I have given birth to four children and over the years attended many births, including those of two of my grandchildren.  My skills include assisting at hospital, birth centre, home, water, breech, assisted and multiple births, cesarean births and VBACs.   I have experience as a breastfeeding counsellor and also with the IVF process.  With a defence background, both as a child and partner,  I have a particular understanding of the needs of military personal and families on the move. 

Since having my first child I have been in awe of the empowerment women gain during a good birth experience, and the ongoing benefits to babies born gently.  However, I had become increasingly aware that for many mothers-to-be the support and guidance of strong experienced women  was not always available and they were unsure or fearful of the birth process.  For years this concerned me deeply, but I felt powerless to do anything.  

In 2001, after assisting at the beautiful peaceful birth of my first grandchild, a chance remark from a midwife opened a new path for me.  She commented that I would make a wonderful Doula ... the seed was sown and I eventually moved on to formal certification and a career change.

Being a full-time Doula now allows me to support others unconditionally and help women gain the confidence they need to achieve the best possible birth experience.

Although I have retired from library management, my  professional skills enable me to easily  source and verify a vast range of childbirth related information.  I maintain a large, well catalogued library of birth and parenting related books, films and journal articles to loan to clients, and can easily research topics of interest as they arise.      

Vickie