A couple of years ago I read a fascinating article in the Sunday paper about the advantages and benefits of having a doula. I thought that if ever my husband and I had a baby, it'd be great to use one. When I became pregnant I searched around for the best and found Renee who became our doula.I loved that she was so passionate about women and believed in the right to give birth in the way that was right for you. No pressure, only support! Renee has a wonderful energy and I loved that she could also offer me Aromatherapy and Reiki if I wanted it. My husband and i attended Renee's childbirth education classes which were so positive, empowering and above all, educational. Not a dry eye in the house! Her support and advice throughout my pregnancy was fantastic. She was available to chat with me about any questions or concerns and had an incredible list of contacts and suggestions that I also accessed for other natural therapies. The birth of our son turned out to be the most positive, empowered experience I have ever had. Renee was with us the whole way and throughout it all provided the most incredible support to both Tim and myself. I was in labour for eleven hours and gave birth without the need for drugs. It was awesome! I can't speak highly enough of Renee and her talents. I wouldn't hesitate to ask her to be my doula again and can thoroughly recommend her to any woman seeking a positive, empowered birthing experience.”

- Caroline and Tim Smith

Dear Renee,

I just wanted to send you an email to express my appreciation and deep gratitude for the experience you have allowed me to have over the past few weeks. I was unable to verbalize to you in person (without ugly crying) the impact that you, your mission and your teachings had on me. I don’t even think that I will be able to convey how I truly feel in words but I wanted to ensure that I was in some way able to give you some insight.

The guidance that you provided during the self-work parts of our in person classes was unexpected but absolutely invaluable and it is the biggest thing I have taken with me from this experience so far. I feel as though I have "leveled up" in my spiritual journey and have found peace and understanding with a lot of things that I have previously struggled with. To put it simply, you have literally changed my life.

Your passion and drive has stoked the already lit fire in my belly to make a a positive impact doing what I believe is my calling in life. I am sure my enthusiasm will continue to grow, as I am finding myself already having so many "light bulb" moments of understanding and enlightenment during my online study. 

You can add my name to the list of hundreds of people whose lives you've touched. The things you have achieved across so many different fields is so inspirational and I consider myself so incredibly blessed to have spent time learning from you.

Annie Lukins Stauber 

These wise words from Renee are what helped me to stay calm during a ridiculously quick labour and birth of my 5th baby.
Having Renee as my Doula was one of the best decisions I ever made! Throughout my pregnancy I always felt well supported emotionally, physically and spiritually. This helped give me the confidence to make decisions that best suited me and my family. 
Renee worked harmoniously with my privately practising midwife who together, provided well rounded antenatal care and support. 

During my fast labour, Renee helped me stay calm and focussed during what would normally have been a stressful experience. Although my birth did not go entirely to plan, I was fortunate enough to have a straightforward home birth and a healthy baby. 
In the post-natal period, Renee’s support and debriefing skills helped me to make sense of the experience, which allowed me to feel satisfied with my birth outcome.

When I discovered I was pregnant with my 6th baby, it was only natural to want the same support team. Renee was again invited to join us on our pregnancy journey to help support myself and my family in another planned home birth. Not only did Renee support me, she also helped my children prepare for being a part of their baby brothers birth and was there again to support them when the time came. Renee stayed for many hours after the birth to ensure our baby and I could rest and the other children were looked after. 

I cannot thank Renee enough for being such an awesome support for myself and my family at such an important time in our lives. I could not imagine having another baby without Renee by my side. Her calming presence and unwavering encouragement was just perfect in ensuring my experience was as positive as it could have been. 

- Kelly Pyne

So many emotions and such a rollercoaster.

It does take a village and Renee is the queen of that village and the best starting point for the journey that anyone could wish for.

Having Renee as my doula was such a blessing. She prepared my mind and changed my approach and experience for my birthing journey. Her beautiful energy, wisdom and understanding wrapped me up in a warm and comforting blanket for the ride. 

In Western culture it’s such a clinical experience and new mothers are expected to take the reins and run with it rather than soak up the whole new world that you enter. Having Renee there to nurture, love and guide me through my little warrior’s birth and into the role of motherhood was such a gift.

It’s so important to feel supported during this most precious and challenging time of a woman’s life.

Her credentials in education and her knowledge of natural therapies speak for themselves but it’s also Renee’s open heart, passion and commitment to making it an enriching experience that made it such an empowering experience. 

Milla xxx

(Camila Franks)