Many mothers who have had previous, traumatic birth experiences are pleasantly surprised by how different a doula-supported birth can be.  A recent client in Glasgow said: "We were deeply unhappy about the way our first child's birth was treated by midwives and doctors and we wanted a different birth 'team' this time.  Before labour, having a doula helped me by giving me greater confidence in anticipation of the birth, and a sense of security.  During labour and birth, Leah was absolutely fantastic!  And her massage was the main means of pain control.  Leah helped to make this birth a positive experience, which in itself has helped speed recovery and baby bonding.  In short, this birth has been a healing experience for me, and Leah has played a very important and enabling role in this process." The client's husband also enjoyed the benefits of doula support during the birth.  He replied:  "It quickly became apparent how Leah and I could share the support requirements.  I found it very liberating not having to juggle the responsibilities for pain relief and communication with the midwives.  I feel very grateful for Leah's invaluable support in making this the birth we always wanted." Other clients have been similarly enthusiastic: "My antenatal consultations paved the way for a water birth when the NHS system would have preferred me 'medicalised'.  Leah's knowledge of my rights was key to setting it up, and being able to talk to her about my concerns kept me strong and confident when otherwise I would have felt alone and confused.  During labour, Leah said and did just what I needed to hear and feel, just when I needed it.  The massage helped me through the really tough times and her use of aromatherapy helped calm me or perk me up when I needed it too.  I would definitely recommend a doula to my friends." Jane Wilson, new mother to George, born in October 2007. "Leah, my first child's birth was extremely upsetting for me.  You told me right at the start that whatever happened with this new pregnancy and birth, it would be different, and you were so right!  You helped me feel strong in my decision to go for a home water birth after my previous caesarean section.  Your support throughout the labour was continuous and fantastic.  You encouraged me to keep moving when I could easily have just stayed where I was, and the video you took at the second stage and the moment of birth was amazing.  I have shown it to a student midwife whose mentor thought it would be an excellent teaching tool to show exactly how normal birth should be!  Thank you so much for everything you have done for me and enabling me to get my wonderful healing home birth!" (Debbie Gilmour, new mother to Jessica, pictured at the top of this page in a happy moment during labour, December 2005.  Debbie won Babyworld.com's "Home Birth of the Year" competition with the story of her fantastic VBAC) "Leah's help was wonderful!  I am so grateful for the support provided during labour -- she was a huge reassurance to me, and also gave great support in terms of the options offered by the midwives and consultant.  I would recommend Leah without hesitation!" (Caroline Gordon, new mother to Edward, December 2005, and Lucy, September 2007) "My wife benefitted greatly from Leah's support during labour and birth.  Knowing that Leah was there to support my wife gave me great peace of mind." (Colin Gordon, new father to Edward, December 2005, and Lucy, September 2007) "Antenatally, it was very helpful to go over certain topics I was unsure of.  During the birth, it was great to have that extra support and helped me to maintain my focus during a long labour." (Jennifer Collins, new mother to Maia, August 2006) "Initially I was a little bit skeptical about my wife's desire to hire a doula, but I wanted to make sure we had sufficient support during our planned home birth.  The experience of actually having a doula at the birth was better than expected, particularly with a 35-hour labour.  Leah gave me reassurance that things were going OK and offered me breaks to eat, update relatives, and make food for my wife.  She also offered expert advice to help the labour along by varying positions and scenarios." (John Collins, new father to Maia, August 2006) "Leah was patient, kind, and very talented at her job.  She obviously cares deeply that women have a better 'experience' of childbearing and delivery.  It showed in her manner, and the way she helped.  Would I recommend having a doula to other women?  Yes.  Yes.  Yes!" (a new mother, Lenzie, July 2005) "Leah was very sincere in her work and I found her a great help and support before and during labour.  Before labour she answered all my queries and concerns, and helped me with a well prepared birth plan.  During labour, she gave me more confidence when discussing choices with doctors and midwives in hospital.  I wish her all the best!"     (a new mother, Glasgow, December 2004) "Leah was brilliant and really kind at all times.  She was very reliable and caring and I found this to be a great source of support.  Thank you!"     (a new mother, Bishopbriggs, October 2004) "Thank you for being such a support for both of us."     (a new father, Irvine, November 2004) Please visit this page again soon to view more comments!