BIRTH DOULA REVIEWS

“Mary-Anne was amazing from pregnancy through post-natal. We took her hypnobirthing class and found it so informative that we decided we had to have her by our side as our doula as well. Her energy and support through the entire process was amazing and our birth experience would not have been the same without her. She supported me, my husband and the well-being of our baby the whole way through. The moment Mary-Anne showed up when i was in labour I was put at ease and focused on my birth plan. We had the exact experience we were hoping for and could not have done it without Mary-Anne’s guidance and support. Anyone that is pregnant whether it’s first child or subsequent would benefit from working with her. We cannot say enough good things about her! “

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“MAC was my birth and post birth doula and was more than brilliant. She unexpectedly took delivery of our son at home when there wasn't time to get to hospital and did so calmly and safely. Her support during the labour, which progressed at rapid speed, enabled me to feel in control and calm and when we decided it was too late to get to hospital her quick thinking and confidence meant I relaxed and had the kind of birth I had really wished for. She went above and beyond what was expected and giving her 5 stars doesn't do her justice. I can't thank her enough for how she handled things.”

“I hired MaryAnne as our doula for my third daughter’s birth and it was the best decision I have ever made as a mother. She took the time to get to know me and my family and embraced our situation. My partner works abroad and it was uncertain whether he would make it home for the birth. MaryAnne made me feel confident that I was able to ace my birth whether we had him there or not. In the end he was there and she was a lifeline for him during our labor and delivery in hospital. She was able to support him in making decisions and help to take any pressure or stress off me. She made our delivery room in the birthing center stunning adding fairy lights, aromatherapy and music. She was flexible and able to support as and when it was needed and kept the mood in the room light with her positive calm attitude. She helped during my surges by providing counter pressure, she gave amazing foot massages and generally knew what to do during labor to make me feel empowered and help me get through each surge.  I ended up having an absolute stunning birth in the birthing pool. We asked if MaryAnne could take pictures with her phone which she did, these are beautiful and I will treasure them as I have no pictures from my previous births. MaryAnne is a fantastic doula, if we ever decide to have another baby I pray she is available as I wouldn’t want to do it again without her!”

“I can't put into words just how much Mary-Anne helped us. We had a difficult situation in that we were having our first child in a foreign country where we didn't know what to expect form the healthcare system (we're Aussies) and the doula we had been working with wasn't available the week of the birth due to illness. Mary-Anne was our back up doula and came in the week of the birth and very quickly made us both feel comfortable and took away our stresses. Her input and care during labour was incredible and I couldn't begin to describe all the things she did to ensure it was the most positive experience possible. She was amazing! Thank you Mary-Anne!”

“I cannot thank Mary-Anne enough for her support as my doula at my baby's birth. I had already been in touch with Mary-Anne during my pregnancy, so when I found out I needed an early delivery Mary-Anne was there as a doula to help me through the birth as I didn't have time to complete a hypnobirthing course, and was quite nervous about labour. Mary-Anne filled me with positivity and was always there on the phone when I needed her. She was extremely flexible around my birth, and was happy to come at any time I wanted to the hospital. She respected the role of my partner, and was there in the background to pass me drinks, an encouraging word and to be my all round cheerleader. After the birth of our baby Mary-Anne judged the situation perfectly to leave my partner and I time with our little boy. She has been in touch numerous times since the birth to check how I am. I cannot recommend Mary-Anne enough as support during pregnancy and labour, she knew all the right things to say and gave me so much confidence. Thank you Mary-Anne”

“Mary-Anne fit perfectly with my needs and expectations of a doula. We all enjoyed each step of the process and essentially Mary-Anne adapted accordingly to my needs at each stage: e.g. light-hearted when I needed distracting from the waiting, supportive and positive when the contractions became painful, empathetic and practical when the plan changed to a CSection.  Mary-Anne had my back at every stage of the process – the essential trust. She helped me feel empowered and as a result I can say that despite some complications, my birth was a positive experience. “ 

“ Words can’t express how grateful we are that you were there. Really couldn’t have done this without you.”

“ To the most amazing MAC! Thanks for going above and beyond! We can’t express how relieved we are you were there.”

“I’m not sure how to put into words how much it meant to me having your support during the week before and during my birth and after. You’ve been absolutely incredible and I’ll never forget how much support you’ve given me.”

Well, what can I say. She is something of a legend and the birth wouldn't have been the same without her. We're first time parents and were introduced through a 121 Hypnobirthing session which was very informative and I was immediately sold on a home birth. We stuck affirmations up all over the house and practiced the up and down breathing. She was always available to answer questions and was reassuringly positive during the crazy lockdown period. She knows, or has a contact, for all things pregnancy / baby related from photography to postnatal yoga etc. She also has affiliations with companies to provide discounts on goodies such as Tens machines. We spent a good chunk of time preparing our birth plan and she helped us stick to it to a tee.

My wife really wanted a home birth (even before COVID). It hadn’t been a concept (as never known anyone that’s done it) to me before so there was some scepticism and apprehension. Mary Anne’s sessions in hindsight were essential - she really got to the core of any apprehension where in the end I wanted it as much as my wife. Having Mary Anne at the birth for me was a must - I wanted that help so I could focus on supporting my wife. It turned out that Mary Anne’s techniques (exercises, sweet tea, sage, positive reinforcement) were a massive factor in our successful home birth. For us we wouldn’t go any other way (as long as good health allows) than a home birth and a doula. Specifically Mary Anne was funny, motivating, reassuring and relaxed (can’t underestimate this!). Sincere thanks to her for being there and helping us to birth our baby boy at home!!

Lara Vascencelos