Here are some comments from past clients about what they got from working with me during their pregnancy and birth.
"We wanted Kris to be our doula as we couldn't imagine anyone better. She radiates calm, she is full of knowledge about birth and she is 100% dependable. As it turns out, she was the only one present for the birth of my daughter at home as the midwife hadn't arrived and I'd sent my husband out to the shops! She was amazing. We had spoken at length before, about the support I thought I would need and she delivered exactly that. She was brilliant afterwards also, coming with me to the hospital and being that person to be there for me practically and emotionally, as my husband needed to be with my other children. I can't recommend Kris enough. She is a warm hearted and caring lady with a huge passion for helping women birth the way they want."
- Lizzie, Sheffield 2013
- Lizzie, Sheffield 2013
"My husband says he stopped worrying about the home birth etc. once we booked Kris. She never judged us or tried to persuade us to her way of thinking, just guided us to reach our own decisions.
I felt at the birth that she was the only person in the room who was actually concentrating on me and my labour - I was able to focus on her calm voice and suggestions and tune out any background noise.
All in all, I felt listened to and respected and I believe this helped me to have the positive birth experience that I had that day."
- Jane and Rob, NE Derbyshire 2015
I felt at the birth that she was the only person in the room who was actually concentrating on me and my labour - I was able to focus on her calm voice and suggestions and tune out any background noise.
All in all, I felt listened to and respected and I believe this helped me to have the positive birth experience that I had that day."
- Jane and Rob, NE Derbyshire 2015
"When we first read about doulas it made sense to us instantly, as we were both quite nervous about birth, and were planning a home birth without much support around us. We contacted Kris initially through recommendation, then upon meeting her we felt connected to her calm presence and knowledge and knew she was right for us.
Before the birth Kris got to know our fears and concerns, and provided us with tailored educational sessions to suit our needs, which were also a great chance to get to know her and feel comfortable with her.
On the day of the birth Kris was an absolute rock for both of us, and she went above and beyond our expectations in terms of practical support. Having her there helped us make decisions and realise that throughout we had a choice.
We found having Kris as our doula also very helpful in terms of being able to talk through the birth afterwards."
- Lydia and Jamie, Sheffield
Before the birth Kris got to know our fears and concerns, and provided us with tailored educational sessions to suit our needs, which were also a great chance to get to know her and feel comfortable with her.
On the day of the birth Kris was an absolute rock for both of us, and she went above and beyond our expectations in terms of practical support. Having her there helped us make decisions and realise that throughout we had a choice.
We found having Kris as our doula also very helpful in terms of being able to talk through the birth afterwards."
- Lydia and Jamie, Sheffield
"Our choice of doula was an incredibly important decision for us as a family. We were looking for someone who was warm, friendly, knowledgeable and who had some awareness of alternative therapies.
We were planning a home water birth using hypnobirthing techniques and alternative remedies such as homeopathy. More than this though we clearly felt that the birth of our daughter was a sacred event, something that would only happen once and we wanted a doula that really understood that and could support us with our decisions so that we could have the best birth possible.
Kris did all this and more. Her care, genuine kindness and support was absolutely invaluable. She was wise enough to know when to offer advice and when to give us space and privacy as a couple. In the run up to the birth Kris supported us with research, up to date advice and emotional hand holding whenever we needed it.
During the birth she was the quiet sensible voice gently encouraging us and reminding us that we could do this. She held a safe space for us and worked brilliantly with our midwives to mean that at all times we were safe, comfortable and knew we had people we could trust in our corner.
After the birth she went out of her way to ensure we were healthy, comfortable and had everything we could possibly need so we could just get on with loving our tiny daughter.
She continued to be there for us emotionally and gave us a place to go with any concerns or worries we had in the early days. In terms of building a safe,supportive relationship and the continuity of care we received, it couldn't have been better.
If you are considering having a doula I would absolutely urge you to not think twice. If you choose Kris to be with you during this amazing time of your life then you can be sure you have the best person possible there to support you whatever your choices are. Kris helped us in every way to have the birth we wanted."
Emma and Steve Manchester, proud parents of Holly.
We were planning a home water birth using hypnobirthing techniques and alternative remedies such as homeopathy. More than this though we clearly felt that the birth of our daughter was a sacred event, something that would only happen once and we wanted a doula that really understood that and could support us with our decisions so that we could have the best birth possible.
Kris did all this and more. Her care, genuine kindness and support was absolutely invaluable. She was wise enough to know when to offer advice and when to give us space and privacy as a couple. In the run up to the birth Kris supported us with research, up to date advice and emotional hand holding whenever we needed it.
During the birth she was the quiet sensible voice gently encouraging us and reminding us that we could do this. She held a safe space for us and worked brilliantly with our midwives to mean that at all times we were safe, comfortable and knew we had people we could trust in our corner.
After the birth she went out of her way to ensure we were healthy, comfortable and had everything we could possibly need so we could just get on with loving our tiny daughter.
She continued to be there for us emotionally and gave us a place to go with any concerns or worries we had in the early days. In terms of building a safe,supportive relationship and the continuity of care we received, it couldn't have been better.
If you are considering having a doula I would absolutely urge you to not think twice. If you choose Kris to be with you during this amazing time of your life then you can be sure you have the best person possible there to support you whatever your choices are. Kris helped us in every way to have the birth we wanted."
Emma and Steve Manchester, proud parents of Holly.
"I started looking into the idea of having a doula as I liked the idea of having someone experienced at our first birth, someone who could provide information, practical tips and additional support.
Kris offered all these things and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. She was friendly, supportive and full of useful information. She really did make a difference and made the process easier."
- Joanne Emily 2015
Kris offered all these things and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. She was friendly, supportive and full of useful information. She really did make a difference and made the process easier."
- Joanne Emily 2015
"Having Kris as our doula was amazing. She is so knowledgeable about birth, and the sorts of things that promote natural birth, and me and my husband had some great conversations with her whilst preparing for the birth of our second child. If I felt worried about anything I'd chat to Kris as well as my midwife as I was able to get emotional support from Kris which my midwife didn't always have time to give - plus I saw several different midwives. I felt quite unsettled by seeing different midwives and so having Kris there as a constant throughout my pregnancy and birth was wonderful.
During the birth, Kris was really tuned in to what I needed, and helped out quietly and calmly, ensuring my birth was allowed to progress as it needed to, which, as it turned out, was pretty fast. Afterwards, it was lovely to have Kris there to help make me comfortable, tuck me into bed and bring crumpets and tea whilst me and my husband snuggled with our newborn. As we had a home birth she even tidied up and put a load of towels in the wash - how great is that! Kris also knows a lot about breastfeeding and was able to answer my questions and check my baby's latch. I could also talk about the birth with her, because she was there, which was really helpful.
I can't recommend Kris highly enough. Having her as part of our plan made a huge positive difference because I felt so well supported before, during and after the birth of our daughter, allowing me and my husband to focus on our family."
- L, Sheffield 2015
During the birth, Kris was really tuned in to what I needed, and helped out quietly and calmly, ensuring my birth was allowed to progress as it needed to, which, as it turned out, was pretty fast. Afterwards, it was lovely to have Kris there to help make me comfortable, tuck me into bed and bring crumpets and tea whilst me and my husband snuggled with our newborn. As we had a home birth she even tidied up and put a load of towels in the wash - how great is that! Kris also knows a lot about breastfeeding and was able to answer my questions and check my baby's latch. I could also talk about the birth with her, because she was there, which was really helpful.
I can't recommend Kris highly enough. Having her as part of our plan made a huge positive difference because I felt so well supported before, during and after the birth of our daughter, allowing me and my husband to focus on our family."
- L, Sheffield 2015
"Kris was just great.
At first I was hesitant when Jo, my partner suggested a doula for the birth of our baby. Would I be sidelined, do I want to be sidelined, will it complicate things, will Jo and myself still be able to have our own voice.
All of these questions were unnecessary. We arranged to meet up with Kris and just say hi and find out a little more about what a doula does and does not do and for us to find about Kris. We both really enjoyed her company and my questions were answered honestly.
Throughout the labour and birth Kris felt totally part of the team and was invaluable throughout with her excellent and impartial understanding of the stages of labour and the sharing of knowledge, it seemed just when it was needed.
Thanks again Kris x"
Christopher Jarratt, Sheffield 2015
At first I was hesitant when Jo, my partner suggested a doula for the birth of our baby. Would I be sidelined, do I want to be sidelined, will it complicate things, will Jo and myself still be able to have our own voice.
All of these questions were unnecessary. We arranged to meet up with Kris and just say hi and find out a little more about what a doula does and does not do and for us to find about Kris. We both really enjoyed her company and my questions were answered honestly.
Throughout the labour and birth Kris felt totally part of the team and was invaluable throughout with her excellent and impartial understanding of the stages of labour and the sharing of knowledge, it seemed just when it was needed.
Thanks again Kris x"
Christopher Jarratt, Sheffield 2015
"Of all the things we did to prepare for the birth of our daughter, working with Kris was one of the most rewarding and worthwhile. Her practical advice was invaluable and her confidence and kindness helped us to feel safe and supported at those moments when it was most needed."
- S.J.G, Sheffield 2018
- S.J.G, Sheffield 2018
"I cannot imagine what the birth of our daughter might have been like without Kris. My wife had specific obstetric risks and requirements due to pre-existing health conditions, and the NHS midwifery team we had been under for this was disbanded 8 months in to the pregnancy, leaving us feeling very worried about the birth. Having Kris' support and guidance antenatally in itself made a notable difference to our ability to be calm and assertive with doctors etc. in the lead up to the birth, and even more crucially made us feel able to look forward to the experience instead of being wracked with anxiety about whether we would have adequate care. When it came to labour and birth, Kris' supportive, kind, relaxed presence was an absolute gift. We both felt practically supported and emotionally held in a way that never felt intrusive, instead strengthening our closeness to each other. Kris is born to this role, and we are so grateful for the positive impact she had on our daughter's birth."
- J H-B, Sheffield 2019
- J H-B, Sheffield 2019
"We couldn’t recommend Kris enough! We did the hypnotherapy course with her as well which we highly recommend doing. We started working with Kris when I was 17 weeks pregnant and I felt the benefits of it straight away. I felt so much more confident, less anxious and more relaxed. Our journey with Kris was also a great way for my husband to feel involved in the pregnancy as we hasn’t able to come with me to the scans and other doctors appointments due to Covid restrictions. The tools we learned during our hypnotherapy and doula sessions were invaluable and I still use them now that our little boy is here. Kris is the most calm, kind and attentive person I’ve met and we felt super comfortable around her straight away. I can honestly say that I don’t know how I would have given birth without her! She was with us for hours and hours during my 3 day labour - we planned for a home birth and she was more than helpful and overall a very calming person to have around at that time. After hours and hours (and days!) of painful contractions I decided I wanted to go to the hospital to get the epidural. I remember Kris told me at the time that if this wasn’t a positive birth experience anymore I should follow my instincts. I can honestly say now that I had an amazing birth and it was a positive experience for sure, even though it was nothing like what I thought it would be! I stayed calmed and focused the whole time and never once felt that I wasn’t in control of the situation. She was our guardian angel and our family can’t thank her enough for her guidance, help and generosity."
T, Sheffield 2021
T, Sheffield 2021
When it came to the birth of our second child we decided that it might be helpful to have a doula. Following some difficult experiences with one midwife who attended our first homebirth I needed to know that I would have someone who would protect my birth choices and help me to feel safe for this birth. This was especially important because we wanted our two year old to be at home with us so knew there would be times where my partner needed to tend to him and wouldn’t be able to be in the room with me.
From our first meeting Kris brought a calm presence and helped us think through all our choices at each stage, through several twists and turns on the lead up to the birth and lots of pressures that threatened our birth plans. Throughout Kris made sure I knew that she was available, was very flexible with how and when her support was available and seemed to know exactly the right level of contact and support to offer (even when I didn’t know what I needed!).
During our time together Kris’ support has helped me work through parts of the birth of my first son and our breastfeeding journey which had felt traumatic. She helped ensure that this birth was a healing experience and that our breastfeeding journey got off to the best start. After, I wished that every birthing person could experience the birth that they wanted in the way that we had been supported to. Kris’ package was worth every penny. Our only regret was that we hadn’t considered hiring a doula the first time.
Elizabeth and James, Sheffield 2022
Where do I begin?!
One year ago, I was overjoyed to be pregnant after several years of serious health problems and multiple surgeries. These experiences and my medical care had been traumatic on many levels, including physically and psychologically. Therefore, just getting through IVF had been a major challenge, and it was only once it started to sink in that I was actually pregnant that it occurred to me that having a baby meant more medical care! Just the thought of being in a hospital, not only dependent on healthcare professionals to take care of me but now to care for our baby too was totally overwhelming. I started experiencing flashbacks and truly wondered how I would get through it and whether I would be able to bond with our baby.
When my partner and I spoke with Kris, she got it all immediately. She put into words fears I hadn't even fully recognised myself and helped me feel empowered to advocate for myself.
Hiring her as our doula was the absolute best investment in getting parenthood off to the best start. With her support, we were able to navigate the ever-changing information and advice and make what felt like the best possible choices for me and our little one the whole way through.
On the day our baby was born, Kris was a calming, supportive presence, but thanks to all of her support leading up to the day, I was in a better place than I could have imagined. We also continued to benefit from her support and expertise in the weeks after our baby was born.
I can't recommend her highly enough as a doula, and although my trauma came before pregnancy, I believe she is the reason I was able to have a positive birth experience and avoid further compound trauma. My partner and I will forever be grateful for her support, and I'm pleased to hear she will be doing more work related to trauma, as it felt like something she was knowledgeable and passionate about, and I benefitted so much from her input.
E, Sheffield, 2023
One year ago, I was overjoyed to be pregnant after several years of serious health problems and multiple surgeries. These experiences and my medical care had been traumatic on many levels, including physically and psychologically. Therefore, just getting through IVF had been a major challenge, and it was only once it started to sink in that I was actually pregnant that it occurred to me that having a baby meant more medical care! Just the thought of being in a hospital, not only dependent on healthcare professionals to take care of me but now to care for our baby too was totally overwhelming. I started experiencing flashbacks and truly wondered how I would get through it and whether I would be able to bond with our baby.
When my partner and I spoke with Kris, she got it all immediately. She put into words fears I hadn't even fully recognised myself and helped me feel empowered to advocate for myself.
Hiring her as our doula was the absolute best investment in getting parenthood off to the best start. With her support, we were able to navigate the ever-changing information and advice and make what felt like the best possible choices for me and our little one the whole way through.
On the day our baby was born, Kris was a calming, supportive presence, but thanks to all of her support leading up to the day, I was in a better place than I could have imagined. We also continued to benefit from her support and expertise in the weeks after our baby was born.
I can't recommend her highly enough as a doula, and although my trauma came before pregnancy, I believe she is the reason I was able to have a positive birth experience and avoid further compound trauma. My partner and I will forever be grateful for her support, and I'm pleased to hear she will be doing more work related to trauma, as it felt like something she was knowledgeable and passionate about, and I benefitted so much from her input.
E, Sheffield, 2023