TESTIMONIALS

Words from clients who have worked with me along the way…

Birth Support / Postnatal Support Testimonials

Dear Stephanie, it’s difficult to express my gratitude to you for transforming my childbirth experience into such a positive and loving event.

I was initially so unsure about having a doula, and my prenatal anxiety made it hard for me to deal with the pregnancy and the prospect of birth. Your support was exactly what I needed throughout the process of bringing my son into the world. From the first session to the final check-in, your wisdom and attentiveness were invaluable.   You are so warm, caring and knowledgeable, but what was so meaningful to me was how you really took the time to understand my hesitations and preferences so that you could meet me where I was at throughout the process. You brought gentleness and fun to each of our sessions, and were such a source of comfort, reassurance and friendship from the first contraction onwards. Despite a long labour and some initial breathing difficulties for our baby, it was an immensely positive experience.

I’m now a total evangelist for doulas in general and for you in particular, and I would encourage all future parents to snap you up quickly!

Kate, 2024

Thanks so much Steph!

The photos are beautiful and so nice to have as memories to look back on!

Thank you again for all you did and for supporting us to have not only one but two beautiful and empowering births. The work you do is incredible and invaluable! Hearing others’ birth stories, we are so grateful to have had you at our births to keep us calm and help navigate and create such a positive experience.  Everyone should have a ‘Steph’ at their birth. Thank you!!!

Ellie, 2024

I don’t even know where to start with how integral Steph was for the smooth and successful birth of our daughter.

After a traumatic birth with our first child, we were referred to Steph by our lactation consultant. From the get go she was patient, warm, practical and understanding.  Steph walked us through all the steps of preparing mentally for a spontaneous labour and vaginal birth, listened and provided the calming, pragmatic presence I needed as a mother, and my partner needed as a co-birth partner.  She helped us create a birth plan to suit our goals and helped us navigate through the hospital system with knowledge and confidence.

When I went into labour, Steph arrived to the hospital at the same time, she helped me to avoid all drugs and advocate my needs and wants to the midwives so I could focus purely on getting through my labour.  With Steph’s presence, my partner was able to fully focus on being an emotional support and dissolved his anxiety surrounding the birth process.  I don’t think I could’ve gotten through my labour without pain medication without Steph, and I will be forever thankful for her kindness, knowledge and confidence in the birthing space.

 We are recommending her to all of our friends who fall pregnant from now on!

Pasha Nielson, 2023

One of the best things Stephanie provided for me and my partner was a sense of confidence. I was quite fearful about the whole experience of birth and a little vague about what was important to me, what information we might need, and how to make decisions…  Stephanie instilled in both of us this very real sense that we didn’t need to be fearful, and that we could undergo the experience of birth in a way that worked for us. This work began in our preparatory conversations before the birth, when Stephanie was so generous with her time and knowledge. Then throughout the long days of my early labour, in the moments of overwhelm when we were having to interpret information and make decisions in between contractions, right up to and beyond the moment our little son slid into the world and started crying, Stephanie was a calm, smiling, experienced, confident presence, offering relief of all different kinds. It made an enormous contribution to our experience of the birth as positive and as an achievement I felt proud about. We’re so grateful to Stephanie for all she did for us and will remember it for the rest of our lives.

Annie & Jack, 2023

We are grateful you were able to be with us at the birth of our daughter… Your guidance and support when we were at our most vulnerable allowed us to achieve our birthing goals with confidence.

Spending 27 hours with us during a challenging labour really did have a profound impact on our experience. At our lowest ebb, when all excitement and enthusiasm was diminished, you helped us rebuild energy with positivity and encouragement, and we don’t know how we would have managed without you. You allowed us to breathe, weren’t at all over-bearing but still intimately involved and we worked so well as a team of 3 that we don’t see how we would have done it otherwise. You filled in many of our knowledge blanks in the many sessions we shared before the birth that when it did come time to go to the hospital, we felt condiment and prepared, unlike many we met at the hospital.

We would not hesitate in having you to help us achieve our birthing goals again in the future.

Eleisha, Alistair and Pheobe, 2023

Bittersweet emotions right now not wanting to part ways with you.

I am forever grateful for you… Thank you for everything you have done for us and for holding a safe and loving space for me to birth my daughter.

Dixon Family, 2023

We have truly enjoyed your postnatal visits, with your relaxed, calm manner, empathy, kindness and encouragement… and your advice has been so helpful.

It has been so easy and comfortable to have you in our home. You’re really fabulous at what you do.

Melissa & Kiel, 2023

You send the best text messages Stephanie!

It felt so supportive to receive your consistent check-in’s between the in-person sessions, throughout our time together.

Lucina, 2023

Steph was our doula through pregnancy, at birth and during the postpartum period. After many recommendations from an independent midwife for Doula’s; once I landed on Steph’s website, I just knew she was the doula for us re affirmed when we met in person.

Steph is extremely kind, attentive, and present. No question is too much, and she asks you and your partner the questions you need to ask yourself. It felt so amazing to be so seen and heard through a vulnerable and new time.

I gave birth in the private system with a private OB and if I had my time over would make different choices but was able to navigate the system and some hard conversations with Steph’s support and guidance.

Not only did Steph support our birth but she helped my desire for education and self-care with resources, links, podcast and book recommendations as well as physical support for a sore pelvis and back. As my first pregnancy I felt reassured that her experience and expertise was pointing me in the right direction, and I didn’t have to sift through things.

At the birth Steph was amazing as she was so intuitive and supported me without having to ask me what I needed. I recall so many times looking at her for reassurance over any other person in the room. And then post birth I remember how caring and kind Steph was, medical staff rushing around Steph looked out for me with a tea, snack and much needed shower. Things you just don’t even think of.

Post birth Steph was checking in, supporting our transition as parents, and encouraging us that we were doing a good job even when we felt like we were drowning.

At our 6 week visit the close out ceremony was so personal and special to acknowledge such a huge life transition physically, emotionally and spiritually. It was the missing piece for my journey, and I left feeling so grateful, grounded and whole.

You are making a great decision to have Steph support you and I didn’t want our time together to end.

Emma, 2023

Thanks so much for everything you have given. We all feel extremely blessed and grateful to have had you to support us and so gently nurture us on this journey. You have so much amazing knowledge and wisdom, and I am so thankful to have learnt many things from you! We feel it was really meant to be!
Xadi, 2023

After completing Rhea Dempsey’s birth workshop and not feeling fully supported by the hospital anti-natal process, my partner Adam and I felt like we needed some additional support from an experienced midwife or doula. I’m so pleased I found Stephanie. I found her to be warm, patient, flexible and generous. The extended periods of time she spent with us in our home during my pregnancy were so valuable, both mentally and physically. Going into the birthing suite, albeit three weeks earlier than expected, I felt fully prepared and fully supported. Steph arrived at the birth moments after we contacted to her to come, in the middle of the night. Her gentle reassurances, soothing massages and calm presence no doubt made my birthing experience so much more bearable. Steph followed up with us after the birth with a debrief, foot massage and a very special closing of the bones ritual. I don’t think I would have had the natural birth I’d hoped for without Steph (and my partner Adam of course). I am eternally grateful.
Sam, 2022

My partner Phil and I were connected to Stephanie through friends she’d supported. We knew from classes we’d done that having someone experienced at the birth can make a huge difference with in-the-moment decisions and labouring strategies. What I didn’t realise as much was how valuable the discussions and practical activities would be in the lead up. I was really interested in birth education and had received amazing advice from friends, but was still overwhelmed by the volume of information I felt I had to comprehend before the birth. Steph was so knowledgeable and happy to go through all my questions about the physiology of birth and was incredibly skilled at rebozo and massage. Through our talks she also recognised one of the most important factors for me was to remember my own strengths and vulnerabilities, something that didn’t involve more reading, but reflection, communication with Phil and emotional/physical intuition. Without her guidance, I’m not sure I would have done this kind of preparation or given myself the permission to finally relax into the process.

We planned to birth at the Mercy birth centre with a Midwifery Group Practice midwife and we were hoping to stay at home for most of the labour and “come in pushing”, as our midwife said. I realise in retrospect that Steph had empowered Phil and I to manage the birth in our own way and own time at home, which was such a gift. We spent two days and nights labouring after my waters broke on my due date and navigated each moment together, with Phil helping me rest, breath, wee, eat, vocalise and stay active, even as those things became harder and harder. Steph was available the whole time, texting Phil and talking to me on the phone, but we didn’t feel we needed in person support just yet. On the second night, after a particularly intense wave of contractions and vomiting, I was feeling defeated and told Phil there were no more positions that would work. Steph came around soon after. I wasn’t able to cope with physical touch from anyone, but her presence, sitting next to me, witnessing my labour, was profoundly calming. With her help I eventually got into a side-lying position that helped me rest between contractions. I was so calm by this point I think we all thought the labour would continue a lot longer, but it actually ended up being the position that helped my daughter descend through my pelvis – ie. the pushing phase! Not long after she was crowning on our bed at home, at which point our midwife told us over the phone to come to the hospital and call an ambulance. The ambulance met us on a side street halfway to the hospital and our daughter was born in the back seat of the car, healthy and alert, delivered by the paramedic. Steph amazingly was at the hospital entrance when I arrived on the stretcher and was by my side for the next five hours, creating a protective and loving bubble around us and our baby, even during the hemorrhage and code pink that followed. It was actions like that which turned a potentially traumatic experience into one in which I felt held, honoured, even humourous at times. After the third stage was over, we had three “golden” hours with our baby in the birth suite. Steph helped wash me, brought tea and snacks and listened to our excited accounts of the birth.

Another thing I’ve realised is how beautiful it is to have someone to tell your story to, someone invested, and Stephanie provided that throughout our preparation, in the hospital and each time she visited in the weeks that followed. Birth and postnatal life were such intimate and intense experiences and ones that I was so glad Stephanie was a part of. I’m in awe of anyone who can work with birthing people the way she does, with so much generosity, adaptability and skill. She was able to give us confidence in the lead up, comfort during the labour and closure in the aftermath. She was there exactly when we needed her.

Jocelyn & Phil, 2022

After much deliberation on hiring a doula at 37 weeks to help achieve my VBAC, I couldn’t recommend Stephanie enough.

After an emergency c-section with my first child in 2019 due to failing to progress from a suspected narrow pelvis, my desire to attempt a VBAC was clouded by doubt and worry.

From the moment I met Stephanie she had a sense of warmth and kindness about her. She provided me with valuable information, gentle exercise and meditation techniques and most importantly the confidence boost I needed.

During my labour, Stephanie could expertly read my body language as to what techniques and positions were working for me and she would make gentle suggestions to help guide baby down.

With Stephanie’s help, I achieved my VBAC on the 24th April 2022!

Her postpartum care was second to none, I felt so cared for and could debrief the labour and birth with any questions I had. The follow up texts and calls were much appreciated in the weeks post birth, it was nice knowing someone was checking in on me also ❤️

Thanks Stephanie 🌼

Virginia Ross, 2022

When I fell pregnant with our first baby during the pandemic I knew my husband and I would need some extra support throughout the journey. Stephanie came highly recommended and the minute we met her we thought she would be perfect for us, and she was.

During our sessions, Stephanie gave us all the information without overwhelming us, never watched the clock (sometimes I had to tell her time had run over) and answered all our questions with ease. Outside of the sessions, Stephanie regularly checked in to see how we were going.

Because of restrictions, we didn’t know if Stephanie would be able to be at the birth, but a change last minute meant that she could be. The sessions with Stephanie had prepared my husband so well, he was the best support partner, but we both felt so much better having Steph with us on the day.

The birth didn’t quite go to plan but we both felt with Stephanie’s guidance, I gave it my absolute best and exhausted all options, and as a result I am very at peace with my birth experience.

If we go down the route of having another child, I wouldn’t hesitate having Stephanie as our doula again.

Kirstin & Mark, 2022

(Excerpt*)

Stephanie flexibly and generously availed herself, offering to stay in our home overnight, as she noted our conundrum regarding the hospital room not having space for my partner as well.

This was a tremendous support, and we recommend an overnight stay to everyone who employs Stephanie. Never have we felt less qualified, arriving home as a 1st time parents with a fresh newborn!

Having Steph around that first night helped me feed colostrum, and allowed my partner and I to catch up on much missed sleep, while she stayed awake to soothe our crying baby.

*Rebecca and Hamish’s complete birth story is located here.

Rebecca and Hamish, 2022

I cannot recommend Stephanie highly enough.

When looking for a doula to be our second support person during the birth of our daughter we wanted someone with lots of experience, a motherly touch and an empowering presence.  We clicked with Stephanie at the get go and our experience with her before, during and after the birth was no different!

Our birth was a huge success and I truly believe it would have been very different without her there.  Massage, advocating for our plan and physically being so supportive during the long labour allowed us to stay on track and have the positive physiological birth, which is what we wanted.

If you want to feel supported but also want to know your partner will be supported and guided on how to best support you during the labour, Stephanie is for you!  She will be at our next birth that’s for sure!  Again, I cannot recommend her highly enough!

Ellie and Jake, 2021

We met Stephanie at the 38 week mark. At the 40 week mark, I had emergency knee surgery. Stephanie was exceptional at every turn. As additional challenges arose pre-labour, she effortlessly and carefully considered the best approach and supported me to make decisions. During labour, she really shined and was an impeccable support whilst not stepping on the toes of the midwife or obstetrician. With the additional hurdle of my knee still healing whilst giving birth, she made what felt impossible an absolutely magical natural labour experience. I will forever look back on it as one of the most beautiful moments in our life.
Tania - 2021

Thank you, Stephanie, for supporting us to bring our second baby into this world. You helped give us the birth we had hoped for with our first daughter, and at the same time gave us the birth we needed. We found your wisdom and experience to be what we needed for a natural birth which we don’t believe we would have otherwise had purely in the hospital system.

With both our babies we had hoped to have a drug and intervention free birth. After our experience with our first baby it was clear that my partner as much as I needed additional support to navigate the birthing experience. We were unsure if we could have a doula present due to COVID-19 and so waited until I was 38 weeks before engaging Stephanie. We met her and instantly felt the connection. She helped us process our first birth and the anxieties for the next. I again had a prolonged rupture of membranes. Stephanie provided guidance and support to help us make informed decisions not led by the hospitals policies. She helped my body naturally bring on the labour and gracefully guided us through a natural delivery.

It was an ‘out of the body experience’ and we can’t thank Stephanie enough for guiding us and sharing that very unique moment. Stephanie provided us with nurturing support in the weeks that followed, helping us settle into our new family. I wouldn’t have another baby without a doula like Stephanie by my side. From the depths of our hearts we are eternally grateful.

Nicole and Andres - 2021

Thank-you so much for your AMAZING support. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Love and gratitude,

Claire & Bella - 2021

Stephanie is a wonderful doula. She is professional, caring, extremely knowledgeable and an excellent listener. With Stephanie’s guidance, support, and calming presence, I was able to have the un-medicated birth I was hoping for.

My husband and I felt so much more prepared and relaxed after our sessions with Stephanie. She lent us books and DVD’s, taught us massage and pain relief techniques and answered every question that we had. She was so generous with her time and really helped to ease my fears about childbirth. With Stephanie’s guidance, my husband was able to trust in his ability to support me in the birthing suite and I felt completely prepared for my labour.

I felt instantly calm when I walked into the hospital and saw Stephanie. She took over checking me into the while I was having contractions in the waiting room. I was completely relaxed knowing that Stephanie would be there to support me and advocate for me. This was a huge factor in me being able to let go and giving birth only 90 minutes after arriving at the hospital.

Stephanie, thank you for supporting us in our journey. You are incredible at what you do and we would highly recommend you to anyone preparing for labour.

Ellen & Reece - 2021

Words can not describe the gratitude I have for you being apart of our pregnancy, Hudson’s birth and after birth journey.

You have always been so warm, calm, comforting, educating and everything Jake and I needed throughout our beautiful experience.

What we found so helpful was the discussion prior to birth, not only did you educated us on what birth would look like but how important it was for Jake and I to communicate about what we needed before and after. Those discussions really not only helped us feel comfortable but helped our marriage.

Having you at our birth, talking me through the contractions really helped my home birth become a dream come true. And after the birth when you stayed to help clean up, answer questions, celebrate with us and feed us. We can’t thank you enough. You have truely helped us have a beautiful experience.

Thank you for being so beautiful, caring and always there for us when we needed you.

Looking forward to seeing you at the next birth!

Tanya, Jake & Hudson - 2021

We highly recommend Steph. We teamed up with Steph after our doula had an injury and Steph stepped in to help. Initially we were upset to change doulas, however once we chatted with Steph on the phone and meet her in person, we felt at ease straight away – she has a great consistent calm and comforting energy. My partner and I both felt supported with Steph by our sides.

Stephanie has a great way of saying the right things at the right time and we were always so relieved to see her walk in the door. Steph supported us in the birth we wanted and we never felt pressure or anything other than her positive calm comforting vibes. Steph’s communication was great and she is very knowledgeable. We would have Steph back with us if we birth again.

We had the natural birth we wanted, sure it could have been shorter than 3 days and there were other aspects that were not planned, however my partner and I feel so proud and happy, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Steph providing that continuity of care and keeping our strength/energy up.

For the partners that maybe wondering how a doula can help you, Steph helped my partner by explaining things prior to birth and answering questions. She was someone he could call on, especially when I was struggling in labour, or at hospital before Steph arrived. When Steph walked in the door during labour at home, my partner was able to sleep and recharge. Immediately post birth, Steph helped and supported my partner to feed and care for our baby while I was in surgery. It’s hard to put into words all the care a doula provides, however what I can say is my partner went from someone who didn’t see why we needed a doula, to someone who wouldn’t have done it any other way and was so relieved to have Steph on our team.

Thank you!!

Melissa and Alex - 2021

Dear Stephanie,

What a journey 🙂 Whilst this year has been pretty crazy around the world, we’ve been very lucky to have our own special adventure with your incredible support along the way. From the start, we felt like a solid team with trust, respect and great humour.

Through all my ‘practice runs’ to the hospital, navigating COVID restrictions, our bubba deciding he just couldn’t wait another minute to meet us and time in special care, we always felt so supported. We felt as prepared as we could leading up to Ollie’s arrival and despite all the crazy things happening around us, my labour and birth were magical. You couldn’t be there in person due to COVID but it honestly felt like you were right next to me as you spoke calmly and encouragingly over the phone. I felt incredibly strong, supported and safe. The confidence you instilled in us was exhilarating and we felt able to navigate the challenges of special care and bringing a beautiful premmie baby home. Ollie is absolutely thriving and sharing our joy with you has been very special.

I feel really blessed to have gone through the closing the bones ritual with you as well, it helped me to reconnect with my postpartum body and process feelings that were deep within me. We are so glad we found you, thank you so much for everything!

If we decide to grow our family, you’ll be the first to know!

Big love,

Ollie, Amanda & Andrew - 2020

Stephanie was amazing.

We met a few different doulas and Stephanie was warm, understand and really heard my previous birth struggles and I felt genuinely wanted to help and be a part of my VBAC journey. And what a journey it was.

In amongst Covid-19 we found Stephanie was an amazing source of knowledge, comfort and stability which is exactly what we needed. Her flexabilty meant that we were able to prepare for the birth (which has so many unknowns in itself) in a time when we didn’t know if hospital policies or state regulations would change at the drop of a hat. I felt ready, calm and prepared for my birthing experience.

I went into labour and Stephanie was able to be by my side and it couldn’t have turned out any better. I ended up having an unexpected home birth where Stephanie helped deliver our little girl. The comfort of having someone we completely trusted meant we weren’t scared or anxious about the situation, we just went with it and it was an amazing and fond memory I look back on. She was exactly what my husband and I needed when we needed it, so thankyou Stephanie for helping to make our birth such a positive one amongst an unprecedented time in our lives!

Matilda was born at 10:32pm 17 June 2020.

Laura & Matt - 2020

Steph was an absolutely amazing support. During our first phone call, I instantly knew that she was the right support person for me. I felt understood and guided.

She also provided me with the most helpful resources leading towards the big day, so that I was able to prepare mentally and physically.
During labour at home, Steph was an essential part in keeping me calm and supported me until it was time to head off to the hospital. My son was born just one hour later.

Steph showed me, that an experienced doula, like her, is an essential part of a positive and empowering birth.

I highly recommend Steph.

Steff Bernard - 2020

At 20 weeks we found out I had a short cervix and that our baby could come at any time. Bed rest and feeling pretty overwhelmed followed and so as our due date got closer I realised having the extra support of a doula was something I really wanted. 1. To help with birth, 2. If we had a premmy baby I wanted my husband to be able to go with our baby and still have someone I trusted to stay with me 3. I wanted an extra feminine energy in my birth space.

We were recommended Steph through friends who described her as the “secret weapon you didn’t know you needed!”… and she was just that! We met Steph when I was 35 weeks and from the minute we met her we knew she was our person. She beautifully held space for us to talk through what we hoped and wanted without fear or judgement, and she graciously supported me through what ended up being an overdue baby after all the worry! Both my husband and I felt like we could contact Steph at any time in the lead up for support and guidance on the info we were being given, and on the day our little guy came she was everything we needed: advocate, holder of space, nurturer, discrete and solid.

Steph supported me having a beautiful birth and I left the birth wondering how any woman births without a doula! Steph seemed to know what to do physically to support the process and equally suggested or asked questions of our Obstetrician when needed.

Thank you Steph, for you care, wisdom and unwavering support. You have a true gift for nurturing whatever a woman’s birth wishes are. I felt completely seen and held by you.

Paige Campbell - 2020

I had a difficult pregnancy, I was sick the entire time and it was during the pandemic. Without Stephanie I would have been utterly lost.

Her knowledge, kindness, warmth and friendship kept me going and instilled confidence within me.
Having one person who was with us from the start of our pregnancy journey into the postnatal period was so comforting, she was always just a phone all or text away and knowing that helped us much.

I had a lot of expectations about what being pregnant would be like, however the sickness I had meant that I didn’t really get to enjoy it and I certainly wasn’t glowing however I had moments of beauty and awe and I can attribute these to working with Stephanie, her energy brought me peace and courage.

My partner and I can’t recommend her more highly.

Tanya, Andrew & Elio - 2020

I cannot recommend Stephanie more highly: my sister, my partner and I, we are forever grateful for her grounded support, practical advice, and calm reassurance before, during and after the birth of my son Deniz Kaan. We will always hold her in our hearts.

I first learnt about doulas in Australia from my general practitioner and I was very sceptical about the relevance of their role. The relationship and appreciation of Stephanie grew overtime and I firmly believe that without her, I would have felt completely lost in my birthing experience and motherhood journey.

Stephanie has been more than a partner, more than a sister and more than a mother to me in the most challenging moments of my life, which were: preparing to become a mother myself, the birth, and the afterbirth. It is said “when a child is born, so is the mother. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother never. A mother is absolutely new”, with all the difficulties and struggles that accompany that moment, both physical and psychological.

I was very impressed by the professional expertise of Stephanie from my pre-natal meetings with her: her expertise gave me an enormous peace of mind. By that time, I had attended some pre-natal classes at the hospital, which addressed clinical issues but overlooked every holistic aspect about the general wellbeing of a woman, a new mum, and her baby. I benefitted from Stephanie’s massages, advice, and specific exercises that I could practice with my partner to release muscles, breathe, and relax. They motivated me to understand the power of my body, correct my posture, acquire some knowledge in breathing techniques and many other improvements that can make an enormous difference during pregnancy, especially when time is limited by work commitments, domestic and international travels, deadlines and other usual aspects of life. Stephanie has always accommodated my busy schedule and that was another absolute plus.

During my induced labour and in-between two failed epidurals, Stephanie’s reassuring presence, vigorous and tireless massages and coordination of my sister’s and my partner’s efforts in addressing my pain have been proven pivotal, not only to endure the process but especially to ensure the survival of my baby, who indirectly benefitted from those tireless massages while he was preparing to see the light. Induction was a scenario that I would not have expected at the end of my pregnancy, and the multiple (painful) drips I had, made me feel completely vulnerable and uneasy. When Stephanie joined us in the birthing room, her touch and empathy made my heart rejoice of renovated hope that, despite that miserable condition, it was still possible to ease the whole situation.

Stephanie is wise, attentive, thoughtful. She has a sharp mind, she continuously research and update her knowledge and network, which she generously shares. I have felt genuinely cared for, and understood also after birth. The amazing resources she has made at my disposal and the experts she made me in contact with, for my recovery process – physical, psychological, and spiritual – have saved my motherhood journey. During my recovery from a traumatic emergency C-section, I was simply overwhelmed by information and pressures from many different sources (hospital, maternal nurse, lactation consultants, …), none of which could address my issues. Stephanie has helped me to find ‘my voice’ and to take care of those complications generated by the clinical process.

As a new mother, I faced a steep learning curve and the very first months were dreadful. I did not expect the additional support that Stephanie generously provided after birth and even during Covid-19. Once again, her warm, nurturing personality and her expertise were invaluable. In the darkest moments of my afterbirth, when I had lost any confidence in recovering completely, she was there. And even if we could only communicate via messages or emails, knowing that I had a listening ear, which could interpret my needs, and relying on her expertise meant an entire world to me.

Laura & Deniz Kaan - 2019

I cannot speak highly enough of the incredible support Stephanie provided through my rather tumultuous birth and postnatal period. We had only just engaged Stephanie as our doula for the birth of our first child when my waters broke at 31 weeks and I was told I’d most likely go into labour within two weeks. Stephanie rearranged her schedule so she could meet with my husband and I in the next few days and talk us through birth preparation and what to expect during a premature labour. During my rather short but intense labour Stephanie was a calm and reassuring presence and provided useful practical strategies to help guide me through with little pain relief. When I experienced complications requiring me to go theatre, she stayed by my side, enabling my husband to head up to the NICU with our tiny newborn without worrying about me.

Felix spent four and half weeks in hospital and Stephanie supported us throughout this journey, calling and texting regularly to see how both he and we were doing, and encouraging us through the various challenges such as establishing breastfeeding. Stephanie’s support helped to make our early days with Felix as stress-free and happy as possible under the circumstances.

Thank you Stephanie – we are so grateful to have had someone so knowledgeable, warm, genuine and generous with both your time and positive energy to accompany us through this experience!

Danielle, Evan & Felix - 2019

Steph was a wonderful knowledgeable and calming support and presence through pregnancy, labour and post-partum time. Her help and guidance leading up to labour was of great use and piece of mind and her presence at the birth was incredibly helpful to both mother and partner providing guidance to both. Her follow up visit and the information she provides to new parents is of such great help too.
Jesse Fulton - 2019

Having Stephanie as a Doula was one of the best decisions we had made. She had given us great insight about the birthing process in prenatal classes which had helped us prepare mentally and physically. Stephanie’s presence during the labour was incredibly helpful. Thanks to her I felt strong and calm, and she supported us with any decisions that had to be made. We are also very happy with the infant massage classes afterwards. Our son has really benefited from them and as parents we feel it is a great way to connect with our baby.

Thank you Stephanie! We will be sure to call you again when we have our second child 🙂

We are very grateful for all you guidance and support.

Matt, Monika & Theo - 2019

Steph walked alongside us for both our births and I can’t recommend her more highly. Her years of skill and knowledge both hands on and educationally, her down to earth presence and non-judgement were invaluable.

Reflecting back, I now know the level of safety and support both my partner and I felt throughout from Steph were essential ingredients in my ability to reach my full birthing potential and not be railroaded by my own doubts or others’ agendas.

Steph had our backs at every turn and it helped so much being able to lean into her in moments of doubt, emotional upheaval and physical limits.

Steph also provided her support in a way that honoured how we wanted to navigate our journey so the entire way through it felt our own and that was incredibly empowering.

Kirstan Flannery - 2017 & 2019

We are so grateful that we made the decision to ask Stephanie to be our doula! We initially had some reservations about hiring a doula at all as our budget was very tight, but our experience would have been completely different without her and it was 100% the right decision. She was a constant source of encouragement and knowledge and helped us feel supported through every step and decision along the way. Our labour turned into an epic multi-day saga with lots of external pressures but Stephanie’s commitment to us and our desire for a low-intervention birth was amazing. We honestly would not have coped, and we definitely would not have had the birth that we had hoped for, without her! She is such a kind, gentle person and we are so happy to have shared this beautiful experience with her.

Thank you for our last session, we really enjoyed just catching up and debriefing about everything! It was really nice for me to process a few things and for both of us to get a bit of closure, I guess you’d call it..

I’ve been absolutely loving giving Luca massages and she really loves it too. She started laughing this week! So exciting and gorgeous…

Cassy, Andy & Luca - 2018

Bringing Stephanie along on our journey towards parenthood was one of the best decisions we’ve made.

Before the big event, Stephanie came to our house twice and we discussed all eventualities. This allowed us to talk about our wishes and concerns in a non-judgmental environment. Additionally, Stephanie provided us with lots of resources including books, exercises, guided meditations and complimentary therapist recommendations. I definitely felt prepared and I was able to let go of any fears I may have had.

At the birth, Stephanie was a great aid to both my partner and I. She held space for us. Ben felt that he was able to focus his attention on supporting me. I was able to focus on my breath and I was comforted knowing that I had a strong and encouraging team around me. I believe that the confidence I had in the people around me, helped me deliver a 3.9kg posterior baby safely on just gas and air. We are so happy to have had the positive and natural birth experience we had hoped for.

I wouldn’t think twice about hiring Stephanie again if we decide to jump back on the baby train.”

Gillian - 2018

My wife and I were following a hypnobirthing approach for our first baby. We were well prepared and going with a private hospital and Obstetrician but chose to also have a doula present to support us both on the big day. We met with several doulas before choosing Stephanie.

During the birth of our daughter Stephanie was completely invaluable. From the physical support (constant massage, verbal support, etc.) she provided my wife, to practical and proactive support for me like ensuring I remembered to eat and drink, our birth wouldn’t have been the same without her. Her calm and positive manner helped us maintain the environment and mindset we were seeking.

Stephanie stayed by our side for 20 hours and was instrumental in helping us have an incredibly positive birth experience, through which we met our wonderful daughter. We’d hire her again in an instant and highly recommend her to anyone.

Jesse - 2018

I’m so happy I had Stephanie to support me with my less conventional path to motherhood… As a solo mother by choice, Stephanie stepped into the role of birth partner and provided the containment I needed to birth my daughter without fear or anxiety. With her help I had the drug-free birth I’d hoped for and I am very proud of the phenomenal courage I showed. After delivering my healthy little girl, I had complications with the placenta that required surgical intervention and we were separated for several hours. During this time Stephanie cuddled, sung to and helped feed my baby with the colostrum she was able to express from me… and despite this early complication we have sailed into life as mother and daughter! We feel so lucky to have had Stephanie as our birth doula.

Beth and Baby Lily - 2017

Stephanie is a fantastic doula and the most wonderful support during pregnancy and birth.

We engaged Stephanie to help us with the birth of our second baby. My first birth ended in an emergency c-section after a long labour and I found the recovery period a real challenge, both physically and emotionally. For our second baby I really wanted a VBAC. Stephanie took the time to carefully debrief what had happened in the first birth and to learn what our hopes and wishes were for the birth of our new little one. It was great to have access to Stephanie’s library of resources and she gave us lots of useful things to read and think about. But best of all, she shared her great personal wisdom and insights from years of experience, and she really encouraged and believed in me.

I also appreciated her being available throughout the pregnancy to talk through any issues or challenges that arose.

During the birth Stephanie was such a calm and grounded presence and we felt so relieved when she arrived at the hospital! It was also invaluable to have her there after the birth to take care of us and to welcome our new son to the world. I have no doubt that Stephanie’s wisdom and support played a big part in me having a successful VBAC.

Stephanie is a very special person – she is super lovely, kind, thoughtful, professional and experienced. She put us both at ease immediately and we felt so relaxed with her. We feel very lucky to have had her by our side during such an important time.

Thanks so much Steph!

Annabel, Dan & Louis - 2017

Thanks to Stephanie we were able to achieve the labour and birth that we had hoped for. The advice, support and information in the lead up to the labour made us feel prepared and at ease when the time came. Stephanie’s coaching meant our birth experience was a really positive one and is such a special memory for us both. Our beautiful baby boy was brought into the world calmly, naturally and drug free which was our hope.
Carly and Mark - 2016

Dearest Stephanie,
Each time i hear from you I get a lovely warm calm feeling come over me. Your presence at our birth was so supportive so warm so much exactly what I needed and was looking for.

Birthing Ben is something i am so proud of. It has lifted me up so much and i have continued on in an elevated mood, self aware and so attuned to Ben, to myself, to my other boys.

Your warmth and calmness was a reminder of something deep inside me that i could tap into. You reflected the inner me.

That’s what i knew i needed because i know i can be thrown off who i am by fear, by authority, and i can be blurred by other people’s opinions and ideas because i want to please everyone.

This birth was something i believed i could do. I feel so complete. So accomplished. So rewarded. So womanly. and i am so grateful that I found you who reflected and supported me. You were like a beacon for me to hold onto. If only I had found you before my first birth!

I hope many more women find you!

Sarah - 2016

We booked Stephanie to chaperone us through my second pregnancy and labour. We are so, so glad we did.
We had long meetings prenatally and she gave us great information, truly useful tips and incredible support, all of which was guided by what we wanted. She didn’t come to us with a particular agenda but was there to help us have the labour we wanted. We called her when I was in the fairly early stages at hospital and she came and stayed throughout. Labour didn’t go quite as we hoped and when my husband and I became frightened, having Stephanie there was our saving grace. The hospital midwives are great but they were all strangers. Steph had become our friend, and she knew what we wanted and was able to represent that. She is so very calming and just about the loveliest, kindest support you could hope to have.
Gillian, Simon and baby Gulliver - 2016

Stephanie, Just a little note to say thank-you for being part of this journey with us; for preparing us for welcoming our Elliot into the world; for being on the welcoming front line; and for helping us adjust to our “new normal”! You’ve given us – especially me – the courage and the wisdom to navigate this totally new experience which has at once been both incredibly natural and incredibly unfamiliar… I appreciate and applaud you immensely for the work that you do, so important it is! …and I know that you will bring immense support to many more parents and babies.
Ann Brennan - 2016

When I think of my pregnancy and labour, it’s so hard to sum up the role Stephanie played for my husband and I. She was such an important part and helped us in so many ways. One of those was the sessions we had with her beforehand, answering our 1000 questions and providing books and material for further research. I just loved our deep conversations during this time… We were also able to practice active positions for labour and created a birth plan together. This really helped me to gain confidence and overcome some of my fears, and that confidence stayed with me during labour. I had planned for a natural, unmedicated birth and I believe one of the main reasons that it did end up being one was because of the strong support I received. Stephanie helped my husband and I to relax and trust in the process. She was calm, gentle, reassuring and helped me find the right positions at the right times. She stayed with us for more than 12 hours and also at the end of it all made me what I think was the best cup of tea of my life! After the birth we were able to meet again and ask her all my questions about early motherhood, which was a great help in a very intense time. Catching up afterwards also allowed us to just enjoy going through our shared experience and treasure our precious memories. Stephanie is doing such wonderful work, and it is a pleasure to recommend her to everyone! – Val

Stephanie was such an amazing support for us all the way through and I’m so glad she was part of the whole experience. She really helped to open up space for my wife and I to prepare for the birth of our son in such an open and honest way. I felt that we were able to come a lot closer together and really look forward to his arrival and what that would mean for us. Her presence at the hospital was such a calming influence as we moved through some challenging stages. I feel that her confidence and calmness really helped me to support my wife at times where, as a first time father, I’m sure I wouldn’t have felt at all confident or calm! I am so glad that we had Stephanie involved in bringing our boy into the world and really grateful for the way she nurtured both my wife and I during this time. – Jonathon

Valerie and Jonathon - 2016

Stephanie, What an amazing woman you are! Thank-you for supporting us on this wild and wonderful journey into parenthood, and for sharing with us your knowledge and experience. You have been incredibly encouraging, understanding, pragmatic and kind, and so importantly – reminded us of the beauty in the whole experience when at times we were focused on the clinical concerns. Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us to give Elmore the best start in life.
Marika Fengler - 2015

It is impossible to say what our baby’s birth would have been like without Steph by our side… What we can say is that having her there gave us the confidence to release and let go. Her calm nature melted our fears and helped us work together as a team embracing every stage of the process. She was patient, kind, genuine and nurturing all the way through. We are forever grateful for having had her and her gentle guidance during this special time, and we will always hold her in our hearts.
Giselle and Paul Bongiorno - 2015

We couldn’t be more happy with our decision to have Stephanie as our doula for the birth of our second baby boy. Our first experience had not gone to plan with our baby sitting posterior during labour and us feeling completely unprepared to deal with the jargon thrown at us in the hospital about ‘failure to progress’ etc. We felt like we just lost control of that birth experience, leading ultimately to an emergency caesarean, and we wanted to have a sense of involvement in this birth. Having Stephanie come to our home for preparation during the pregnancy really helped us to work through how we felt about that experience and what we wanted from this one. We came up with a birth plan that we were happy with, and her experience was invaluable in giving us some great tips and guidance for this plan, putting our needs and wishes into words that the hospital staff would understand. With this support we were able to lose the anxieties that we had about this labour and approach it calmly – even look forward to it! We were lucky enough to have a great VBAC experience, encouraged safely through it by Stephanie, whose calm support and advocacy in the delivery room were amazing… We feel fantastic when we think about the birth experience that we had.
Jemma and Wayne - 2015

Steph, I really can’t thank you enough for the amazing support you have given me throughout my pregnancy, birth and post-natally… I know that I wouldn’t have achieved the birth I had and wanted, if it wasn’t for you. I cannot recommend you more highly… You are wise, measured, attentive, intuitive, thoughtful and generous. Throughout this journey with you I have felt genuinely cared for, safe and understood. Thank you, thank you! You have made a difference to my life and helped set me up for my biggest adventure so far.
Zigi - 2015

When my partner and I fell pregnant we knew little about birth and didn’t care how we gave birth, as long as our baby was healthy. But over the journey of pregnancy we realised the choices we made now would create a more meaningful birth experience and lead to a better start to parenthood… Having Stephanie’s support was the best decision we made. Aswell as being nurturing, Stephanie’s support was practical and grounded in evidence-based birth practices. She was extremely genuine and caring in her approach, created awareness about we could be better empowered in the hospital system and helped us mentally prepare for labour. We had a strong, active labour with Stephanie providing amazing natural pain relief in the form of massage and movement. After the birth it was wonderful to have her postpartum support too – knowing we were on the right track with our gorgeous little son.
Marian Reid - 2015

Steph was incredibly professional and well prepared for each appointment with us leading up to the birth and was absulotely brilliant on the day. I didn’t expect the additional support that Steph provided pre and post birth but it was much needed and some of those phone calls saved my sanity on a few occasions!
Renee Hughes - 2014

Stephanie was such a wonderful support after the birth of our first child. After expressing milk for almost a month, I had almost giving up on the idea of breastfeeding, Stephanie showed great patience and care when helping me get my baby back on the breast. She was always just a text or phone call away when the wheels seemed to be falling off. I can’t thank her enough for the support and encouragement she gave me through the ups and downs of those initial weeks of parenting. Stephanie certainly left me a more confident Mum!
Anna O’Grady - 2014

After a fairly unpleasant first birth experience I was terrified heading into my second pregnancy. Working with Stephanie enabled me to process my first birth experience and build up my confidence so that by the time I started going into labour the second time around I felt prepared and excited. Having Stephanie there with me throughout my labour kept me calm and focussed, and her massages were incredible. She provided invaluable support not only to me but also to my husband, especially when complications arose. The follow up visits upon our return from the hospital were also tremendously helpful. I would thoroughly recommend Stephanie to anyone preparing for labour.
Kerry Hill - 2014

As a first time mum I was becoming increasingly anxious about the impending birth of my son. I knew that I wanted a natural birth but felt unsure of whether I could achieve this on my own, and had a thousand questions and concerns. Enlisting Stephanie as our doula made all the difference – not only in working through a birth plan, but also in relieving a lot of the anxieties I felt towards pregnancy and birth. She was a fantastic source of reassurance, practical advice and support, and was a continually friendly and calm presence in our home. She was also great at engaging and involving my husband in the process, and making him feel like an active participant in the birth of our son. We were finally able to achieve the natural birth we’d been dreaming of, and we wholeheartedly thank Stephanie for all her assistance on our amazing day!
Alice Montes - 2014

Stephanie, Thank-you for so honestly and warmly connecting with Neel and I to support us in our pregnancy, childbirth preparation and birth of our gorgeous second child. We really appreciate how well you listened to us, and how readily you understood our hopes and wishes for our birth and worked with us to clarify and realise these. It was a very positive and loving birth experience – despite the surprise roadside delivery! This was very much due to Neel and I having worked through our expectations of each other, debriefing our previous birth experience, and feeling empowered to embrace our second birth with confidence – all of which you helped facilitate with us in our birth preparation sessions. It was and always will be a very special and personal experience… Thank-you for supporting us and sharing in this incredible journey!
Anna Bivalkar - 2014

Stephanie, thank you very much for your care and support during my pregnancy in 2013. In my VBAC pursuit with my child number 3, you helped me write my birth plan, practice labour positions, etc. You helped me prepare physically and emotionally. Especially after my consultations, you were there for me to discuss any issues. Although, due to medical complications, my planned VBAC was not successful, I gained a lot of information about childbirth, VBAC and doula services. In fact doula service is a “service when needed most”. Thank you again for your warm, professional and personalised care and I wish you all the best.
Nejat Abdelkerim - 2013

Lionel’s birth experience was more than we could ever have expected and Steph continued to support us with a few very welcome visits through the early weeks. We can’t thank Steph enough for being an integral part of our team. Stephanie’s professionalism, coupled with her warm and nurturing personality, made her the perfect doula for us.
Jo Presser - 2013

The fact that I managed to have a natural birth and avoid pain relief is definitely due to the support, experience and care given by Stephanie. Without her encouragement, calm manner and positive outlook I am certain, that we would have been lead down the road of intervention for the birth of our son. Stephanie helped us to achieve our goal and assisted in the miracle of bringing our beautiful son safely into the world. Hence, without a second thought, we have asked her to be our doula for the birth of our second child.
Anita King - 2009 & 2013

Stephanie was our family during those first few days at home. We will forever be grateful for those caring phone calls and helpful visits. Her baby massage techniques have been invaluable for bub when she has a pain or experienced reflux. Colic massage is now our best friend and Stephanie was a well of wisdom in this area.
Shannon O"Neill Martinez - 2013

Due to Stephanie advising of less painful techniques and positions and most importantly the support and knowledge that she has, this whole birthing experience was just beautiful, and my wife was able to have a drug free birth that we are extremely proud of.
Aaron Holding - 2013

During my labour Steph was like my personal trainer. Encouraging me throughout every contraction and using her magic hands to get me through. When I had a few pauses in my contractions Steph’ massage was so amazing, relaxing and comforting. Because of Steph I had the labour I have always wanted but never thought I could have. I got to have an active, drug-free birth.
Tammy Hales - 2013

Giving birth is HARD WORK. At times labour can feel like it will never end. Doctors and midwives will come and go, but your doula will not leave you. Your doula will look you in the eye and tell you that you can do it. Your doula will hold a face washer to your burning brow. Your doula will massage your aching shoulders and then give you the encouragement and focus you need to work effectively through the next contraction. Your doula will give your partner a break and always has a new suggestion to mix things up when labour slows. Your doula will stand by you when it’s finally time to push and you feel like the universe is cracking in two. Stephanie did all of this for me and more. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Joanne Currie - 2013

Words cannot express how grateful we are to have benefited from Stephanie’s wisdom and experience during my labour. She worked tirelessly and was able to anticipate my needs, suggest positions, and serve as a role model for my husband, all while providing a calm presence, positive energy and much needed vocal support.
Laura Schwartz - 2013

As soon as we met Stephanie for the first time, we knew she was the right person. We had a few meetings, and were provided with some great reading and preparation material as well as talking through fears, hopes, and our birth plan leading up to the birth. For the second birth, simply we could not imagine giving birth without Stephanie being there, so fantastic was her presence at the first.
Louise Dyer - 2008 & 2010

Stephanie enabled us to fulfill our desire, to birth our babies with minimal intervention within the medicalised realm, that is the public health system. Steph’s calm and focused presence enabled me to journey through the more difficult aspects of each birth in a really beautiful and serene way. Professional at all times, Steph related well with the medical staff involved at the hospital, and was able to effectively relay details of our birth plans and goals, when it was difficult for myself or my partner to communicate. Steph has amazing qualities and skills which are perfectly suited to the work she does. She is warm, thoughtful, respectful and down to earth, making her an absolute pleasure to be around at all times. Her participation in both our birth experiences has enabled us to reflect on each journey in a very positive way.
Catherine Dyer - 2006 & 2009

Having Stephanie present at the birth of both of our daughters was invaluable. To begin with, she helped us to formulate our birth plan, answered questions we forgot (or were too intimidated) to ask the medical staff, and met with us regularly leading up to the due date. During the birth she acted as a buffer between us and the rest of the world, allowing Catherine to concentrate on birthing, and freeing me up to focus my attention on supporting her. She is very well informed and professional, and I found that her calming presence, advice and support (both physical and emotional) at critical moments during the births were crucial to their success. She was an amazing person to have on our birth team. I cannot recommend her highly enough!
Leo Mullins - 2006 & 2009

Stephanie’s calm and caring expertise helped us to prepare for this major event with greatly needed confidence, and saw us through an intense and challenging labour. She helped us to devise a birth plan and led us to think about the things that were important to us. Stephanie’s presence at the hospital was invaluable. Cameron benefited from having someone there to support him in his role as my birth partner and Stephanie helped me with breathing, different positions and calm verbal support. She also spent valuable time with us following the birth to debrief the experience and how we felt about everything. Employing Stephanie as our Doula was a very worthwhile investment from both partner perspectives, and I would highly recommend her as a Doula for any couple who aspire to having a very special, personalized natural birth.
Madeleine Daniel 2008

Stephanie’s intuition and ability to pre-empt our needs was amazing. She took a guiding role, and used lots of hands-on techniques to help me understand and get in touch with my emotions and the physical changes of labour. Her guidance really helped me to relax and focus on achieving loving and natural birth. Stephanie’s verbal coaching and support during the labour was very comforting, and empowered me to deliver our babies in the way we wanted to. The support and ecouragement that she provided to my partner brought us closer as a family, and having him actively involved in all the stages of labour was a fantastic support to me. It was particularly wonderful to have Steph’s post-natal care, allowing us time to talk over the births, and as such relax and enjoy our children.
Louise Barnfield - 2006 & 2008

Thank-you so much for helping us to bring our son into the world. I can’t convey how much you helped me during the birth. Your marathon massage, and level-headed emotional support meant that Mark and I could be ‘together’, and share the experience intimately, regardless of the medical intervention. Thank-you!
Fiona Wilson - 2004

“The moment a child is born the mother is also born .. She never existed before .. the woman existed but the mother, never .. a mother is something absolutely new.”

– Osho

Baby Massage Testimonials

“Thank-you so much for sharing your incredible knowledge and skills with our family! My partner and I have loved learning together ~ a very special way to connect, bond and play with our beautiful daughter. It has been amazing watching her response over the weeks and how much she has grown to love the physical contact. I was initially unsure about what to expect, but it has been incredible for all of us.”
Catherine Dyer

“We will forever be grateful for those caring phone calls and helpful visits. Stephanie’s baby massage techniques have been invaluable for bub when she has had a pain or experienced reflux. Colic massage is now our best friend and Stephanie was a well of wisdom in this area.”
Shannon O'Neill-Martinez

“…After the birth, Steph also taught us infant massage which was incredibly helpful for strengthening our connection even more with our little lady.”
Renee Hughes

“My baby boy and I got so much out of this workshop; and it had a brilliant positive effect. Our interaction is a lot stronger and I am learning to understand him so much more.”
Jacinta Stone

“I really liked all the beautiful communication, and feel happier now to give my baby what she needs in terms of comfort and love.”
Cath Tan

“Learning Baby Massage was wonderful! The class was really fun and informative and the follow-up from session to session was excellent. It helped me to understand the needs of my baby in terms of emotions, and also helped me to recognize and understand her cues. Stephanie was knowledgeable, patient and empathetic.”
Louise Barczak

“Learning to massage my baby made communication clearer, and we are getting more out of his quiet focused time.”
Gemma Mathieson

“… I had three Baby Massage sessions with Steph, which were really useful and enjoyable!”
Joanne Currie

“The course was a positive experience ~ bonding and understanding between myself and my baby improved over time.”
Julie Stoll

“Stephanie was clear, sensitive and insightful, and has an amazing capacity to be present with parents and their babies.”
Leo Mullins

“Childbirth is an experience in a woman’s life that holds the power to transform her forever… Passing through these powerful gates ~ in her own way ~ remembering all the generations of women who walk with her… She is never alone…”

– Suzanne Arms –