As an employee of the hospital where I was booked to deliver my baby I was concerned about my capacity to advocate for myself regarding my wish for a natural labour within my work environment. We also have very limited family support in Melbourne. Therefore, it was very important for my husband and I to find the right doula who could assist us with this on our baby journey. I found Steph via the Rhea Dempsey website – she was the perfect choice. Steph has a lovely warm, friendly nature and we immediately felt comfortable after our first meeting.
Steph is a holistic practitioner and also has an excellent understanding of the challenges regarding birthing within the public hospital system and she understood my position perfectly.
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!
During my labour, Steph worked in partnership with the hospital midwife and skilfully helped us negotiate a plan with the Obstetrician that supported our wishes for a natural birth.
After the birth, Steph also taught us infant massage which was incredibly helpful for strengthening our connection even more with our little lady.
We feel so grateful to have found Steph – I don’t think we could have delivered our beautiful baby naturally without her!
Renee, Sam and Adalyn – 2013
