What do my clients say?
What’s it like to work with me? Take it from the people who have…
Antenatal Courses: what’s it like to prepare for birth with me?
Group Antenatal: The Really Useful Antenatal Course
November, 2024:
“Having just finished Gemma's antenatal classes all we can say is this has really helped prepare us for the big day and beyond.We literally just wrote up our birth plan and it feels great to realise that all the unknowns we had have now been answered and it feels great to be soo well informed and this is purely down to Gemma's classes!
On personal note as a future dad I had an amazing moment during the second course were all the anxiety that was building because of everything suddenly just disappeared, as I realised that we would be fine and would be able to cope with whatever happened on the big day. Again this is all down to how Gemma explained what happens and her positive and warm approach in her antenatal classes.”
Phillip, ‘The Really Useful Antenatal Course’
November 2024:
“After being sent Gemma’s info by a friend, I was umming and ahhing whether it was really going to be worth signing up for the group antenatal course as I thought ‘meh, surely we can just wing this whole thing - baby will arrive how they want and there’s not a lot I can do about that’ and man, I cannot believe just how wrong I was.
Gemma’s course was the piece of the birth puzzle we didn’t realise was missing. There can be so much information online nowadays that it becomes so overwhelming, and the course made everything so palatable. We learned how much birth partners can play a huge role in our experience, how certain techniques can help control the different stages of labour & birth, and helped me feel confident on advocating for myself even if there is ‘professional advice’ that is being given.
I cannot recommend Gemma and her group antenatal course enough. It is EASILY the best money we have spent during our pregnancy and cannot imagine not having the knowledge we now have. Thankyou SO much Gemma!
Luka, ‘The Really Useful Antenatal Course’
August 2024
Gemma is one of those women that will put you instantly at ease when you start talking to her and any problem you thought you had you'll leave thinking why was I ever worried about that! She's helped my partner and myself have more in depth conversations about things we didn't know we needed to talk about and given us the tool kit we need to take birth head on and not be worried!! I would highly recommend going on one of her courses, you'll learn have fun and have a better understanding of each other as a couple and as the beginning of a family by the time you finish!
Vicky, ‘The Really Useful Antenatal Course’
August 2024
Wow, what a fantastic antenatal class! Gemma was fantastic at explaining all things pregnancy, birth, and the forth trimester so it was easy to understand and something to get excited about, rather than terrified. It was a lovely environment, with a friendly, small group, great resources and nothing was rushed so I felt comfortable asking questions and to just be me! My husband got a lot out of it too. Thank you Gemma, I'm so glad we went and a great price for what you get too!
I'll miss my Sunday afternoons with everyone! If you're looking for an antenatal class, then don't hesitate to book with Born to Birth Cornwall!!!
Emma, ‘The Really Useful Antenatal Course’
Private Antenatal Courses
August / September 2024
“A fantastic way to bespoke learn all antenatal, birth and all things pregnancy related. Gemma from the very start was professional and super helpful in guiding us through the whole doula experience. Both of us learnt new techniques and approaches that have made us feel much more prepared for the adventure ahead, making the daunting yet exciting chapter familiar and allow us to journey with confidence.
We couldn’t recommend enough Gemma as her ability to tailor each stage to our tempo and lifestyle was second to none. A much welcomed informative hand-holding few weeks where we learnt and grew in confidence with each session.”
Andy, The Complete Course
June 2024
As first time parents we wanted to learn about the practical side of caring for our baby. Gemma was highly recommended to us and from the first few messages I knew we had to sign up with ‘Born to Birth Cornwall’.
I feel that I could write the most amazing things about Gemma and it still wouldn’t justify how much of a positive impact she has had on our pregnancy and baby prep.
Gemma is extremely approachable, knowledgeable and genuinely cares about the people she is working with. We found it really useful being able to pick the topics you wanted to learn more about, and loved that you can do this in the comfort of your own home.
We feel so much more prepared to become new parents and this is solely down to Gemma. Thank you so much x x x”
Anon, Bespoke Antenatal Course
May 2024
“We had an amazing experience working with Born to Birth Cornwall. We really didn't know what to expect from the antenatal classes, but Gemma brought so much knowledge, reassurance, positivity and humour from the word go. We felt way more confident and clued-up, having done the course. As we come from a medicated birth background, she helped us immensely with all the evidence based information we need and the knowledge to ask the right questions so we can advocate for ourselves to make the right decisions (based on our preferences.)
We are first-time parents and so almost everything was completely new to us. Gemma helped us understand our birth choices, and how to more confidently navigate them when it came to it - this part was invaluable to us. As well as this, we were armed with the practical tools needed to look after the little one in the first few days and weeks.”
Jeremy & Cristal, The Complete Course
February 2024
“Me and my partner had lessons with Gemma to help us with everything we needed before our little one arrived. Gemma made us feel so relaxed and so ready! She tailored our evenings to us and we learnt so much. We both feel more confident and happy with what’s ahead. Thanks so much Gemma, we are very glad we met you!”
Kate, Bespoke Antenatal Course
February 2024
“This was the best money that we have spent during our pregnancy journey. Gemma was an absolute pleasure to work with, she is incredibly knowledgeable. I was worried about being judged about our lack of knowledge and experience with birth and babies, however Gemma created a completely judgment free space so that we were very comfortable to ask any and all questions.
I think one of the great things about this course is getting to chat to Gemma first and work out what we wanted to get out of our time, really looking at which topics would be best to cover and choosing ones that would benefit us the most. This is the personalisation that you just don’t get with the other courses that we looked at. Another benefit is that we could do the course in the comfort of our own home, I didn’t realise how beneficial this would be until we started doing some of the practical elements using our own equipment and house. This was great for learning what works and what we could look at changing before the baby arrived.
I highly recommend this course and Gemma. Thank you from two first time parents to be, that now feel more confident and comfortable in our ability to take on the next step!”
Emily, Birth & Baby Basics
December 2023
“This has been the most valuable thing I have done since finding out I was pregnant. I have evolved and gained so much more knowledge on pregnancy, birth, baby, me, my partner. Gemma is truly incredible and best of all it was fun and engaging.
I found the most useful thing about Gemma’s services is that you can pick what subjects matter to you, what you want to explore, what questions you would like answered. Additionally, there is no judgement, no biased approaches, no blinkered approach. I feel so empowered by Gemma’s classes that I am excited to give birth!”
Lauren, Bespoke Antenatal Course
Birth Preparation Workshops
Birth Options Workshop - April 2024
“Gemma is really knowledgeable and interactive with the group. The session was really helpful and informative. The session was really informative and we both left feeling like it was clear what to expect when making our birth plan. We also felt we had some proper time to talk about this with each other which isn't always easy with distractions at home/work/life.
The best part was visualising information and being able to see what it is that will be discussed during making a birth plan. The booklet is a really lovely touch, to be able to look back through it and have it to make our birth plan with our midwife is really useful. The PowerPoint was informative and had lots of details within it to gain access to further information.
Worth every penny :) Thank you!
Jade & James
Birth Options Workshop - April 2024
“I think every bit of information I wanted to be reminded of was there plus a whole lot more! The facts and statistics were incredibly useful! The resources were beautiful but the best part was the sheer amount of questions! They really invited me to take a good think about what EXACTLY I want to do/gain/achieve through my birth.”
Natalie
Positive Preparation for Birth - July 2024
“Realistic, helpful and information based session. Learning about the NICE guidelines for birth and having a Q&A session at the end was really good.”
L&J
Positive Preparation for Birth - July 2024
“Gemma is knowledgable, approachable and kind. The best parts of the workshop were the interactive sections.”
Mum-to-be & Dad-to-be
Positive Preparation for Birth - March 2024
“Easy to understand, easy to follow and thought provoking: it’s got me and my partner really thinking about how we want to cope with labour.”
Anon
Birth Doula
October 2024
If you are looking for a doula either before birth, during labour or post-natally, look no further than Gemma at Born to Birth Cornwall. After attending one of her free bump brunches and an initial consultation we knew Gemma was the doula for us. She provided a huge amount of knowledge around birth preparation and a non-judgmental and fun space which provided my partner and I with so much confidence during our pregnancy journey, during labour and postnatally.
Gemma was our rock especially towards the end of our pregnancy, when our baby was 2 weeks overdue. She helped me emotionally and was always there to talk about ways to adapt our birth plan when we needed it. She was available for any appointments where we wanted her support and expertly stepped in to advocate our wants and needs where required. We also benefitted hugely from her networks with other birth workers in Cornwall, who supported with hypnobirthing, chiropractic help and lactation support.
If you are looking for a thoughtful, respectful and knowledgeable doula, Gemma is the one!
Amy
May 2024
I chose you as my doula because I just felt a connection to you. Something I can’t quite put into words but knew from the moment I met you that you would be an important piece of our journey. Before we started working together, I wanted confidence and the permission to achieve what I wanted from birth but now we have worked together I would describe the experience as fun! You are supportive, encouraging, empowering, friendly, reassuring and an instant friend!
Everything you did was fantastic: from literally holding me up during birth to holding me up postpartum when times were slightly unplanned and unexpected. I’d change nothing about the support you gave me: you were exactly where and what I needed. You made me feel strong and empowered, in control of my body, my wishes and my baby.
The moment you walked through my front door - at the very moment of need - and put your arms round me to hold me up, spoke to me with words of encouragement and strength, there was a power that overcame me and carried me through the final moments of bringing my baby earthside. Since the birth, your daily check-ins have been personal, emotionally supportive and invested. Your constant reminders that you’re here for us in many forms have made your services and her friendship invaluable.
Natalie
February 2024
The support is fantastic, and when it says 24/7 you mean it. I feel informed, empowered and was guided through the most difficult experience of my entire life. Having someone to reach to without it being family - when things went wrong and we were worried we didn’t want to worry others and Gemma was the best part about that.
We had the virtual doula package which entitled us to 24/7 support from Gemma - when she says 24/7 she meant it! We were calling and messaging at crazy hours of the morning where Gemma would talk us through the pros and cons of the decisions we had to make and really rest our minds assured. She supported us, explained the procedures and really cared about us both throughout the whole thing. I particularly liked how she also supported my partner, spoke to him, empowered him and was really there to reassure him too.
She supported both me and my partner through the most difficult time of our lives and is still doing so now. Since having our baby Gemma has checked in every single day, supported us with breastfeeding, enquires after our midwife/other appointment checks and she is just truly the biggest support we’ve had through this.
Would I recommend? ABSOLUTELY. I’d pay double. As a first time mum and dad we have felt so supported, empowered and informed and that’s all thanks to Gemma. She is truly fantastic and takes the fear out of labour and birth and really is there for you 24/7.
Thank-you ever so much for being our rock throughout this difficult time. We really couldn’t have done it without you.
Rachel & Kyle
Postnatal Doula
Summer 2024
“Amazing support for mothers transitioning to life with a baby! Before we started working together, I was just hoping for some help. I was a little worried about privacy and having to over explain everything but working with you is so peaceful: you inspired confidence and uplifted us. I was able to build my trust, recover, feel reassured and gain useful knowledge from your evident expertise.
The ‘logical’ way you approached the work so that things were clear and mirrored what I wanted but couldn’t manage myself! The seeing through a new mother’s eyes. The shopping with considering how important little things were. You made me feel more hopeful and confident and your support was totally worth it: you made the journey into parenthood smoother and the little things easier. They all add up to an easier, happier newborn parenting experience!”
EH
August 2024
“Gemma is very hard not to like, not to mention her yummiest flapjacks and energy choc balls + meals she prepared for us postnatally.
We found her support immensely helpful especially being far away from families & friends as now first time parents.
Gemma helped us in a super practical way, giving us support with day-to-day things whilst we were trying to adjust to our new life with a tiny human. Having Gemma on the end of the phone, able to support in any way, over this period gave us so much reassurance. She would also bring round homemade flapjacks and energy balls, which warrant their own 5 star review!
We'd recommend Born to Birth Cornwall to anyone, and we would not hesitate to work with Gemma again.
Jeremy & Cristal
February 2024
“I knew I needed more support after family left following my baby’s birth. My mental health wasn't great with sleep deprivation being a massive contributor. I did some looking around online and had an email exchange with another doula that didn't have any availability. She sent me your details (along with others) and I liked the look of your website and what you said on there; you looked supportive and what I needed, without being too woo woo!
At first, I didn't really know what postnatal doula support would involve. I was a bit embarrassed about having to pay someone to help me when everyone else seemed to manage fine and I wasn't sure what I needed to be honest!
But once we got started, I found you super supportive and kind. You made it really easy. I liked that you came in and just busied yourself with what you thought needed doing (cups of coffee, snacks, tidying, chat, offering to cook) as initially I was way too embarrassed to ask for anything! Felt really comfortable leaving my baby with you to go for my naps, and he clearly was very happy with you.
Overall your postnatal doula support really really helped. I was in a bit of a state of panic when my partner went back to work and parents left. I feel like your support has helped ease me into coping with a new baby a lot better. I'm enjoying spending time with him rather than just feeling terrified. Reducing the number of times you came a week gradually made me realise I can do this.
Now I know that it's ok to need help. The first few weeks/months are HARD. I wish everyone could have a postnatal doula. We don't all have a 'village' around us any more to help with having a baby. I'm so pleased I had Gemma's support, even though I was initially embarrassed about needing it. I wish I had known about postnatal doulas after my first child, and have been telling my friends about the support available.
Becky