"I had come from Cambodia at 8 months pregnant
and was introduced to Kate through a mutual friend. From the minute
I walked in the door, I felt so calm. Kate has a natural way of
comforting all the anxieties and concerns about labour and is
refreshingly non-judgemental on decisions for birthing options.
I have had countless massages over the years (and a few pre-natal
massages in more recent months), but this pre-natal massage was
something words can't describe - beyond relaxing, it was just
sensational. Every muscle was treated and unwound, and it seemed
to go on forever (I wish it could have!) -- I was so relaxed at
one point I really didn't know if I could summon wits to make
it home. Highly recommended!"
Kathy F.
"Having to travel to Bangkok [from Laos] to
have my baby meant that there was a risk that I would have to
deliver without my partner. This was daunting, as my first labour
had proven to be long, complicated and exhausting. Choosing Kate
to help me through the process was a great decision. She was very
supportive during my lonely times in Bangkok before the birth,
and her presence during the labour was invaluable. With her assistance
and support, my large second son was delivered naturally, without
any pain relief. This was a very different experience from my
traumatic first time around! Kate's major strength was her ability
to support me through the toughest times, calming me, and helping
me to focus. She also ensured that my partner was totally involved,
and that my wishes were clearly communicated to the hospital staff.
She made the entire process a very positive one, and her caring,
open approach was much appreciated. I highly recommend her services."
Fiona F.
"After experiencing an unplanned and traumatic
cesarean section for the birth of my first child, when I became
pregnant for the second time (at the ripe age of 39!) my hopes
for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) were high, but tempered
by my sense that a range of factors (including health-related
complications and my obstetrician's cautiousness) might counter
against this. Through Kate's support as my Doula, I moved from
a position of being hopeful but philosophical about my chances
of achieving a natural birth, to proactively doing everything
possible to achieve this. I changed my obstetrician 2 weeks before
I gave birth, received acupuncture to help address my health issues,
and learned about breathing and visualization techniques to help
me through labour. When I went into labour, Kate came to my home
and supported me there for as long as possible. During the four
hours that I continued to labour in hospital Kate's calm, caring
approach, her ability to ask the right questions, her timely and
thoughtful suggestions, and her knowledge of techniques to help
my labour progress were, I believe, invaluable. As a result, on
12th January 2008 (the busiest night in the Labour Suite's 14-year
history), I gave birth naturally without any pain relief. Kate,
through your involvement I remember my second birthing experience
as hard work (putting it mildly!), but entirely joyful. I can't
thank you enough for helping me to fulfill my hopes."
Nik L.
"I visited Kate for a massage quite late on
in my pregnancy on the suggestion of a friend as I was having
trouble sleeping and generally felt really uncomfortable. From
the moment I arrived, Kate made me feel really welcome in her
home and took the time to find out how all aspects of my pregnancy
was going, physically and emotionally. The massage itself was
one of the most relaxing experiences I can remember. In fact,
on my second visit I fell asleep. My husband also benefitted as
he said the nights after I'd had a massage were the only ones
when my snoring didn't keep him awake! I can't recommend a massage
with Kate highly enough - it's a must for every pregnant woman
in Bangkok."
Claire E.
"Having had a difficult first labour with significant
intervention, I was determined that with my second child I would
have a different experience. Having Kate as my doula was the best
decision I made in that respect. Though my second labour was equally
long, Kate helped me through it and I was able to deliver my daughter
naturally with no pain relief. Her calmness; belief in may ability
to get through it; encouragement at times when I felt like giving
up; and advice on positions for labour were invaluable for me
and my husband. She worked brilliantly with the hospital staff,
and together they made a great team. I cannot recommend Kate highly
enough - whatever kind of delivery you want."
Alison V.
"When my wife first suggested a doula I was
a little apprehensive - I worried that she might take over, or
disrupt the intimacy of the birthing experience. But from the
moment I met Kate I felt completely relaxed about working with
her, and when it came to the big day she was fantastic - we worked
together to help my wife through the labour. She is incredibly
sensitive, and played a totally supportive role to myself and
my wife, as well as working in a complementary way with the medical
staff. My wife wanted and managed to have a natural birth, and
I truly believe that without Kate this would not have happened."
Tim W.
"Sincere thanks for your
huge help on what I will remember as the most painful day of my
life! I really could not have coped without your guidance on pain-managment
techniques and your calming nature. I have been recommending you
to everyone!"
Marta N.
"Kate was my pre-natal yoga
teacher and has been a continuous source of advice and support
throughout my pregnancy. Her yoga sessions were extremely beneficial
for my physical and mental well being, and I always found myself
both uplifted and grounded after each session. Kate has always
provided great tips on pregnancy and labour, especially in the
context of Bangkok, to all of us in the pre-natal yoga classes.
My husband, Aidan, and I also did a partner session with Kate
on positions for labour, breathing and massage techniques. She
showed Aidan what to do in labour and we practiced positioning
and massages techniques. We really enjoyed it as a way of bonding
and focusing together on the labour to come and found it very
practical and useful. I definitely recommend both pre-natal yoga
and labor support preparation with Kate!"
Emilia M.
"Having a doula for the
birth of my first child was one of the better decisions that my
husband and I made. Kate's compassionate style and informative
suggestions were wonderful especially during the 2 hours
of pushing! Kate showed my husband how to assist me in positioning
myself for pushing which made a world of difference. Her massage
technique at this time also eased my pain level."
Suzy N.
"Kate was fabulous leading
up to labor and in her help with my husband. He says he couldn't
have gotten through what was a difficult labor without having
her there. Anyone who uses her services should count themselves
lucky."
Tucker W.
"I am so appreciative for
all of Kate's help. She was my only source of support [during
labor] and for that I am grateful."
Mary C.