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Key personal qualities
Good listener, calming effect during pregnancy and child birth, soft reassuring voice, caring, understanding, committed, reliable and excellent communication skills.
Julie was our doula for the pregnancy and birth of our daughter.
Why a doula?
We wanted a doula because we wanted someone to provide us with the right kind of emotional support through the pregnancy and the birth. You rarely get the same mid wife throughout the pregnancy and birth. We wanted someone there during child birth who we were already comfortable with and felt supported.
We did not want a friend or family member to take on the role as we felt they would be too emotionally involved and may not be calm during a difficult period in the child birth, or have the right experience and knowledge for the role.
Why Julie Archer?
When we met up with her we knew straight away that she would be the right kind of person for us. We loved her holistic approach to the whole pregnancy and birthing experience. She was local and registered and also had a health care background.
How did it go?
We met up with Julie a few times before the birth. Partly to de-stress and focus on preparing the body for child birth, but also to establish a good relationship with Julie.
During these visits Julie worked with me on massage, yoga, relaxation and breathing techniques and aromatherapy. On the last visit she performed a baby in tummy massage which I would strongly recommend as I felt the baby could connect with Julie, whilst relaxing both of us. This had a wonderful calming effect which we really needed at the later stage of pregnancy.
Due to unforeseen complications our birthing plan was forever changing. This was difficult at times but Julie was always there to reassure, support and refocus me.
During child birth we used a full range of techniques for pain relief, as apposed to using drugs. This included massage, breathing techniques, visualization working with the body and the baby through the changing demands of child birth, calming music and yoga.
At one point I felt like I could not cope, but straight away Julie’s reassuring encouraging voice refocused my attention and she gave me the strength I needed to continue, the pain seemed bearable again.
Child birth was relentless and very quick for me. We had the most magical water birth experience. Julie was also a great support for my husband too, and he was made to feel included and gave us the right type of space for us when we needed it both during the birth and afterwards. Julie was sensitive and gentle to our needs.
After the birth I remember lying on the bed, holding my beautiful baby with my husband at my side. I was thinking what an amazing experience it was and how Julie had made it so special working as a team with the body. At that point I thought I could have written her a blank cheque for her role that morning.
Having that positive birthing experience was everything to me. We only used gas and air during the final stages, and no stitches. After the birth I felt with confidence how I wanted to do the whole pregnancy and birth again with Julie Archer at our side.
It’s hard to think about the whole experience without having a happy tear in my eyes.
- Fleur Barr
When we realised we were expecting our second child we set about finding a doula to support us during the pregnancy, birth and once Amber was born.
We feel so lucky to have found Julie who met our expectations in every possible way. During the pregnancy Julie was a great help with yoga, relaxation and having somebody to talk to – not to mention reminding us of all the practical things we needed for a home birth. During the birth Julie was amazing – she was my connection to staying out of my head and in my body, no matter how tough things got Julie gave me the confidence in myself and the process of birth. Whenever I felt tired or afraid Julie was the foundation upon which I fell back on – what would I have done without her encouraging words, her massage and mostly her belief in me and my ability to birth Amber safely at home. Whenever Nick needed a break Julie stepped in and immediately after Amber was born she didn't leave until we were all tucked up in bed happily fed and safe. During the first few weeks after Amber was born Julie would arrive, see what needed doing and without being asked quietly do her magic like Mary Poppins and when she left we all felt cared for and calm.
Julie really was a God send – we feel very grateful to her and it is difficult to put into words all Julie has done for us as a family.
During the special time that Julie shared with us our main memory is of somebody who really listened to us and what we felt we needed and then always followed through on what we agreed never letting us down. She selflessly gave on a practical level and with such a loving heart, was completely trustworthy and 100% reliable.
As a family we would highly recommend Julie to anybody looking for a doula.
- Nick, Nina, Olivia and Amber Walters
Julie was our doula in 2004, nurturing us throughout our pregnancy and successful Home birth after Caesarean on August 29 th 1.50am. We couldn't have done without her support, she was a breath of fresh air after the traumatic birth of my first child. She helped me deal with many issues that were worrying me, enabling me to let go of the past and emerge as a very happy mother of two. She also balanced an equal attention for our whole family, the relationship that me and my husband were developing, and clambering of my first daughter who was three. She became known by the family as our doula and I felt very much at home with her, allowing my partner some free time when she was around.
Having an experienced yet independent voice among us was such a strength and kept us going through what was a difficult pregnancy. It alleviated panic during the labour, especially during the early stage and we were able to relax and only call for medical services when we needed them. This was particularly important as we had quite a few false starts! We both felt safe, reassured and trusted.
We recommend Julie to you – Happy Birthing!
- Steve, Emily, Misha and Poppy Rogers.
When I first met Julie I immediately felt at ease with her and with the fact that she was going to be present at the most important event in my life. Constance is our first baby and my husband and I were both apprehensive and excited at the prospect of becoming parents especially as we had had quite a few complications during the pregnancy.
I had regular relaxation and breathing sessions with Julie in the last few months of the pregnancy during which I enjoyed the experience of focusing on myself and my baby and being able to talk to Julie about anything that was concerning me. Julie’s gentle and open manner has an enveloping effect which makes one feel secure and confident. As a result I looked forward to the birth with a positive attitude.
I can honestly say that I enjoyed the birth and this was down to Julie’s presence and her ability to create the right atmosphere. Her calm and encouraging manner made the whole experience feel very natural and very personal.
Both my husband and I and our daughter Constance are privileged to know her.
With our love and thanks.
- Rebecca and David Paterson
Me and Paul can’t think how we can thank you enough for everything you have done for us, we are so glad to have had your support through everything and the birth of Jack.
We couldn’t have wishes for the birth to have gone better than it did and we feel that everything went so smoothly thanks to your presence.
You were especially a huge support to Paul during the birth, he felt much calmer because you were there and I didn’t need to worry about him because I knew you would look after him.
We will definitely be calling you when or if we have another one.
You have been completely irreplaceable to both of us, we will certainly never forget you and will keep in touch.
It really is a magical time and we are very happy you have been a part of it.
Thank you again Julie all our love
- Hannah, Paul and Jack
Julie was my doula for the birth of my second son, William in June 2005.
We had planned that my husband would stay at home with my first son who is 4, and my mum would come to the birth with me. As she had a special holiday planned at the time I was due, I was recommended to have a doula that would come with me if my mum was away. I got on so well with Julie after our first meeting that I wanted her to help me at my birth anyway. I felt that she could give support to mum and help me use my yoga and breathing – my first birth was an emergency caesarean and I very much wanted this birth to be natural – Julie helped give me the confidence to achieve the birth I wanted.
Julie came to our home a few times before the birth to practise yoga and relaxation with me. The relaxation was fantastic and really helped me to connect with my baby. She was marvellous with my little boy who also wanted to join in with the yoga!
I felt very equipped to cope with my birth and knowing that Julie was going to be there made me feel secure. When I arrived at the hospital, Julie met me and started talking quietly and soothingly and helping me to be ‘inside myself’. As my mum was parking the car, she quietly and efficiently organised the room – dimmed the lights, closing the curtains and putting on beautiful music. William was born 20 minutes after arriving at the hospital! Julie was fantastic during the birth, getting me into a better position and encouraging me in a very clam way.
Afterwards it was good to be able to ask her questions to fill in the gaps and to relive my special moment.
Having Julie as a doula was wonderful and I would recommend her to anyone. She is a very genuine and lovely person with a special presence – I can still hear her calm voice talking to me even now. She really cared for me and my family and we are all so grateful to her.
- Jo Moon
I found Julie’s details on the internet very close to the time I was due to give birth. I had thought about using a doula service but was umming and aahing about it right up until the week before. My concerns were that it would be too ‘touchy feely’ and that I would be uncomfortable with over intimacy with a complete stranger (classic British reserve). I was, therefore, slightly apprehensive when I set up the meeting with Julie – although having looked at her website I had a gut feeling that it was the right thing to do.
When I met Julie all my initial concerns disappeared. She was really easy to get on, seemed very down to earth and was extremely knowledgeable about child birth. She listened to my concerns, respected my particular requirements and seemed very willing to help me achieve the kind of birth that I wanted.
I decided to book her for the birth and within a week we were sitting in the coffee bar at the hospital waiting for the inducing drug to kick in to action and for labour to begin.
I had wanted a water birth at home without drugs so an induced birth at the hospital with drugs and interventions was not what I had anticipated. Julie kept me calm and positive through the various situations that arose, helped me to make the right choices for the baby and myself and gave me lots o support (and fantastic calming foot massages).
She seemed to know exactly what I needed and gave me the right amount of help without invading my space or making me feel overwhelmed.
My birth was a long drawn out process and Julie was there from 10am on Friday morning until 7pm the following day (my daughter was born as 4.59pm). She stayed awake and supportive throughout that time and I can’t imagine how I would have coped without her help.
I would unreservedly recommend Julie to anyone approaching the birth of her child. If in doubt, meet up with her. She has great energy, is a fantastic person and will help to make the birth of your child special no matter how your child decides to come into this world.
- Helga Stephenson
Most would think that it was an easy decision to have Julie Archer as my Doula considering the fact that she is also my mother. And for me it was but I was not the only person involved in the decision making process and initially I was concerned about how my husband would react to this proposal.
Would he feel superfluous? Not valued? Pushed out? Inviting someone else into the most intimate part of your marital relationship – the consummation of your love and life together in the birth of your child is a huge deal. Would this be a step too far on the mother-in-law front for Marc to feel comfortable with?
However this is an issue that Julie has to address with every couple she works with and we were no different. I knew how much she wanted to be actively involved throughout my pregnancy and to be present and assist in the birth of her first grandchild but true to her very nature she would have stepped back immediately if she had known that it would cause upset to Marc.
Anyone who knows Julie will tell you that she is one of the most comforting and reassuring people they have ever met and any reservations husbands/ partners might have had at the thought of having a Doula disappear as soon as they meet Julie Archer in person.
Thankfully Marc agreed to my wishes – all be it a little reservedly to begin with. Marc and my Mum have a strong relationship and have always got on well. I knew he respected her knowledge and experience as a birth companion and Mum always knew when to step in and most importantly when to step back.
As my pregnancy progressed I spent a lot of time with Mum talking about my body and what was happening at every stage to the baby inside me and what was in store for us all with the birth. We practiced Yoga, relaxation, meditation and she generally just fussed and spoilt me like any Mum would. I was just lucky enough to have the benefit of her knowledge and experience as a Doula as well, which instilled a real feeling of confidence and security within me. I knew that I would be OK as long as she was there.
As the end of my pregnancy neared we were all getting prepared mentally and physically for the impending arrival of our “Little King”. Our NCT classes finished - they had been brilliant in many ways. In conjunction with the NCT, my local midwife and my Mum I really felt like I had a huge team of support. Marc I think also felt as confident as is possible as a first time parent and was more knowledgeable than many on the biology and physiology of birth and had in fact extolled the benefits of having a Doula on more than one occasion to the people in our group!
When my labour began at 12am it was sudden, I had little to no warning that I was conscious of and the contractions were intense, causing me to panic initially and question my pain threshold and possibly my ability to hold out for the natural birth I had hoped for. Within 2 hours of my knowing that it had started, with TENS machine on, sitting on my birthing ball and Marc massaging my back whilst counting contractions, I was ready for Mum to arrive. It took some persuading Marc as his initial thoughts were that it was too soon and that like most first time mothers, I would probably be hours if not days away from actually giving birth. But I knew different and I was scared. Mum arrived at 2am and the change in the atmosphere was apparent immediately. Marc had been doing a great job but I think he was a little disconcerted by how much pain I seemed to be in so early on. When Mum arrived she calmed us both immediately with her serene and encouraging manner. She praised Marc’s actions and efforts and after a quick reccie of the situation got down to helping us establish a good rhythm of breathing together and helping Marc by giving him the odd break from massage.
What I think was most striking about the whole situation was how much comfort she brought to the room and how little she actually interfered. She just sat back and watched and passed words of encouragement and praise. It was 100% me and Marc in our own private bubble and Mum just seemed to be the protector of that sacred space.
I dilated quickly and within 20 minutes of the midwife arriving (only 4 hours into my labour) I was already at 9cms. A home birth was quickly decided upon and everything stepped up a gear. Without Mum there I don’t know if either Marc or I would have been happy to stay at home but everything just seemed right and I knew I was going to have my baby soon. What we were all unaware of was that baby had turned and was posterior so it took me nearly 4 and a half hours to push him out and at this phase I totally reverted back to my inner child and the overwhelming need for my Mum consumed me. At times when I didn’t think I was able to carry on, utterly convinced that I couldn’t do it, I would find her eyes and receive that strength I needed to give it one more push, and one more and so on.
Once Hayden finally entered the world, safe and sound (taking only 8 ½ hours in total) and gazing up at us all like an angel, Mum quickly gave us the space we needed as a new family to have some time getting to know each other. Her tact and utter professionalism was amazing considering how totally personal and emotional it must have been for her too. She honoured our space and never encroached on Marc’s role as my main advocate and his place as the most important person in the room (after me and Hayden, of course!). She made the whole experience a smooth, safe and happy one. When it was over Marc was overwhelmed by it all and was incredibly grateful to Mum for her role. She had assured him throughout that he was doing everything he could and doing it wonderfully. She empowered him to be the best birth companion to me that he could ever be. She gave us both the belief in ourselves that we could do it and we did! And now we have a beautiful son, and she has a grandson who someday will hopefully realise just how lucky he is and how special and important his Nanny is and was in bringing him into the world.
My reference for Julie is different, I know because she is my mother, and many will think that they will never have the experience I did because of that. But I hope that my reference will highlight that despite our very personal relationship, Julie was utterly professional throughout. Without her calmness, assurances and confidence in her quest for the best birth experience for me and my baby, I do fear that after 4 hours of pushing I would have ended up having medical intervention if she had not been present. But with her encouragement, her ability to keep everyone in the room calm and collected I overcame what felt like a Mt Everest size challenge and gave birth to my son 100% naturally in the safety of my own home, with my husband by my side all the time and with no danger or trauma to Hayden and for that I will never be able to thank her enough.
Every woman that my mother works with will receive her 100% dedication and emotional support. She truly believes in the miracle that is birth and is an amazing champion of the birthing mother. Anyone who chooses to invite Julie into their birthing experience will be thankful that they made that decision for ever more.
- Loretta, Marc and Hayden King
