naturally that is very reassuring, especially to an anxious first-time mum!
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed each Calmbirth® class. The sessions were quite long, but I found that the time went really quickly because of the way Rachel presented the material. Each session included practical information about the birthing process, dvd presentations, as well as relaxation time. Rachel explained everything very clearly and gave me plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The best part was, she always had the answers! Nothing was taboo and she never made me feel silly for not knowing even the most basic things.
Rachel has so much knowledge regarding pregnancy, labour, birth and mothering. Her practice as a doula adds to her own experiences of giving birth. Her understanding and familiarity with so many different births enhanced the material of the Calmbirth® classes. It was lovely to hear ‘real’ birth stories and comforting to know that while every birth is different, it is always possible for labour to be a positive and enjoyable experience.
For the record, the birth of my son Eli was wonderful. The breathing and relaxation techniques Rachel taught me in the Calmbirth® classes helped get me through a very long labour. Despite having some intervention, Eli was delivered naturally and is a beautiful healthy boy. I firmly believe that I would not have been able to endure labour without the knowledge and skills I gained from the Calmbirth® classes. I have no hesitation in recommending Rachel as a Calmbirth® practitioner. I am so grateful to her for everything she taught me". Mum
Doula Testimonials
"Thank you so much Rachel for supporting us to have a beautiful, calm, present and deep birth. It was an absolutely incredible experience for us. From the moment we met you we felt like you were a part of our family, and had joined our special "birth team". We felt so comfortable around you as you brought a warm, knowledgeable presence to all of our meetings. You helped us to address any concerns and fears we had, and showed us that birth is a natural, peaceful process. As a result, any concerns we had disappeared and we were able to create a very positive, open and warm birth space, which completely supported and nurtured the birth we wanted. The birth of our little boy was the most gorgeous, empowering and deeply moving experience for us. We still talk about it all the time! During the birth you were like a gentle, kind guide watching over and supporting us - like a beautiful friend being a part of the process. We felt that you cared very much about us and our needs. We really can't imagine it without you, thank you so much. We now have a smiling, shiney, delectable little baby boy, and a great birth story to tell him one day!! " Katie and Amanda
"I wasn't sure what Rachel's role would be at my first birth, but I approached her because I wanted someone else to be there for me in addition to my husband. On the big day, Rachel provided gentle and discrete support for both myself and my husband, while also respecting the space of the hospital staff. Rachel was a calm and confident voice, helping me have the birth I wanted to have. We are so glad she was there with us to share our marvellous day". Jess
"I had a 30 hour labour and an emergency c-section when I gave birth to my little boy, Tom. While labour was hard and a bit dramatic, it was not at all traumatic - I felt in control and empowered ....and I put that down to Rachel, my doula, helping me though. In the weeks before Tom's birth, Rachel and I spent time together talking through my fears and expectations. Rachel helped me put my fears into perspective and develop some strategies to deal with them when they bubbled to the surface during labour. We also talked about the physical side of labour, the importance of remaining calm and going with the flow of what your body is doing. We practiced breathing and relaxation. During my labour, Rachel was with me in the birth suite throughout. When I was getting tired or frustrated she pepped me along. Rachel was my link to the nurses and doctors - helping me understand what was going on, and helping the nurses understand what I wanted. When it came to decisions, Rachel helped me think things through and make the right decision for me. Having a doula is like having a coach in your corner - someone completely, 100% on your side - standing up for you, caring for you and supporting you. I thank Rachel from the bottom of my heart, for being there for me and helping me give birth to my beautiful baby boy". Helen
"Nothing in the birth of my daughter Georgie went as I had planned. I ended up getting induced, having an epidural, having an episiotomy and being threatened with a cesarean. All things I really didn't want. In truth, for the most part of my labour I felt rail- roaded, tied down, and not heard. So not an ideal labour haha, I didn't have an ideal pregnancy though either so that was part of it.
My partner had to go to Sydney for work when I was six months, and I found out really late into the game that I had gestational diabetes and couldn't give birth in the hospital I had planned everything in. It was all a big shmosal haha.
The only thing that really went right was having Rach.
I had her whilst pregnant, in labour, and post, and honestly she was my life raft. She helped me to really connect with and communicate to Georgie during the labour, which was amazing; I felt as though she could really understand me in there. She empowered me during the pregnancy; when I felt upside down she gave me healing and put me the right way up again. She helped me heal after the labour when I felt masses of guilt, and she taught me the most valuable thing in labour and in life...to breathe." Sarah
Birth Yurt - Birth Stories
A warm welcome to Scarlett
"... At 4am you woke me up with a kick, followed by some cramping. This had happened the night before so I thought it may just be more Braxton Hicks but as the sensations grew stronger I took a Panadol and popped into the shower to get some heat on my back. Time passed and the shower felt good, so good that I didn’t want to get out… and then I knew that this was it. You were coming...
Welcome lovely Ella!
I can still remember vividly the moment Ella came into the world, was laid on my chest, opened her eyes and looked straight into mine. I hope I always will. The memory of the preceding birth has faded a bit, but what is still strong is the feeling of being supported and loved throughout...