Mars came over another couple of times before the birth to discuss what we were hoping for the labour. It was a privilege to be able to spend hours discussing the birth with someone so experienced, and I think that it really helped me stay totally calm towards the end of my pregnancy, just knowing that whatever happened she would be there. Also, I was able to call Mars up when worries did arise (for example, there were concerns that the baby might be breach at one point) and she was always full of great advice and reassurance, which put me at ease.

My actual labour was quicker than I could have hoped for, so Mars ended up meeting us at the hospital rather than at our house. From the outset it was clear that the midwife had a very different idea of how she wanted our labour to be than we did, so I was very grateful that Mars was there, it was a great comfort to have that back-up. We had a slight emergency situation at the very end of the birth and for us this was the point when having Mars was most valuable. It was all very chaotic but Mars stayed with me, holding my hand and explaining clearly what was going on which saved the day for me, I don’t know what we would have done without her.

Mars told us before the birth that she was your ‘Doula for life’ and we’ve definitely found this to be true. My daughter is almost 9 months old now and I often call Mars up for advice, she always has an answer for everything!

As first time parents expecting twins we felt daunted and didn’t know how we would cope. We started looking to get some help and professional support for the birth and crucial early days, especially as both sets of our parents live in Australia. We interviewed many doulas and fell in love with Mars the minute she walked in the door. We felt comfortable as she has a great sense of humour and is very knowledgeable and supportive.

Mars gave me the courage to go for the natural birth I really wanted for my twins even when I was faced with pro-caesarian obstetrician and midwife unit.  I went from feeling frightened and uncertain to feeling empowered and in control of my circumstances and choice. She supported every decision I made and did not influence them. Together we worked on my birth plan and discussed tactics to ensure that I managed the hospital to get the birth I wanted. Our preparation paid off and I did have the natural twin birth which does not normally occur in my hospital.

Postnatally Mars was a godsend as I learnt the ropes of coping with twins.  During the initial days I struggled to establish breast feeding. Mars was studying to be a Lactation Consultant at the time and was able to provide a wealth of breast feeding advice and tactics which I was unable to source from the hospital. She helped me master the art of breast feeding two babies at the same time, bathing and settling them. She was a whirlwind in the kitchen and stocked our fridge and freezer with many delicious meals. Most importantly of all, she gave me moral support and encouragement, which was fantastic. With no family nearby, Mars ‘mothered’ me at a time I really needed it.

Mars was also with me for the birth of my daughter. Once again she was a wealth of knowledge when I was deciding the pros and cons of a home birth considering my medical history. This time I gave birth in water and she was there to hold my hand and give encouragement and advice when required. She was just what I needed and I could not have asked for a better doula!

If you need someone calm, thoughtful and caring to support you and your partner to go through a massive life changing event then Mars is someone you should consider. We are eternally grateful to her and she now remains a great friend.

Mars was an easy choice for us having raised five of her own children and with the experience already of supporting many many women through childbirth, she’s a real pro! Her personality oozes warmth and enthusiasm and she gave me such an injection of confidence in the run up the birth that I was positively excited about it.

She came to our home when I was in the early stages of labour (in the middle of the night) and gave us the confidence to continue labouring at home where I remained comfortable and relaxed for several hours. She took complete control of the eventual transfer into hospital and arrival to the birthing centre at UCLH and acted as our voice to the midwives when we weren’t in a position to be able to communicate effectively ourselves. Having gone through our birth plan in detail beforehand she knew our wishes and made sure that everything happened accordingly. The birth was straightforward and relatively quick and I loved having her there every minute.

I am grateful to Mars for her role in Felix’s birth, but I am more grateful for her for her help postnatally with breastfeeding – this is when we had a real battle on our hands. Her knowledge and experience really paid off and we were able to persevere through a number of breastfeeding challenges which made the first week quite hairy. I was determined to crack it though and Mars helped me get there and I’m now happily breastfeeding 6 months later and intend to continue for a while yet. Mars will be one of the first people we call if and when we’re expecting our second – I hope she’s free!

Having Marcia there for the birth of our son was the best decision we could have made. Marcia stayed by my side for the entire labour, helping me with my breathing and offering constant advice, wisdom and encouragement. Her presence made me and my husband feel safe and secure in an otherwise scary situation for first time parents. The birth involved no medical interference or pain relief, which I largely believe was due to Marcia’s help and guidance.

My husband never felt pushed aside or not involved in the birthing process, despite the fact that Marcia was always with me. As labour turned out to be more intense than we could have imagined, my husband was actually very relieved that Marcia was there to help me.

Marcia went above and beyond my expectations of a doula. Looking back, I would never have wanted to go through labour without her.

I’m already recommending doulas to women, even those who aren’t expecting yet.

Marcia was wonderfully reassuring and calm and organised. She had me laughing all the way through my labour.

I had a beautiful water birth at my local midwifery unit. One of the midwives told Marcia that they thought she would make a wonderful doula. We all laughed.

Marcia supported both me and my husband throughout the labour. She kept us focussed on the birth and she was wonderful at allowing us space immediately after our daughter was born.

Marcia came and did some postnatal work for us after Grace was born. She was very supportive and encouraging. She helped with practical things at home and helped me to get around. She was always available for a chat and even offered to cook and fill our freezer. We can’t recommend her highly enough.

I felt a sudden urge to get out of the bath. Marcia was there helping me instantly. She helped me to get dressed whereupon my waters broke all over my “hospital” clothes. Marcia quickly gathered clothes for me and re-dressed me. By now the contractions were getting stronger and lasting longer. My husband could hardly contain his excitement. He moved the car to the front of the house because I knew it was time to go.

Marcia remained calmed and sat in the back of the car talking calmly to me. We arrived at the hospital only for 2 midwives who were on their way to a party to stop dead in their tracks, grab a wheelchair and practically hurl me through the door. I demanded an epidural, but Marcia spoke gently to me and told me that it was too late. My baby was ready to be born. The midwives and Marcia made a fantastic team. Less than 40 minutes later my son came into the world. It was incredible. I laboured with no pain relief, but I knew that I could trust Marcia and I knew that it was because of her that I got through it. Amazing! So very different from my first birth.

Would I use a doula again? Without a doubt! Best thing I could have done, just ask my husband!

No, I wasn’t on gas and air, or anything at all, just truly had an amazing day and before the mad established labour kicked in and I was having strong but bearable contractions it was the best feeling in the world.

I could feel my pelvis expanding, feel her moving down with each contraction, the sun was shining, I had my man and Mars and a lovely midwife and it was really enjoyable.

So shall I start from the very beginning? It’s quite funny.

Well Dom left for work and not a minute later I felt the pop as I sat forward and my waters went.

I straddled this tub of washing in my room and got on the phone with Eve standing pointing saying ‘oh look mummy wee wee’. 17 missed calls later and I began to panic he’d get on the fast train into Farringdon and miss the birth!

SO – I threw on this black velvet robe thing which is slashed to both thighs, donned my flip flops, tore out in the rain, banged on the neighbours door and shouted at her ‘waters have broken, Dom’s headed into town, watch the girls’ and ran to the car.

I drove to the station like a mad woman, drove into the no entry bit, left car parked madly outside station and ran in. Shouted at the guard -my waters are breaking and my husband is on the platform, let me on’. He opened the gate and me in my long slashed robe and flip flops, holding the bump run down the platform trying to find him.

Was slightly aware of a lot of open mouths and wide eyes. No Dom though.

Ran back to ticket office and screamed ‘do an announcement’ so they did and a man on the platform shouted ‘he’s coming, love, he’s coming’. Dom appeared with a mad grin and we tore off home.

No real contractions had kicked in but we began inflating pool and then realised a day /pool birth and Lottie and Eve weren’t going to work so Dom took girls to my mums.

Midwife arrived, had tea etc, Mars arrived had sandwich and then at 3pm I was allowed into the pool.

Mars says I had a silent labour, by which we mean I just breathed through the contractions and then at just before 4.40pm I started to feel the real pressure to push and got bit loud. Mars reminded me to breathe the baby out and thank God she did as I thought I was going to get into a panic at this stage but she calmed me right down and I did just that, I breathed her out.

Then I heard the midwife say ‘catch her’ so I reached down and she swam up into my arms. It was the best feeling in the world and I’m crying typing it.

She is perfect. And a girl and ohhhh the world is just wonderful.

She was born at 4.40pm weighing 7lb 1.5oz, is feeding really well, and her sisters are so bloody cute with her it’s heartbreaking!

No stitches, no grazing, nothing, just bliss.

Not even started to think of a name but we’ll let you know.

At the moment she’s just angel child, because that’s what she is.

I’m in love and so lucky and everything is great.

But an especially huge thanks to Marcia. You were amazing, just a wonderful presence to have in the room with me, I’m so pleased you were there and my daughter is a lucky girl to have had someone like you at her birth.  And the offer to stay and make lemon drizzle cake was just lovely and won’t be forgotten.

Mars was the perfect birth companion, her extensive knowledge of childbirth meant she could assess a situation instantly and give advice accordingly. Likewise she also knew when to step back and provide quiet support. In the end I needed forceps and, although having a team of doctors and midwives suddenly sweep into the room could have been scary, I was completely at ease as Mars re-assured me and explained exactly what they were doing and why. I know that if she were not there this situation would have been a lot more stressful for my husband and I.

However it was after the birth that she was worth her weight in gold. I can’t even recall how many times I phoned her asking for advice on anything from sleeping to wind to breastfeeding and she was always there to help. For first time parents with our family on the other side of the world it was invaluable support. I had a difficult time after the birth with some serious complications that could have easily ended my hopes of breastfeeding yet I happily breastfeed my son until he was 14 months old, this is due in a large part to Mars. I know that without her wisdom on all matters breastfeeding I would have stopped long before. This is the most precious gift she gave me, the knowledge, confidence and skills to breastfeed my son.

Mars said to us when we first met her I am your doula for life and she means it,  I email her even now for parenting advice and probably will until my son has left home.

Mars asked me to write a testimonial and said ‘don’t worry if it’s short.’ But honestly I feel like I have only written a fraction of what she has done for my family and I could write 100 pages more. Mars truly loves being a doula and I feel incredibly lucky that we found her.

Being first time parents, with all of our family abroad, we were so grateful for Marcia presence. Just thinking of her now makes me smile. Her warm, caring way was such a blessing to me. I was exhausted and struggling with breast feeding.

Having Marcia swoop in each day was the best. She was so supportive, reassuring, and knowledgeable. Like my little rock. Her encouragement lifted me up and kept me going. Our daughter is 9 months old now. I am still breast feeding. I thank Marcia for that. She was a great early companion on this joyous journey called parenthood! We will always be grateful that she was with us!

Your advice on breastfeeding has also helped me get off to a good start and you will be pleased to know that Raquel is eating like a champion and I am loving the experience of breastfeeding.

You came highly recommended and yet even all the amazing things I heard about you do not capture the help you provided in buffering the bureaucracy, providing wisdom and creating a birthing environment that was everything I hoped for.

I looking forward to keeping you informed on all great things Raquel does as she grows up.  All the best, Simone and Joel