What parents say about Birthready
The Active Birthing Workshop
“Last night we had a big chat about how we were both feeling about the birth and reflected on the classes so thought we’d just let you know that both of us are feeling confident about the baby’s arrival and our abilities to cope! We had already done our hospital’s ante-natal classes, which provided the basic overview of stages of labour and description of complications and interventions but your workshop went so much beyond that. The detailed information and videos of each stage were fantastic and we really appreciated the opportunity to rehearse the labour stations and figure out what sorts of positions will work for us (given Brad’s amputation and our different heights!); also how we can work together. It was particularly helpful given Brad’s previous experience, as it meant that he had space to talk properly about his fears and we feel that we have developed some strategies for dealing with those together in a productive way. Also, I think it was great for him to be able to have an opportunity and a language to be able to talk with other men about their experiences. Straight after we finished on Saturday, we went to our friends’ wedding and Brad spent the evening talking with other guys about their birth experiences which was just fab (and would likely never happened without the workshop!).”
Narelle, Windsor, VIC
“The practical stuff was fantastic, it helped me really understand what was going to happen in labour. We went by your information about gravity and positioning for labour the whole time. I just kept thinking, ‘gravity, gravity’. The birth of my daughter is the greatest achievement of my life.”
Lisa, Box Hill South, VIC
“I had read about stages of labour and birthing positions but it didn’t seem to sink in. Doing the workshop has really made me more informed and confident and brought together things I’ve read. Thank you.”
First-time Mum-to-be: workshop participant
“Very informative, alayed my fears greatly. Gives me the confidence to be able to support my partner by providing me with information to empower us.”
First-time Dad-to-be: workshop participant
“Greatly increased my confidence about giving birth; well organised and useful topics.”
First-time Mum-to-be: workshop participant
Professional Birth Support/ Doula Service
“Victoria, you were wonderful! You were in just the right place at the right time, your presence felt supportive and never intrusive, you enabled me to feel I was in control and when I knew that I wasn’t - to relax and let you and my partner ‘think’ for me. And when it was all over you let me know that your were leaving and just melted away at just the right time : ) The birth story and the photos are beautiful (even the blurry ones!) What a bonus!! We love you.”
Melissa H, Heathmont VIC
“When I first found out I was pregnant with my second child, I had conceded that my most likely option would be another epidural and a cascade of intervention from there. Then I was lucky enough to come into contact with Birthready and from that day onwards I started hoping for what I’d always dreamed of ‘a natural birth’. Your preparation really helped me to feel in control and aware of what to expect, even though this was not my first child, I soon realised there was plenty I didn’t know and you were able to explain things very well. This preparation also helped my husband believe in what I was proposing and changed his opinion of what might be possible.
“During labour I can recall really listening to your voice, as it was very calming and reassuring. When I thought that I could no longer cope you really helped me believe that I could. Not only were you an amazing support for me, but you also made sure that my husband was keeping strong which helped him physically and emotionally support me when I needed him most.
Victoria, you are a very thoughtful, kind, considerate, strong and extremely encouraging person and most importantly very calming. I couldn’t even begin to consider labour and birth again without having you by my side. I can proudly say that I experienced my goals and dreams of giving birth naturally. It gives me goose bumps when I think about what we achieved as a team.”
- Kayleigh. P. Richmond, VIC
“Victoria’s calming influence and knowledge enabled me to approach and be in labour confidently and remain relaxed and focused. Having Victoria present gave my partner the confidence to be at my birth.”
- Justine, S. Mermaid beach, QLD
“Victoria was awesome. Her calming influence at my daughter’s birth was precious and having her there providing extra ideas and information was invaluable. We ended up with an emergency c-section but I feel that with Victoria’s knowledge and assistance this was definitely a last resort. She advised us of all possible options before agreeing to the surgery. If I were to have another baby I would definitely want Victoria there to assist. The support that Victoria gave helped me through a long and intense labour of 21hrs, I could not have done that without her assistance. I most certainly would not be able to look back and feel satisfied that we did all we could before opting for a c-section and say that I enjoyed my daughter’s birth.”
- Kelly. S. Wantirna, VIC
Feedback on our Stretch and Relax Classes
“I enjoy the approach of each class: learning to get to know the different muscle groups in labour and learning to trust them. It gives me more confidence in myself and what my body can do.”
First-time mum-to-be
“I wish that my hospital ante-natal classes weren’t so overwhelming, this class takes away my fear.”
First-time mum-to-be
“I enjoy the supportive atmosphere, learning more, feeling more in control and doing something positive for myself and bubs.”
Second-time mum-to-be
“I wish that I had found these classes sooner and started earlier!”
First-time mum-to-be
“So many things I love about the class: the interaction between the women; the informative handouts; the ‘What’s up’ section; the celebration of those who are nearly due; and the stretching is excellent!”
First-time mum-to-be
“I wish that I could always feel as calm as I feel at the end of your class.”
Second-time mum-to-be