Sarah & Jack
When I found out I was pregnant with our second baby, Lilly, I knew I needed a completely different experience from my first. My first birth, in the hospital, had left me feeling like I was just going along with whatever was happening, and my choices didn’t really matter. I ended up with a lot of interventions I didn’t want, and it felt so far from what I had envisioned. I knew I wanted something more peaceful, more empowering this time, so when a friend recommended Chloe after taking her hypnobirthing class, I knew I had to reach out.
We chose Chloe’s 6-month virtual doula package, and it was the best decision I could have made. Throughout my pregnancy, she was available whenever I needed to talk—whether it was a question about the baby, a worry I had about labor, or just needing emotional support. Chloe really listened to me, especially about my first birth experience, and helped me process and heal from that trauma. She gave me so many tools to feel confident and ready this time around.
Labor with Lilly started when I was 40+5 as we were getting Henry ready for bed one night. My surges began gently, it took me a while to work out I was actually in labour. I kept to my normal routine, and went to bed hoping to get as much sleep as I come could, knowing baby would be here soon. I was able to nap between surges, which helped me save my energy, something that wouldn’t have been possible during my first birth because of the hospital environment and constant interruptions.
By 6am, I could feel things starting to pick up. That’s when we decided to call the midwife, and I reached out to Chloe on FaceTime. Even though she wasn’t physically with me, having her there virtually made me feel so supported. She reminded me to stay in my rhythm, and her voice kept me focused and calm. Jack was incredible too. He was so much more involved this time around. We had learned so much during our virtual sessions, and he knew just how to help—whether it was keeping the atmosphere peaceful, setting up my affirmations, or getting the birth pool ready.
By the time my mum arrived to watch Henry, the surges had really intensified, but I still felt in control. Chloe helped me stay grounded through each wave, reminding me to trust my body and breathe through it. I spent most of my time in the pool, which was such a relief. The warm water helped ease the intensity of the contractions, and I kept repeating my birth affirmations, which Jack had set up around the room. It was such a contrast to my first birth. I wasn’t stuck in bed, hooked up to monitors, or feeling like I had to ask permission to move. Instead, I felt free to move, to make decisions, and to do what felt right for my body. I stayed in my dark, quiet space with just Jack, Chloe on FaceTime, and our midwife arriving at just the right moment.
Lilly was born not long after, an amazing water birth, in the peace and quiet of our home. The moment I held her in my arms, I felt this overwhelming sense of accomplishment and peace. I had done it—on my terms. The whole experience was so different. I felt in control, respected, and safe. It was everything I had wanted my first birth to be but didn’t know how to achieve. Having Chloe’s support, even virtually, made all the difference. She gave me the tools to trust my body and helped me create the birth environment I needed to feel calm and empowered.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. If we ever have another baby, I would absolutely hire Chloe again. The experience of having a doula, even virtually, was more than I could have imagined. It gave me the birth I had always hoped for, and I’ll be forever grateful for that.