I was discussing our pregnancy, my first, with a pregnant friend who had experienced a less than ideal birth experience with her first child. She introduced me to the concept of a doula as a birth coach, as she had wondered if it would have made a difference.

After doing some research, I felt a doula might be a great help in improving the probability of a positive birth experience. Although sceptical at first, my husband did his homework and agreed.

Embracing the idea of doula, we met with Fiona Dill and discussed her doula services and signed up immediately. We also enrolled in Birth Matters workshops. The classes helped us become more comfortable and confident with the many facets of pregnancy, labour and birth and helped forge a relationship of trust with Fiona. As our doula, I found Fiona was available to offer reassurance whenever I was uncertain about any of the changes that occurred during my pregnancy. Most importantly, she helped us to understand the entire birthing process and develop a flexible birth plan that would help us to heighten our childbirth experience, however it proceeded.

When the signs of labour began to present, Fiona helped provide comfort and reassurance until the time came to go to the hospital. Although the middle of the night, she met us at the hospital and remained until the baby was delivered safe and sound twelve hours later. Throughout the labour, Fiona helped with pain management techniques, assisting with the TENS machine, breathing techniques, massage, and pressure points. She provided guidance in getting the baby into the best position and with finding comfortable positions during labour and birth.

Fiona's presence helped reduce our anxiety dramatically and helped provide reassurance that the decisions made during delivery were the right ones for our family. From labour to birth, we were very comfortable with the entire experience and ecstatic that our first childbirth experience was such a positive one.

Post-natally, Fiona's presence helped bring closure to the birth experience and begin the lifelong process of raising our little boy. She was also an invaluable resource in helping to get comfortable with the baby and, very importantly, with the process of breastfeeding. As a trusted presence, her constant reassurance helped make us very comfortable that everything was as it should be.

Both my husband and I have and will continue to recommend highly the services of a doula during the entire birthing process. Expectant mothers should meet with their prospective doula to discuss the services provided by the doula and to ensure the doula understands the needs and goals of the couple.