From the moment we met Nina we felt at ease with her. We had two antenatal sessions in which we met both Nina and her partner Alison. Each session was over two hours at home. She was so positive, encouraged me to ask questions and shared what I considered the right amount of information; not too much to overwhelm me, but everything I needed to feel conformable with the unknown future.
Throughout the pregnancy, Nina kept in constant contact with me. Every question or concern I had were immediately addressed and answered. As I’ve passed my due date we kept in daily contact, Nina made sure I felt as prepared as possible and put me at ease with the changes my body was going through preparing for birth.
When contractions started she was by my side in less than ten minutes. From that moment on she never left. Guiding my through the pain, Nina was simply perfect. Her presence was calming and reassuring, she informed me what was going on at each stage, working alongside the hospital midwife, providing physical and emotional support not only for me but for my husband and mother as well. I could feel her help and listen to her guidance throughout the pain.
At some point I was taken to theatre, Nina stayed with me, whispering words of encouragement to a very tired and scared mom to be. She helped me stay centered and voiced my concerns to the medical team when I was too distressed to do so. When my baby was out finally and taken to the resuscitator Nina stayed with her, watching, taken pictures, updating me what they are doing and letting my family know that all is well.
She left the hospital only after I was completely at ease, in the recovery room. In the days following the delivery I consulted her on every little thing (sometimes at very strange hours), she always responded immediately and was incredibly helpful. Her postnatal visit was actually several visits in which she helped me with everything, from breastfeeding to sleeping positions. She brought us delicious food, a little baby gift and best of all, a printed out birth story in detail with pictures she took during the birth. Nina is a gift, a true angel and the most amazing doula. I feel privileged to have had her as a doula and even more lucky to know such a special person. Her kindness, willingness to help and inner strength have made such a difference in my experience as a new mother. I couldn’t imagine it any other way. I consider her family and would be happy to share more with future mums on request. OS, Royal Free 2014