The proof of the pudding....
Hypnobirthing and doula testimonials
I've had the absolute privilege of being invited into some of the most intimate and precious moments a family can experience. Here are some of their reflections and kind words....
If you read this and want to chat, you can email me at charlie@thegoodbirthpractice.co.uk
After a terrifying ordeal with having my first child I sought out Charlotte Edun from The Good Birth Practice when I was pregnant with my second. Safe to say with all her help even my "emergency Csection" after two days of failed induction was calm, I was in control and no doubt it saved me from suffering any post natal mental health issues. I always thought this sort of "hippy birthing" stuff was not for me, however it was NOTHING like I thought. Charlie was down to earth, completely straight to the point, supportive and understood what I needed for a positive birth. Due to the way my first was born and being a high risk pregnancy I knew from the start I would have to be in hospital with my second and would possibly need another csec. I had my second during COVID lockdown, so even with the stress of that I still had her at the end of the phone helping me to feel empowered about my decisions and making sure I was in control of the birth regardless of which way it went. She helped me plan and fight for the birth I wanted by giving me the knowledge to decide how I wanted to have my little one. I had a plan for every eventuality and even my csec was calm and positive, despite it being my least preferred option it still went to plan and everything I wanted for it was put into place following the birth plan Charlie helped me with. My first was so traumatic, but with Charlies help my second, despite COVID chaos, was calm, safe and both me and my partner felt empowered in our decisions and even though it technically went the same way as my first (emergency csec) it was a positive and empowering experience! Thank you so much! I would definitely recommend!
Josie, second time Mum after birth trauma
Charlie is amazing - so down to earth, kind, supportive and knowledgeable. We had an online session just before I was due to be induced when things felt really stressful and overwhelming. Her session was great - so empowering and totally reframed things. She gave my partner and me confidence and knowledge which really transformed our birth experience. She made herself available to us during this time and after and I felt so cared for and supported. I'm so grateful to her!
Poppy, first time Mum preparing for induction of labour
The best Doula ever! Charlie was absolutely incredible - everything we had hoped for and more in a Doula. From the minute I met Charlie I knew I wanted her with us when our daughter was born. There was no chance of anyone messing with us with Charlie by our side. Our sessions before the birth gave us both so much confidence in our decision to plan a home birth. Charlie has the most calming presence and kept my Husband and I feeling so safe and relaxed during my labour. She guided us through the early stages and helped us decide when to call the midwives, encouraging us to wait a little longer each time we thought we should. This allowed me to keep progressing without any interruptions or new presences that often result in things slowing down. I remember the moment she told me I was going to meet my baby TODAY …it was the certainty in her voice that made me believe it and made me even more excited and sure I could do it. I had my dream Birth and so much of that is down to Charlie and the confidence she gave me just by being there. We felt 100% safe with her and trusted her fully. I can’t wait for my next birth and 100% would want Charlie to be our Doula again.
Cally, first time Mum (...and I did go on to be their doula for Baby #2!!)
We cannot thank you enough for all your support throughout our pregnancy and birth. We were so informed and felt so confident because of you. Thank you so much for absolutely everything
G & J, first time parents
After a fairly traumatic birth with my firstborn, I knew that I wanted some help before I had my second baby in March 2020. I was looking for someone who could help both me and my husband process what had happened the first time around, and feel better represented and in control for the second time. I met with several doulas, but the minute I spoke to Charlie on the phone I knew she was the one who could help me. From the very first phone call, I felt she heard me, understood where I was coming from, and would be able to represent me and to help me represent myself through the birth process.
I'd had an emergency c-section with my first, and was terrified of having another one. Charlie gave me so many resources to help me better understand what had happened, why I felt the way I did about it, and how to reframe the past birth and shape the future one in a positive way.
My baby was born at the end of March 2020, and so of course nothing went to plan thanks to Covid. I ended up having to book a last minute c-section, which is the one thing I'd said I would never do. But the birth itself was better than I ever ever ever could have imagined. It was so night and day different from my first. Unlike with my first, I can remember it all - and in such a positive light. Despite all the chaos in the world around us, I can look back at that whole time now and am filled with nothing but love and positivity and strength - I have no idea how I would have walked so confidently into that operating theatre or back into the pandemic world with my new baby without Charlie's help.
And now I'm booked for another c-section with our third baby. And - get this - I can't wait! Charlie's made such a big impact in my family's lives, and I honestly can't thank her enough. I wholeheartedly recommend speaking to her to anyone dreading a birth after a trauma, but also to people who are doing this for the first time and aren't sure what to expect (and pat yourself on the back for having the foresight to seek that support before there's a problem!). Just having someone with her ability to empathise and support you through the process is absolutely invaluable.
Sarah, second time Mum after birth trauma
It was an amazing experience... the labour and birth of our beautiful baby boy. I was only able to enjoy this special time because of your unconditional, thoughtful and understanding support.... your continued quiet and kind support was invaluable and I could clearly see that she was reassured by you. This was invaluable to me.
Jackie, partner
I was fortunate enough to have Charlie recommended to me in the early weeks of my second pregnancy. I was utterly terrified of giving birth again. I am so thankful to Charlie for helping me more than I could have even imagined. Charlie is a wonderful lady and the support she gives is so personalised. She genuinely cares and goes above and beyond. She transformed my view on birth which resulted in the birth of my second child being a lovely experience and a time I think back to very fondly. I’d happily do it again and that’s all down to Charlie!
Laura, second time Mum after birth trauma
So I woke up Thursday morning at 630am and my waters broke at 7am. Our Baby Girl was born into P's hands in the bathroom! It was so quick and surprisingly not too painful! Intense but amazing.
I'm sure the hypnobirthing helped me keep calm and feel I could do it.
Well, I didn't have much choice, but I did have confidence!
Vicky, third time Mum
There's no way I would have another baby without checking Charlie's diary is free
Joanna, second time Mum after birth trauma
I attended a virtual hypnobirthing course with Charlie during the pandemic, which was really helpful to get me into the right mindset to birth my second baby, after a traumatic birth with my first child. After we'd completed the (brilliant) course I knew I wanted Charlie to be my doula, and to support me through the actual birth of my second child. I had planned a home birth, and when these were cancelled by our local maternity trust on my due date, Charlie was there to support me and help me adapt my birth plan so that even in a hospital setting (something I was dreading), I could still have a positive birth experience. The experience, although not as straightforward as I had initially hoped, was a positive one, and I am so thankful that I had Charlie there to support me and my husband.
I learnt so much from Charlie, and the emotional support was invaluable. If I ever have another baby I would 100% want Charlie to be at the birth. I can't recommend her services enough!
Caroline, second time Mum after birth trauma
This was amazing for me! I had some sessions just before my third baby was (unexpectedly!) born at home - Charlie was completely lovely and the hypno was fab! It was great to spend some time concentrating on my Bump and helped me focus and stay calm during the birth.
Definitely recommend!
Helen, third time Mum
We took Charlie's hypnobirthing class as well as using the GBP's doula services. We found the class to be a huge help in preparing us and putting us into the right mindset for birth. It was so informative and so much more than just a hypnobirthing focused class. Having Charlie and Ruth with us during the birth of our first child was one of the best decisions we ever made! It was extremely comforting to have someone by our side who had been there and seen it all before, especially when things got a little stressful at the end... They really understood what we wanted out of our birth experience and was able to chat with the midwives, make small suggestions to us occasionally and help talk us through each stage. My husband especially appreciated the support and being able to ask questions to calm his nerves! Even just having someone at home to help us decide when to go into the hospital was invaluable. We definitely would have got that call very wrong in our own. We look forward to them being there again for the birth of all our children!
Marcella , first time Mum
Honestly we would have been lost without you. Our gorgeous rock that sat by when needed, never asked, then stepped up to be incredible support
Rachel, second time Mum after birth trauma
I've sat down to write this four times. Each time I have had to stop, as I felt my words were not adequately describing the impact Charlie had on ensuring I had a wonderful third birth. I have recommended Charlie's services many times, to everyone who will listen. She educated, calmed and empowered me to have the most wonderful and positive birth experience. I can't recommend her enough!
Anna, third time Mum
Thank you for giving me the tools for and faith in a positive experiences. I never would have thought that I would have such an amazing birth. If you are thinking of signing up with Charlie just do it. She really does care.
Hayley, third time Mum
Words cannot describe how wonderful our experience was of the Good Birth Practice. Charlie tailored her approach to adapt to my husband who was slightly suspicious of anything with 'hypno' in the title. At the end of our sessions my husband was raving about it to anyone who would listen and so was I! Nothing can really fully prepare you for first time childbirth but Charlie really came close to it! The support and advice she provided was spot on. The result was a fantastic and positive experience that my husband and I felt really well equipped to manage due to the hypnobirthing courses we did with the Good Birth Practice.
Claudia, first time Mum
Baby Girl arrived yesterday morning, in the pool! It was the most magical experience having her at home. (Partner) was fabulous, which was credit to your coaching. I can't explain the difference it's made. I feel great!!
Anna, third time Mum
As a "planner" by day who likes to rehearse meetings and think of every eventuality, hypnobirthing was the perfect class for me and my partner to learn, discuss and plan. Charlie ran a tailored refresher course which allowed us to make some time to rethink and re-learn prior to the birth of my second child which as it turns out brought up a whole new set of questions and anxieties. I finished the course feeling in control and relaxed for the birth to come. Some things on the day deviated from my planned home birth but thanks to Charlie I felt empowered to ask questions and get the most of my birth experience, she even gave me some advice during the birth via email which gave me a big boost at the time.
Charlie was brilliant at partnering with us to understand what we needed and teach the class with warmth, knowledge and some humour and also at going above and beyond to provided added materials, messaging and coaching throughout. If you do one pre-birth class make it this one and empower yourself to be prepared for a variety of birth outcomes.
Celia, second time Mum
This has re-set the bar for the rest of my life
Priya, third time Mum
Charlie's support went way above and beyond. We are so grateful that she was part of our special journey
Lyndsey, first time Mum
So I fucking rocked it!!!
The whole thing was amazing! Thank you again for all your help!!!
Emma, second time Mum, planned caesarean birth
What I really liked was that Charlie is realistic about birth and that you may need pain relief or intervention, but that doesn't mean it's not a 'Good Birth'
Victoria, second time Mum
I gave birth three weeks ago and I couldn't recommend Charlie enough... she helped me stay focused, calm and relaxed and not to be frightened of labour (everyone likes to tell you awful birthing stories when you're pregnant!). Although my birth didn't go exactly as I had planned in my birth plan I was calm and focused and generally quite happy during my labour. I would honestly recommend everyone do it and I would 100% do it again.
Highly recommend Charlie - she was fab
Bryanie, first time Mum
We had the most amazing birth experience from beginning to end. I loved every minute and it's all down to Charlie giving us the knowledge and encouragement
to feel completely confident and in control
Lyndsey, first time Mum
Baby I born at Pembury this afternoon! Thank you for all the coaching and support! Some very tough moments, but I still think hypnobirthing played a huge part in how informed I chose to be and how I assess risks that were presented to me. Very happy with my experience and outcome
Celia, second time Mum
Thank you for all your help and advice. I really appreciate everything you did to help me understand what a positive birth experience would look like and mean for me, and for giving me the confidence to go and get exactly that!
Michelle, second time Mum
Charlie helped us navigate what was, after a traumatic first birth, something that had both dreaded. With her guidance we felt in control, safe and heard. There was no 'woo' in sight. The advice was practical and collaborative
Pete, second time Dad after birth trauma
Our little boy is a week old already. I feel like I've been on a huge high. It's been a big blur and a bit of a whirlwind, but each day I just think how great the birth was. I'd never have believed I would say that about giving birth if you'd asked me at the start of my pregnancy. Thanks again for all your support and encouragement throughout. It made the world of difference to us.
Laura, second time Mum
Charlie was our hypnobirthing teacher and doula. Her course is eye opening and practical. She helps you discover what you need for a good birth and hypnobirthing is a tool for getting you there. Unlike other teachers she won't push you towards the 'hippy dippy' but you get to dig deep into what you need. She made me feel confident and able to take control of my prenatal care and birth
Rachel, second time Mum