I offered the following client (Antonia) a shared care package which basically meant she got two doulas for the price of one. I did this because I was on holiday during some of the on-call period so I enlisted the help of another trusted doula called Kate Marston. This is what Antonia said:

Having had complications in the second stage of the birth of my second baby, we felt that we were under a lot of pressure to have our third in hospital. My experience of a hospital birth with my first had left me feeling somewhat traumatised, so we decided to have a doula, as support for both of us during what we thought would be a hospital birth. Michelle and Kate's antenatal support and their knowledge and understanding of my situation gave me the courage to look at the evidence, change my mind as a result and opt for a homebirth. I went from feeling frightened and uncertain to feeling empowered and in control of my circumstances and choices and I really don't think that would have been possible without Michelle and Kate. I ended up with another hospital birth, but I had the support of a fantastic midwife and I felt able to make the choices for myself as a result - again, that never would have happened without Michelle and Kate, as I was only transferred to that midwife's care because I fought to have a homebirth. Thank you!

Sylvia said:
Although my husband and I had planned for a natural birth at the hospital, I ended up undergoing an emergency c-section due to the baby still being breech in the final week. Regardless of this, Michelle was up first thing in the morning on the day to come and see me just as I was about to go into the operating theatre. She also stayed with me for a time afterwards for emotional support. I really valued having her there, and feel that it made what was both a beautiful but also a difficult day that much easier. To read more Click here to download this file



Gemma said:
Having a doula helped me to have the power and knowledge to get the labour and birth I wanted. Thank you so much for your support during my pregnancy and labour. Also thank you for helping us to be truly informed of our rights. To read Gemma's birth story Click here to download this file



Margaret said:
Michelle was our Doula for the birth of our first child, Arlo, in May 2009. During my labour, three different midwives came and went and it helped to maintain a sense of normality and calm that Michelle was with us throughout. Arlo's birth was very much how we wanted it to be and more, we have wonderful memories of it. Michelle's input, support and kindness were very valuable to us. To read more Click here to download this file


To contact Michelle please email: mail@sheffieldbirthdoula.com