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 2019I 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 into 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 assertive and calm 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 felt both 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.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 into 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 assertive and calm 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 felt both 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.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 into 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 assertive and calm 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 felt both 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.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 into 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 assertive and calm 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 felt both 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 2019I 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 into 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 assertive and calm 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 felt both 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.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 into 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 assertive and calm 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 felt both 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.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 into 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 assertive and calm 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 felt both 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.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 into 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 assertive and calm 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 felt both 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.