Addison Rae, born 3 Sep 07, 9.00pm
"Rachel, where can we start to thank you for your wisdom, support, encouragement and help with the birth of our first baby, Addison Rae. You have been wonderful for us during the pregnancy, birth, and during these first weeks.
A surprise pregnancy after just moving to Canberra began a little daunting for us, and I was nervous about the pregnancy and a little frightened about labour. But after meeting with you and getting to know you throughout the pregnancy, Ben and I were able to approach the birth feeling confident, empowered and excited. And completely without fear. You taught us that birth is a natural, positive experience and I was totally comfortable that my uterus and I could do it! And we did!
Throughout the birth you were absolutely untiring support for both myself and Ben, and I felt completely safe and confident throughout the whole process. You have an obvious lovely rapport with the midwives and staff at Queanbeyan Hospital and always ensured that our need for calm, quiet and privacy was respected. Despite a long and tiring labour, your words of encouragement, lovely massage, beautiful photography and gentle presence ensured our birth was a wonderful experience. And we also got to have lots of laughs!
The birth was just the beginning, as your post-birth support has also been fantastic. You are always available and willing to provide wonderful encouragement, information and suggestions on breastfeeding, sleep and settling, and teaching me to trust my instincts. When I think things are getting difficult, that gives me the strength to believe in myself as a mother.
We are honoured and truly thrilled that you could be such a special part of our lives."
- All our love, Kim, Ben and Addison Rae
Kaitlyn Jade, born 15 Aug 07, 10.20am
"Thank you so much for providing such special support throughout our pregnancy and birth. Our birth experience was absolutely magical, and we feel so lucky to have shared it with you. Kaitlyn is very lucky to be loved by you."
- With love, Sasha, Nic and Kaitlyn
Willow Elise, born 31 May 07, 12.42pm
“We want to thank you ever so much for your support before, during and after the birth of Willow. Also,we will always cherish the gorgeous photos of our birth and love that we have that record to share with Willow when she is older. You really have been a wonderful introduction to Canberra. So caring, gentle and true. Thank you for coming into our lives at such a special time.
- Rachelle, Joe, Madeleine and Willow
Another gentle and beautiful home waterbirth (I love those ones)! Rachelle calmly reached down between her legs to where Willow was gazing up through the water at her (she was birthed facing up) and brought her up into her arms. So wonderful when the first hands to touch a new baby are her parent's.
Emily Clare, born 12 Mar 07, 8.24pm
“In our quest for a birth that was as calm and natural as possible, we decided to look into having a doula to support us. We made several enquiries, but after meeting Rae for the first time we both knew that she would be ‘the one’.
Rae worked patiently through our many questions and concerns leading up to the birth, and we both had no doubt that it would be a fantastic experience, marked by beautiful and unforgettable moments. And indeed it was!
Rae worked with all three of us as a family and encouraged teamwork. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and she was off to fetch toast and drinks in between providing wonderful massage and lovely support with her soft spoken words. Always understanding and never patronising or forceful, Rae was such a blessing to have at the birth of our first baby, Emily Clare.
She helped provide the loving and calm atmosphere that we feel is important to bring a baby into. Even now, Emily is such a calm and contented little bub, and we know Rae had something to do with this!
Also worth mentioning is that there was such a strong feeling of respect and gratitude towards Rae from the midwives and obstetrician who attended our birth. She worked so well with the hospital staff, which was an absolute positive, and proof that there is definitely a place for a support person such as Rae at every birth!
Rae, we want to thank you so much for all your invaluable support; you taught us so much about the wonder of pregnancy and birth and the beautiful miracle of new life! If we are still in Canberra when our next bub is being planned, expect a phone call!"
- With love, Dean and Jen Staniforth
Jen breathed and relaxed her way right through labour, going deep inward and only seeming to need effort and energy right as Emily’s head was crowning - very controlled and calm. Jen had amazing stamina and focus over a long labour, and what struck me was how gentle and without fear it all was. It really goes to prove that women’s bodies and their babies are wise and perfect - even if it’s taking a while there is still no need to ‘rescue’ or ‘fix’...Such a beautiful, gentle waterbirth and gorgeous little bub!
Jack, born 21 Feb 07, 6.55am
"It was very reassuring to know that for this birth we didn't need luck! For the birth of our first child, Penny, we were lucky to get a really good midwife, but this time we wanted more than luck. Best decision we ever made! Through all our antenatal visits I knew that Rachel knew exactly what I wanted and what I didn't. When the time came, I happily went into labourland, knowing that Rachel was there for both myself and my husband.
I was in labour for 8 hours and I did lots of pushing. Rachel was wonderful with encouraging me to try different positions and because I trusted her so much I just did it and was glad I didn't have to think about it! In the end it was one of her suggestions which 'un-stuck' Jack and he was born very quickly.
Our next will be a home birth and Rachel is definitely on the invitation list, and maybe she will take some beautiful photos again too.
I love giving birth, I love the power and the wonder of it. It's great to share that with someone who understands that feeling. Thanks Rachel."
- Louise Williamson, Jordy Appleby, Penny and Jack
Maya Stephanie, born 15 Jan 07, 12.46pm
“The most important thing to me for our birth was that it be as calm as possible. I also liked the idea of having someone there for Shawn and I who had been through it all before and could express our wishes to staff during labour. Our experience was as good as I could have ever wished. Having your support before and during labour made me much more confident about staying home for as long as I did.
Once we were at the hospital it was fantastic to have your emotional and physical support for both Shawn and I. Overall everything went very well for all of us and Shawn has been singing the praises of doulas to everyone he meets of child-bearing age! Thanks again for everything”
- Pip, Shawn and Maya
What a great birth! A slow, on again off again, pre-labour finally launched into established labour after some acupuncture, emotional support, food and sleep. Pip did a fantastic job of breathing into and flowing with the sensations, and using movement, water and positive sound to work with her body, and before long it was time to push Maya out into the world. I think Pip surprised herself with what she was capable of!
Greta Martine, born 14 Jan 07, 4.58am
“Rachel made a real difference with the birth of or second child, Greta. She us confidence in dealing with our obstetrician and other medical staff to ensure we got what we wanted. She literally shared the burden during the labour - enabling me to get out of the birthing suite for short breaks, and she offered Catherine just the right words of encouragement at the final stage. We’ve valued her support and friendship through the whole process. And she took lovely pictures too!"
- Jeremy Kruse
Lachlan Mackenzie, born 22 Dec 06, 1.05am
”As a first-timer, I was extremely anxious about the labour experience even though I wanted a very natural birth. After meeting Rae, I was so empowered and positive that I knew my body could do it! Rae provided my husband and I with experienced information and friendship during and after the pregnancy, and physical and emotional support throughout labour. Rae was literally our ‘human birth plan’ as she knew exactly what I wanted and needed, and negotiated with the hospital staff during labour so my husband could focus solely on me. Our birthing experience was calm and relaxed yet very primal. Rae helped us achieve the exact birth experience we wanted for our son!”
- Hope, Alan and Lachlan
Narrah Raffaele, born 25 Nov 06, 4.25pm
“Just wanted to let you know how awesome and amazing you are! Having had my lot the conventional way and never doubting anything, I did raise my eyebrows at the thought of Georgia wishing to have a homebirth. But knowing what she has taught me throughout my years, I knew it would be amazing. I have never experienced anything like it ever - you were so cool, calm and collected, nothing was ever too much. All our questions answered and not only the care and consideration you gave to Georgia but to all of us. You are a beautiful and wonderful girl, and truly show what a dedicated person you are. I would recommend this to anyone. Once again, thank you for taking the loving care you did with Georgia and her beautiful new bub.”
- Margie (grandmother of Narrah, mother of Georgia)
A planned homebirth with an independent midwife, Narrah was eventually birthed in hospital after a long and difficult posterior labour at home over several days. Only the minimum of medical assistance was needed, resulting in a powerful and triumphant natural birth, and bub being received by Georgia’s own father, Richard. A truly wonderful moment, with not a dry eye to be seen! We brought the home to the hospital! Thanks for allowing me to be part of it guys. x Rachel