I was lucky enough to have Eleanor by my side during my labour. I was about to become a first-time Mum and felt really nervous with all the unknowns of what childbirth can bring! I chose her as my birth partner as I knew I would need not only her immense knowledge as a midwife but also her calming presence. This was one of the best decisions I made. I had a difficult labour with some strong opinions from the midwife whose care I was under which conflicted with my views and birth plan. Eleanor helped, guided and empowered me to voice my needs and to be heard. The trust and bond I formed with Eleanor throughout my pregnancy, labour and postnatally is hard to put into words. She has supported my endlessly and is someone I trust wholeheartedly.
I am currently pregnant with my second baby and knowing that I will be able to have Eleanor as my doula throughout this journey keeps me feeling calm, positive and safe. She truly is a very special person.
A&A
Eleanor supported me on my post-natal journey in which I was navigating being a first-time mother and recovering from birth trauma in the midst of the pandemic. I am so grateful Eleanor was there for me at my most vulnerable as she brought total understanding for the emotional and physical complexities in such a joyful, anxious and tender time. Eleanor helped make overwhelming feelings I had manageable by listening deeply to my often repetitive thoughts, patiently recognising these as part of the process of healing. Eleanor offered an abundance of empathy, wisdom and knowledge, pulling from her experiences of being a mother herself and as a midwife. She read through my birth notes in detail and suggested other practitioners to further support me, including a homeopath and cranial osteopath. She made me feel safe, heard, strong and most importantly 'normal'. Eleanor said I would eventually come out feeling like a warrior and I did! Thank you.
A&B
Eleanor came to our house a number of times (which was difficult to find!) and we chatted through all our options and feelings. Eleanor was very informed and open minded. She had a calm presence and was really knowledgeable.
She offered everything and then we went through what was relevant for our needs. The most memorable moment was when I saw Eleanor arrive when in labour, when I saw her face I felt immediately reassured and uplifted, it was like a good friend had arrived, this is what I hoped for. I knew we had made the right decision choosing Eleanor and she sat with us for 16 hours during labour from then on. Eleanor has this unique ability to be present but not intrusive. My partner felt anxious about a few issues but talking this through with Eleanor really gave him a lot of peace of mind. We were so pleased to have found Eleanor, she felt the perfect fit for us. We found her experience as a midwife combined with holistic values and open mindedness really supportive. She was non-judgemental and never pushed her own ideas for our choices. F&S