Testimonials - Birth Doula

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Hi Mary,

I first contacted you early in my pregnancy to talk about doula support. I was highly emotional and looking back, would say terrified of what lay ahead. I had a long road to the pregnancy, including infertility and loss and being older I knew there were risks involved.

What I remember from that day is that you were kind and calm and when I started crying you were empathetic and listened. You gave me time to tell you about myself and after we spoke you said you had someone in mind that could possibly be my doula.

That person turned out to be Gemma Doyle and I can very happily say that you were right!

I recently gave birth to my son, and despite the fact that the birth wasn’t my planned birth, our little boy is here, happy and healthy. Gemma was there from the start and nothing was ever too much trouble.

We had a great connection and I always found it easy to talk to her. She was also able to connect with my partner (he had some initial reservations) and we both felt at ease in her presence.

When I went I to labour unexpectedly fast on the ante natal ward I remember saying to my partner ‘ring Gemma!’ I knew she would know what to do and be the calming influence we needed.

By the time Gemma arrived we were in the delivery suite, I felt better and I was able to focus on what was important. She was there for me and that was the best feeling. I would say she was the calmest person in the room, and we ended up with a few people in the room!

She has been invaluable to me post partum in working through the birth and recovering physically and emotionally, not to mention helping with our little boy!

I would say that the post partum visits are probably more important than the ante natal visits. Gemma just knows what to do and springs into action. I feel really lucky to have her as part of this journey whilst I evolve into a mother and build my confidence.

So thank you for all you do to encourage well trained, thoughtful, kind and caring doulas. It is a testament to the effort that you put in to end up with people like Gemma on your team.

I will leave you with this comment my partner made after our first post partum visit with Gemma. ‘You have a sparkle back in your eye’.

Birth Doula Client

I decided on DoulaCare Ireland because I’d heard a lot about the founder Mary and had previously seen her responses on Cuidiu and GentleBirth FB pages so respect her work and drawn to the company as a result. The Garda vetting was a big attraction. I found the initial chat easy, informative and not at all pressurising. I didn’t want my husband to feel like he wasn’t a support during our first birth experience. I’d hoped that both my doula and husband would work well together and that he would feel very much involved. It turns out they were the best birthing team and our doula gave him the all the ideas on how to support me prior to and during labour and he was fantastic. I never felt alone during contractions and he applied hip squeezes each time and helped with breathing for pushing when I felt exhausted. My doula knew just how to be there for me and empower both of us. Truly amazing! There were so many curveballs thrown at me from an unsupportive consultant to a GD diagnosis at 29 weeks and the fact my first pregnancy was Group Strep B positive. I was so down and tired from trying to balance work and my 2 year old that before hiring a doula I felt disconnected to my baby. My doula built my confidence and allowed me to really enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy. Everything uttered by her was evidence based and reminded me of the power of women’s bodies and minds and this made me feel capable and resilient again. I think this mindset was essential in achieving a VBAC. Hard to say one thing but I guess just feeling bolstered in general. When dealing with a system that’s inconsistent and varies according to the care giver you meet on the day it was fantastic to have someone so well informed and experienced,as well as calm, to bounce ideas off and feel strengthened by. Having a doula is like having secret ammunition! We are amazed by the experience and 3 weeks on still absorbing just how amazing it was. I knew it would be useful but now I’m sure I wouldn’t have achieved a VBAC without that support. My partner was definitely dubious at the start even though he never explicitly said this. The week before our baby was born we were coming back from an appointment and he spoke about how brilliant and essential a doula is. We really leaned on her. Having a doula was life changing for him too.

- VBAC Mum, Cork

I chose DoulaCare Ireland as they had the most information about what a Doula was and what kind of support I’d get. Also, Mary was very informative when we talked, making me decide that the agency would be the best one to support me. I cannot describe in words how wonderful was to have a Doula. I did think it’d be good, but couldn’t have imagined how much support I’d get. My doula provided me with support, a ton of information and guidance as well as the reassurance I needed. I can’t imagine going into labour without my doula. 

My doula helped me build a birth plan that made me feel prepared for labour. Even when things didn’t go as planned, I had all the information from the prenatal visits and felt prepared to make the necessary decisions. I had a very positive birth experience, even though so many things didn’t go as planned. I don’t think this would’ve been the case if I haven’t had a doula.  I was immensely pleased with the support I received throughout my pregnancy and birth, from all the information to the hands on approach during labour. 

The one moment that I won’t forget though is when I was in the shower and my husband couldn’t join me. I was in so much pain I can barely remember accurately how it was. I do remember that my doula was there to support me. She helped me with positions, reminded me of my breathing and held the shower head in all the possible and impossible ways to alleviate my pain. She was wonderful.wanted to say thank you once more here! I’m very pleased with all the support I received from you, Jen and Teh. I cannot stress enough how wonderful Teh was! She’s amazing. Thank you so much for matching Teh with us, she was definitely the right fit for our family. She was so much more than I expected! Having a doula was certainly one of the best decisions we’ve made. And we’re super happy with Teh - it was a great match.

- First Time Mum, Dublin

The motivation for having a Doula came from there being no-one, but my husband, to take care of our toddler for the delivery and duration of my stay in the hospital. We didn't think we would get so much out of having a Doula; from the initial meeting, where we asked a hundred questions and were provided with a hundred and one answers, we never felt patronised, just informed and in control. On arriving to the hospital for delivery, our Doula helped make the whole experience so much more comfortable. She was with me every step of the way. Our doula explored each and every potential option with us, leading to there being no surprises, in the end. Her involvement; she (we feel) went above and beyond for us, and clearly she loves what she does, as it shines through. Any concerns and/or worries my husband had, melted away during the first meeting with our Doula. He found it priceless. We found the service to be fantastic.

- Kristina & Dan, Second Time Parents, Cork

My husband and I moved to Cork just a few months before becoming pregnant. Being so far away from all friends and family made us want a guaranteed face we’d recognize and for some local support along the way. It was really nice to have someone check in, help us sort out a new medical system, and have a familiar face in the delivery room. Honestly, seeing our doula in the delivery room was a relief that we will both always be thankful for. Having help navigating CUMH and the whole birth process was hugely helpful. It was a very new experience for me and my partner. Having someone in the midst of all the medical staff that you and your partner recognise is a huge, huge help. Knowing that someone was in the room who knew exactly what I wanted was totally worth any expense. Plus, having someone with all the phone numbers or email addresses you might need makes life a little easier when you’re pregnant! My partner found it to be reassuring and helpful. He’s someone who likes to contribute and be involved, so knowing ways to help ease back pain and what to say vs not say were great for him. Our doula was very kind, warm, and incredibly quick to respond (which is amazing knowing that she has multiple kids of her own!). Hearing her say “just go with your body” will forever be recorded in my head as a helpful mantra.

- First Time Mum, Cork

Speaking with Mary at the beginning was brilliant and a real help in deciding whether I wanted a doula. There was no pressure at all and she was really clear about the whole process. My first meetings with my doulas was excellent too. They were so calming and helped me prepare for the birth right from the beginning. My labour was really quick but Tatiana was very supportive throughout and it was great to have extra support as everything was happening so quickly. Louise supported me throughout the postpartum period and was great. She gave excellent advice and listened to all my concerns. She was very calm and non-judgmental and just provided great advice. Having a home birth, i knew that I needed more personal support to take me through the process. It wasn't as expected as the labour was really quick so there wasn't really time for all the techniques that we would have discussed. However, I think the support I received beforehand and the advice/information that I got from Tatiana and Louise really helped me prepare and I was a lot calmer than I thought I would be. They really made me believe in my ability to birth naturally. My partner was nervous about having a homebirth but having a doula meant that it took some of the pressure off him and he didn't have to remember everything. this meant he felt more prepared in advance of the birth and could concentrate more on supporting me during the birthing process. Tatiana and Louise were excellent. It was lovely to have them both share the experience and I am really grateful to them both. Their personalities really helped me feel calm and prepared for the birth and I loved Louise's visits after as it was a great opportunity to ask all the questions and chat about my concerns - she helped me in many different ways.

- First Time Mum, Cork

My biggest fear was losing control and being rail roaded into decisions. Having a doula and birth preferences made me feel empowered and supported. I learnt a lot throughout my pregnancy and as a result of that knowledge I felt very equipped to handle whatever came my way. I ended up delivering via emergency c-section and felt very happy to do so, not something I would have said at the beginning of my pregnancy. Having a doula is immeasurable support for you and your partner. Pregnancy and birth is such a vulnerable time for both partners, a doula is like your emotional safety net. A message my partner sent Shelley: "I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did yesterday. There were moments to me that were absolutely terrifying and you made them normal. I don't think you'll ever realise just how much what you do impacts people at that time and is so so helpful. Thanks again for being there not just for mam but for dads too." Shelley was wonderful from start to finish. Always offered great information and emotional support both during pregnancy and in the weeks after the birth. Email support from Mary and my interactions with Shelley were super. I always felt like I could reach out and did so which was great help.

- Laura & Stuart, First Time Parent’s, Dublin

For birth, Anita was with me for the whole labour (which lasted 24 hours). It would have been a scary experience without her but her presence and support made me go through it with confidence. She took care of everything (she helped me go through the contractions, at the hospital, she knew where to go and what to do) and everyone (myself, my husband and even my mom). I totally recommend having a doula to all of my friends. Giving birth and becoming a parent can be such a scary experience, it is truely great to have someone with experience to rely on.

- First Time Mum, Dublin

“I choose DoulaCare Ireland because of the trust and confidence I hold in Mary when it comes to all things birth related. I knew that Mary was committed to pairing me with a doula that would suit my needs as an individual. I would have loved to have Mary as my doula, but as I couldn't, using her agency was the next best thing! I knew I would have the support of my doula, and also Mary. DoulaCare Ireland were both warm and professional in all our interactions. I felt very listened to by Mary in what I needed in terms of support. Being pregnant and becoming a mam is so transformative that it can, at times, feel overwhleming. Knowning I could reach out to Mary & Jen was a great comfort to me. They were fantastic in supporting me. As a sexual assault survivor, I felt a lot of anxiety around consent in the hospital. I knew I would prefer a female doctor perform exams, but I was worried in the moment I may feel too shy to press for my request. I knew that having a doula present would make that less likely.

Secondly, my birth took a completely different path to what we would have liked, and having my doula there helped me to regain control of the situation. I was able to advocate for myself to keep as much as my birth plan as possible, which added to my birth being such a wonderful experience. I am not sure I would have had the confidence to do so without my doula there, particularly when I was met with resistance from some of the staff members. As I met my doula from 20 weeks pregnant, we really developed a great bond. I felt very safe and secure in my choice of doula and I knew she was the perfect fit for me. My induction started on Wednesday morning and lasted 44 hours. During that time my doula and I had a great laugh and wonderful chats. I felt supported and excited throughout the entire process, and when I did have the odd wobble, my doula knew just the thing to say to get me back on my positive track. Having used the services of DoulaCare Ireland on this pregnancy, I would never again give birth without a doula. There is nothing my doula couldn't have done for me. I felt complete and utterly supported throughout the entire process. My husband was skeptical at first but ultimately he found my doula to be invaluable.

As an expectant parent, having a doula was an extremely helpful and pleasing experience. During the pregnancy we learned so much and were able to form our own plans accordingly. During the birth my doula played so many roles as an expert, partner and companion. We simply cannot imagine having done it without her. My doula was an incredible source of knowledge and support. She was the perfect blend of professional and warm. We felt we could put our complete trust in her, which is essential when you are welcoming someone into such an intimate moment of your life. We are absolutely delighted to have had a doula be a part of our son's birth. And we are forever grateful to her and DoulaCare Ireland.

- First Time Mum & Partner, Dublin

I found having Cat as our Doula to be very helpful. I was skeptical with regard to the benefit of having a Doula but when labour started I was delighted to have the extra support. To have someone there that has been through child birth that can maintain a calm & cool presence throughout a big and potentially very stressful life event was invaluable. My wife's labour was long and somewhat complicated and having a Doula there to provide reassurance and support meant a lot.

- First Time Dad, Dublin

Our doula’s constant presence without being overbearing was wonderful during the labour. She was fully focused on supporting me without overstepping at all. Before I went into labour and after the birth, our doula was available and attentive. I felt like she was genuinely invested in my wellbeing and she provided me with some very helpful information and resources both before and after I gave birth. Our doula has a very calming presence and this really helped me to stay calm during certain stressful moments. I had a number midwives and doctors coming and going during the labour so it was very helpful to have our doula there as a constant support from a woman that I felt that I knew and trusted. I felt that I didn't have to worry about my husband getting burnt out during my long labour as our doula was there and he was able to take some breaks that allowed him to be more present at the most important moments.

My partner was a bit skeptical at first, but he really found our doula to be a very valuable support over the course of my pregnancy and the birth. Having our doula at the birth allowed him to take breaks when he needed and he found her support of me very helpful, especially in the more stressful moments where he would have felt a bit lost in the action.

I found having our Doula to be very helpful. When labour started I was delighted to have the extra support. To have someone there that has been through child birth that can maintain a calm & cool presence throughout a big and potentially very stressful life event was invaluable.

Our doula chosen by DoulaCare Ireland worked out to be the perfect doula for us. She was living locally and so was available quickly whenever she was needed. She was dedicated and diligent in all of the information she provided to us. She managed to strike a balance between being professional and personable and we grew very fond of her throughout the process. I felt like she went over and above to help me. She was so supportive when I was overdue and feeling frustrated and vulnerable, she sent me the perfect article that helped me to put everything into perspective. She provided me with unwavering support throughout the labour and helped a lot before and afterwards too by providing me with resources and contacts (acupuncturist and lactation consultant details) that helped hugely. Her calm and comforting presence was exactly what I needed during my late pregnancy and during the birth. I wouldn't hesitate to hire our doula again and to recommend her.

- First Time Mum, Dublin

I hired Mary for a combination of birth doula support and post partum support. I wanted extra support for my birth partner, as well as myself. Plus I knew that having a doula reduces the likelihood of medical intervention in childbirth and that was really important to me. As an "older" mum, I knew there would be more pressure not to go to or beyond my due date, and I wanted to have a natural childbirth. Mary was amazing. I am so glad I hired her and would recommend that no woman goes into childbirth without a doula, as result!  My biggest fear was that I would be induced and end up having a C-section. I was induced because there was meconium in my waters- but Mary's support and back massages got me through it. I only took gas and air at the end, when things slowed down because the baby was in the posterior position. Without those back massages, it would have been an entirely different story!  Mary was also there to support my birth partner. It was fantastic to have that additional support when things got stressful, and to help rebalance the atmosphere into one that was more restful and allowed me to focus. I would urge anyone having a baby to hire a doula immediately. My sister- my birth partner- is also telling everyone she knows to hire a doula. I think that says it all! I am so glad I hired Mary- I think my birth story would have been entirely different without her

- Cliona, Cork, November 2016

Jacquie was my doula for the birth of my son, and I can’t imagine the experience without her. She was the perfect support and encouragement that I needed during very a stressful time in my life!

Leading up to the birth I found her to be a great wealth of information. I particularly appreciated her respect for what I wanted, and her ability to help me navigate the waters without taking the wheel. I hoped for a hospital birth with minimal interventions, and wanted to labour at home for as long as possible. Jacquie was very supportive of this and had so many suggestions to help me along. My baby was breech fairly late in my pregnancy, and the hospital wanted me to schedule a section (which terrified me!). Jacquie gave me so many resources to try to encourage the little one to flip, and finally he did! She was very down to earth and realistic about things, and surprisingly what helped me the most during that time is she helped me to prepare for what would happen if a section were necessary. I found it really empowering to plan for it, and accept it might happen for any number of reasons.

During my labour and delivery she was so comforting, encouraging me throughout, helping me through contractions with hip squeezes and position changes. During a shift change which sent me into a panic, she was there to keep me grounded. I don’t know how I would have done that without her, I was beside myself! She was there at every turn, for over 14 hours, and helped everything go as seamlessly as possible.

Right before the delivery I came out of the bathroom to a very calm beautiful room, Jacquie had set up the tea lights and dimmed the overheads. It was really peaceful and calm I nearly forgot I was in a hospital altogether. My son was born at 10:17pm, beautiful, bright pink and healthy! I can’t recommend her highly enough. She’s a part of the family now as far as I’m concerned!

- Jackie Matthew, Cork, 2016

Mary was excellent. She provided a calming influence on what was a very stressful occasion. She gave us the confidence to speak up about our birth plan and have the hospital follow our wishes rather than their procedure.

- Benny & Hazel, Waterford