Services

Testimonials

Feedback from Clients:

BIRTH DOULA

I can’t recommend Shirley highly enough! Shirley is naturally a very giving and kind person which in my opinion makes her a very good doula candidate. Also Shirley has had 3 children of her own with 3 different birth experiences. Shirley is very knowledgeable about birth, babies, breast feeding, NHS, hormones and emotional needs and so is a great source of information to any pregnant woman and new mum.

Shirley is such a caring person and totally non judgemental. I felt totally comfortable with her from beginning to end sharing such an intimate experience with her. She is also very very passionate about what she does and gives it 100%. Barbara Fiennes

“Shirley was present at the birth of my second daughter as we attended her hypnobirthing class.  We were happy to have her there as had built up a good relationship and thought it was a bonus to have a doula.  She spent time with us beforehand to work out how best to support us, and made it very clear she was happy to help in any way and we could tell her what to do if needed! During the labour and birth, Shirley was very helpful as she was able to support me (light touch massage and holding hands during surges) when needed so my husband could do other things (organise childcare, speak with midwives, fill pool etc..).  This really helped me progress as I could focus on my labour knowing everything else was being covered.  She also came up with a lots of helpful tips and ideas which were really useful at the time, especially when things were taking time to progress e.g. certain positions to try, spoonful of honey for energy, trying light touch massage at certain times, support with breathing techniques….  Overall it was a bonus to have Shirley present, she is very knowledgeable but also knows how best to use that to help the situation.  She was always very thoughtful in how she interacted with us (before and during) and always felt helpful and not obtrusive in any way.” Joanna Diss.

Shirley is my sister but before she taught me the concept of hypnobirthing I was terrified of labour. I didn’t even like to think about it. Shirley enlightened me on pregnancy, birthing and babies, and highlighted how natural the process is. By informing me on routine interventions and helping me to understand what is truly necessary, I began to trust my own innate wisdom opposed to feeling frightened, out of control, and at the hospital’s mercy. Shirley was able to deliver her knowledge, and signposted me to trusted research, but respected my opinions and wishes at the same time. My confidence in Shirley as a doula grew. (I realised she’s not just a bossy sister – she really knows her stuff!) and as the course and pregnancy developed… I was so empowered, I decided to have a home birth with my first baby! It was one of the most memorable beautiful experiences of my life and I’m forever grateful that Shirley was there with me through this journey – not just for me, but for my fiancé too. He benefitted profoundly from her support and reassurance. Shirley is extremely passionate in her work and an amazing teacher. Her perceptions are infectious rather than forced. Of course you’re going to think this is utterly bias. I suppose if you are lucky enough to have her as your doula, you’ll see for yourself. Happy Birthing! Grainne Selfridge

I don’t know what I would’ve done without Shirley, the preparation and support she gave us before and after our first baby was born made such a difference to us. When it came to baby no.2, had I not been in a different country, I’d definitely have had her by my side! She was able to help us with our birth choices, help us explain those choices to the hospital and despite needing a caesarean, was able to help suggest natural ways of bonding with our new baby. Can’t recommend her enough! Paula Wilson

Words don’t really cover my thanks and gratitude for making something that was so scary and daunting into something just amazing 🙂. You are so talented and passionate about what you do – thank goodness I am lucky enough to have found you! I am so happy to have shared this journey with you and I still cannot not quite believe that I did it. Had it not been for your guidance, belief in me and confidence in what you do I could not have done it. You are incredible at what you do! Thank you for your support to all of us throughout for helping me to bring little Lazlo into the world and all the on going support postnatally. He is already very chilled and loves the water. x Sarah Arnot Owen

HYPNOBIRTHING

“We used Shirley and Babyo Birth Relaxation as our hypnobirth teacher in preparation for the arrival of our first baby. Shirley was amazing! With tea and cake, in the comfort of our own home, she taught us everything in a brilliant, logical and relaxed way and without doubt made our home birth experience (and the unplanned hospital transfer) fearless, exciting and completely understood. No matter how much other research, NCT classes or friendly advice given, Shirley and her hypnobirthing was far and away the biggest help in preparing us to manage the unknown journey facing us! Having done it once and been rewarded with a wonderful, healthy wee boy, we wouldn’t consider having a second baby without Shirley’s help again.” Misha & Woody 

I came to Shirley for one to one Hypnobirthing in order to gain a better understanding of how to approach giving birth in a more positive way. I’d done Hypnobirthing with my first pregnancy but didn’t feel the connection that I got with Shirley. Shirley took the time to speak to me before the course started and really understand where we were and what we needed. When I first met Shirley I immediately felt that I’d met a friend, she has a knack of making you feel at ease straight away even when talking about really quite personal things. Shirley had a tough time fitting round my crazy work schedule and having a toddler, I must have driven her insane moving the dates round but she remained super positive and flexible and so enthusiastic, she really couldn’t do enough! I ended up giving birth without pain relief, naturally which I believe is down to Shirley’s teaching and  help! Laura Bond

One to one hypnobirthing classes with Shirley were really fantastic and personalised; we felt comfortable to ask questions which we might not have been so open in a group setting. Amy Drago

A massive thanks Shirley for the hypnobirthing refresher at your lovely home, we really valued the time we spent with you. It was such a relaxing afternoon and a great refresher following our previous positive experience of hypnobirthing. You really helped us to think about what is important to us about the upcoming birth and where to we want to focus our practice in the coming weeks. The resources you have provided have already been so useful. We feel very curious and excited about the journey ahead! Helen Glossop

It has been two years since the birth of my son and I am still benefiting from the hypnobirthing course Shirley has done with me and my partner.
We started a few months before the due date and I believe that was the time when a very special relationship has started between me and my son. 
I always wandered, how was it possible to “communicate” with a baby in the womb. It was something surreal for me, until I started exploring journeys inwards. Until this day I am able to connect with my son the way we connected and communicated, when I was still pregnant with him. 
Hypnobirthing course has also clarified some of my questions and worries about labour and what are my rights in medical institutions. It helped me understand what giving birth really is, what happens to my body and how I can work with it. Consequently I gained confidence and trust in myself, that I am able to give a natural birth without pain. 
Whenever I feel shaken or off balance, the affirmations come to my mind and I regain my stability and assurance. 
All that Shirley kindly tought me, shared with me. In such a short time, she gave me a gift for life. 
The support I have received from her was on many levels. 
She is ever so compassionate and understanding, able to make connection with what you are going through, having gone through the same herself. She is the ultimate friend, helping hand, someone you can talk to, who never judges, someone you can reach for help and she is there. That’s probably what all new mums want, need. Thank you so much Shirley. Anna Smidova

Hi all Wanted to pop a note on here to say how amazing Shirley has been. She has become a good friend and I could not have had such a successful birth without her. I had a beautiful 9lb2oz baby at home and it went so well – the preparation, advice, support and patience Shirley had with me can not be faulted. She is extremely knowledgable, kind and caring – supporting me amazingly through the long final stages of pregnancy and now the fourth trimester. Answering my questions and keeping me positive. I could not have asked for more. Being a first time mum is daunting and Shirley has supported me above and beyond – I have the most amazing son now. Thank you Shirley. Rebecca Lane

I had a one-to-one birth preparation and relaxation session with Shirley before my second baby. The relaxation was lovely of course (I can recommend the sound relaxation), but the really valuable bit was the practical advice around home birth and coping with/enjoying labour. The best thing was that the session included my partner, and he found it really useful and straightforward. Nicola Pyror

Shirley is INCREDIBLY talented! Hubby and I booked a private 4hr appointment as clueless parents-to-be. We’ve walked away excited, reassured, and very empowered! Just WoW! A MUST for any lady about to give birth. Shirley’s teachings and TLC techniques are invaluable. With an endless list of skills and qualifications, you will be looked after as an individual mother. Pip Jackson

We feel really privileged to have had such a positive, natural birth experience which was without a doubt aided by attending the Hypnobirthing refresher with you. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Your passion and belief in hypnobirthing was inspiring and infectious! Anon