Following a move from London to Bermuda I discovered I was pregnant for the second time. I had wanted a natural birth first time round but despite my best efforts didn't manage it and had a c-section. This time round I still felt very strongly that I wanted to try again for a natural birth and so spent time researching about the best way of being able to achieve it.

As I learned more, I became convinced that having a doula to assist me throughout the labour and birth was going to be the key to achieving the natural delivery my husband and I so desperately wanted. I met Sophia Cannonier at a 'Birth Matters VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean )Workshop' and discussed the possibility of her assisting me, she explained that she would carry out two home visits before the due date to discuss our hopes, plans and fears for the birth.

On meeting Sophia my husband's confidence returned, from his perspective it would be very reassuring to have her with us, our first experience had left us both a bit apprehensive as to whether I could actually achieve a natural delivery. My greatest fear was managing the pain so we could stay at home as long as possible. Sophia talked us through pain management techniques, birthing positions, visualising techniques, massages etc all aids that would help me remain at home for the early labour.

It so happened that Sophia's second visit was due on the morning I went into labour, a couple of days before my due date.

Sophia met us at the hospital and her presence and experience immediately put me at ease, she helped me with my breathing, moving into various birthing positions whilst reassuring me that the pain I was feeling was entirely natural and not to be afraid of it but to embrace it and use it. She was with us the entire time either quietly at the back of the delivery room or right at my side when I needed her most, helping me to focus and talking me through each contraction. She worked seamlessly with the hospital staff and provided wonderful, emotional support for my husband and 4 hours later I managed a totally natural birth, not a needle in sight!

I will never know if a doula could have saved me from a c-section the first time around, but I have a strong feeling it might have done.