References

I contacted Sue when my son was about a month old having seen her advertisement in the local National Childbirth Trust newsletter. My son, Jack, was (and still is) very demanding and I felt I needed a bit of help during the day while my husband was at work. When I first met Sue I was impressed at how caring she was and she seemed to have a calming influence on Jack.

Sue started coming to me 2 days a week for 4 hours each day. She provided me with a lot of advice and support at a time when I was feeling very low and it helped me immensely to know that Sue was coming.

When Sue started coming to me Jack and I had no routine, with Sue’s help Jack started to have regular naps during the day in his cot - Jack is now a very happy, active baby, who as long as he has his regular naps during the day is a pleasure to be with.

Sue never told me what to do or how to look after Jack, she only provided advice when requested and I never felt that she judged me. Having a baby is a wonderful experience however, not having an “easy” baby spoilt the experience somewhat for me, but I feel that having Sue help me gave me confidence in myself as a mother and enabled me to start enjoying motherhood.

I am lucky enough to have a Night Nanny care for my son a few nights a week. When my Night Nanny went on holiday for a week, Sue offered to fill in for her. I happily took her up on her offer as Jack knew her, liked her and I was happy to have her care for Jack. Each morning Jack was a contented and happy baby so I knew everything had gone well.

Sue has only stopped coming to me because I am going back to work. I’ll miss Sue but will hopefully keep in touch with her and would definitely ask her to come and help me if my husband and I decide to have another child.

If you have any questions regarding Sue’s doulaing (if that’s the word!) skills please call or email (claire.gibbs9@btinternet.com).

Mrs Claire Gibbs

I have known Sue for approximately four years. Sue and I became close friends during the time we were both pregnant with multiples (twins and triplets respectively). During the last four years Sue has provided me with invaluable support and advice about caring for babies and more recently toddlers. She has always been able to give practical advice and knows when to offer emotional support. I have no doubt that Sue will make an excellent post natal Doula, given her caring and supportive nature. Also Sue has her own wealth of practical experience.

I would not hesitate in employing Sue as a Doula should the need arise.

Carol Freeman
Mother of triplets, Stubbington, Hants

Sue has been a good friend of mine for over 30 years and in that time I have entrusted her with private and personal information about myself, confident in the knowledge that nothing I had told her would ever be repeated.

Sue's regular assistance with my cleaning and other household tasks proved invaluable during a long period of illness that I had a few years ago. I have always believed that Sue is a good judge of character and so when she went on maternity leave I had no doubt that the replacement Sue recommended to me would be equally as trustworthy and proficient - and this indeed proved to be the case.

I have always admired Sue's genuine love and concern for the welfare of children and her ability to recognise when a child is in need of more specialist help or attention.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Sue's service for anything from personal confidante to adviser on dealing with childcare issues or for general assistance with housekeeping.

Adele Laidler
Fareham

More references available on request