Refresher class: I liked most that I was able to ‘debrief’ our previous birth experience. It also gave me confidence to hear what we can do better (differently) next time, and that perhaps once the little hiccups (logistics) are resolved, we have what it takes to make the next time much smoother. Our two biggest discoveries in our refresher class with Red was the vocalization techniques and that the doula’s role is to support the decisions of the parents and (not make decision for them) thus they cannot speak on behalf of the parents. So we need to be more active and vocal in our participation of all the decision-making! The refresher was very useful as there were a lot of details that we had forgotten, so it was very useful to have those blanks filled in. We could ask plenty of questions that were specific to our situation, which was especially helpful because we already had a good idea of what we wanted to achieve for this birth. This helps us obtain more targeted information. Red is very open and gives a lot of down to earth advice based on real life experiences, so we benefit from that and not simply a theoretical or textbook view of Hypnobirthing. Simple things like putting up reminders for the people entering the birthing ward are practical and useful tips. How little touches and reminders can ‘hold the space’ to ensure that people entering the birthing ward can be a quiet, calm, and respectful. Red is very polite and soft spoken. She uses a gentle approach to communicate her opinions and empathizes with our views.
Ben & Xiuwen
I was in the Nepal earthquake on the 25th of April 2015. My nervous system was compromised from experiencing over 130 + aftershocks in 4 days and as a result I wasn’t sleeping more than a few hours per night. After my first CST session I was able to sleep through the entire night. What a relief… Thanks Red.
W. C.
I did Craniosacral therapy with Red at a time when emotionally I felt very shaken from my birth experience. The session definitely helped me to feel calmer and mentally helped me to resolve some issues; my baby also seemed calmer after the session and would sleep better.
A.R.
I’m very grateful that I met Red and I enjoyed and appreciated her visits a lot! She helped and supported me during the first months; I don’t know what I would have done without her! She has a great personality and an excellent knowledge about babies, breastfeeding and all other related topics. I love her nature-based approach and I can fully recommend her to all other mums-to-be! I love your personality, you are always calm and relaxed, friendly and open, not stressed or under time pressure. I love that you have a natural-based approach and that you have a great knowledge of health in general. I appreciate a lot all the advice you gave me, may it be a recommendation for breastfeeding, coconut oil, craniosacral therapy or baby massage.
Yvonne
Hi Red, wanted to thank you for all the expertise you shared with my husband and I as well as your positive attitude! Today our little girl was born with no interventions; in fact we arrived at the hospital just in time for her birth! You gave us the confidence we needed to achieve a natural birth, so thank you!! Xx
..
My birth experience in the hospital was very traumatic so naturally when I came home with my baby I felt very shaken and my nerves were all over the place. I remember the first night was tough and Red came over the next day. Having her visit me at home was a Godsend! She is a very kind and compassionate human being and I really needed to be able to discuss my birthing experience with her. It was very cathartic for me. As a firth time mom it can be a very stressful time and knowing that I could reach out to Red was extremely reassuring. Not only did she help me with the initial things like how to burp a baby and helping me with improving my latch when breastfeeding. I also loved her massage and bathing technique for my baby, such a repository of knowledge. I love Red’s approach — she is very gentle and supportive and helped me to feel confident about my mothering skills.
A. R.
Craniosacral therapy was a wonderful way to relax ~ to have time just for myself. I became aware of the self healing ability of my body. Each time when I left Reds healing hands I could feel my body working more smoothly.
Andrea
I had already done prenatal classes with another organization, although I still felt unprepared about the process of giving birth. With Red the one-to-one sessions helped me to prepare mentally. The sessions were educational (not overwhelming) and the most important thing was her approach to giving birth naturally. By speaking with her, I felt empowered about the choices I had made. She was also very helpful in making my husband feel included and coached him on how he could offer help during the birthing process.
Amreen
As a dad I liked Red’s upfront teaching style-honest, direct, with humor which further increased my awareness of my role in the process. Most books or programs do not really address the role of the dad in a meaningful way. Energetic, upfront, and frank in her views about the birthing process while remaining respectful and diplomatic.
Seger
During one of our prenatal appointments, you asked me what my favourite part about giving birth was. I remember thinking, the only thing I like about giving birth is when it’s over. You changed my opinion entirely. Now if I had to answer that same question, I would say there are many wonderful things about giving birth. With the right care, giving birth naturally is one of the most empowering experiences a woman will have. Giving birth is nothing to fear. Over the 9 months you cared for us, my fear evaporated. During labour I felt totally in control. What a difference to my previous births where I was frightened of the pain, focused on the pain and asking for direction. In fact, I don’t even remember the pain. I just remember feeling all the good things our body gives us to make us feel euphoric and awesome. I loved how you sat there quietly and watched and marveled. No need for touching me at all, just silently reassuring me that everything was perfect and amazing. Plus, if intervention was required, I knew there was not anyone more capable. You have the wisdom of a woman who she herself has labored 100 times. This wisdom along with your amazing education, experience and ongoing desire to learn make you very special! I believe that any woman, no matter how she decides to birth will be better off with you by her side. Jethro could not have had a better start to his precious little life. We love you and all you do for woman and their babies!
Ashleigh
