I have had the absolute privilege of supporting some amazing families. Here's what some of them had to say...

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"I’m not sure how we can ever put into words the praise that Abby deserves. We are still fresh from the birth of our baby and something we keep saying is that it wouldn’t have the amazing experience it was without Abby. From the get go Abby was kind, attentive and helped us stay on top of all the questions and doubts that arose throughout pregnancy. From the final weeks, through labour and the post-birth clean up, I have never been so thankful to have met such an amazing person. From the bottom of our hearts- thank you for everything you did for us Abby. Not just does every birth need a doula, they need an Abby."

- Rebecca

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"After a traumatic birth of our first daughter (carried by my wife) in 2020, and subsequently meeting Abby through their sling consultations (excellent for premies by the way!) we knew that we wanted Abby to be a doula for the birth of our second child.

With Abby's support we planned a home birth and we are so glad we had them with us every step of the way.

Abby's antenatal support blew us away. In person they were thorough and evidence based, tailoring our support to our existing knowledge and birth plans. They were available via WhatsApp and provided extensive emotional support to both of us, especially as we approached the gestation of our first child's birth which was emotionally difficult. As neither of us had experienced labour or physiological birth before we found Abby's knowledge put us at ease as the due date approached. Abby also attended two key antenatal appointments with me - the home birth assessment to ensure we were on the same page with the community midwife and a growth scan which threatened my plans for a home birth but with Abby's presence went smoothly.

Abby arrived within half an hour of my wife calling at 2.30am on the day of the birth, as soon as we felt we needed them. Due to our anxieties we perhaps called earlier than others but having Abby there just made everything calmer and they ended up staying 24 hours with no complaints. Abby was a great support whilst my wife dealt with the confused toddler, holding my hand and helping me to time contractions.

During the (soooo long) day Abby filled the birth pool twice, rubbed my back, held both mine and my wife's hands during difficult parts, fetched so many cold flannels, reminded us all to eat and drink, advocated for me with the midwives and reminded them of my birth preferences. They helped us to make sense of our options when labour slowed down, and helped us get a change of scenery and some rest. When I finally gave birth to my son Abby discretely took photographs on their and our phones which are now cherished memories forever.

After the birth Abby was really on it with the cleanup even with our toddler now back in the building and running riot. They got our toddler ready for bed, made up cloth nappies, sent us to bed with drinks and snacks, saw the midwives off and waited a further hour for the taxi to collect the gas and air cannisters.

We paid for the extended postnatal support package and are so glad we did. Abby's support was so comprehensive, from holding the baby so we could sleep, bringing food and shopping, wiping the toddler, sling support, endless emotional support, taking me to a hospital appointment and of course always being at the end of the phone (with excellent memes). The closing the bones ceremony was also something I cherish.

In summary, Abby made this birth an incredible and healing experience and they helped me to find the confidence to birth my baby at home with minimal intervention. Hiring Abby was the best decision we could have made, as evidenced by the toddler still raving about Abby five months later.

Thank you for being you, Abby ❤️"

- Liv

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"Abby supported me through a missed miscarriage and I will never be able to thank her enough for being there for me, they were a rock to me, help and support when I needed it most, she guided me gently through the process, held space for me while I grieved and gave me the resources I needed to process my trauma. There are not enough words in the world to describe the deep gratitude I have for her.

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I am pregnant again and have Abby as my doula. I am yet to give birth but Abby has already proven her worth over and over again. I have been and continue to be empowered to make my own decisions, supported, cared about and for, they have been a best friend, confidant, and all round superhero. Her skill and expertise shine. They are always on the end of the phone to help me through whatever is on my mind at the time. Abby is a wonderful human being who I feel incredibly fortunate to have in my life and I genuinely can’t wait to introduce my baby to her.

Thank you Abby, for all that you do and all that you are."

- Sarah

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"It's hard to express how grateful I am that we hired Abby as our doula for the birth of our second baby. She supported me to plan for our homebirth and helped me to advocate for myself during my pregnancy. She was fantastic during the birth, making sure the midwife was aware of my birth preferences and tidied everything up once baby had arrived! The post natal visit and closing of the bones ceremony provided further support and an emotional positive sense of closure after my daughter's pregnancy and birth.

We have also had a sling consultation with Abby and she helped us with a wide variety of different slings - from meh dai's, ring slings, Ombuhimos and woven wraps and techniques to help us to carry our newborn and toddler.

She is supportive and helpful, I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking pregnancy, birth and post natal support and information and advice on babywearing ❤️"

- Emma

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"5 stars won't ever be enough to express our thanks to Abby. My husband and I chose to hire a Doula to be our advocate, sense of calm, and knowledgeable support during labour following our concerns about our local hospital trust. Abby was all of these things and so much more.

Additionally, her support before the birth of our daughter was amazing, always there if you needed her and would regularly check in because she genuinely cares about those she supports in her role as a Doula.

I would highly recommend the continuity of care that a Doula brings to pregnancy, birth and beyond. Abby was exceptional in every stage and now we feel like she is an extended part of our little family after sharing such a special and intimate experience with us. Thank you."

- Sam

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"Abby's been wonderful support during my pregnancy, always there to offer links to help me make an informed decision, always available to cheer me up and make me smile on difficult days.

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My baby is 7months old now but I have such wonderful memories of our birth and have some beautiful photos to remember it.

I'd highly recommend Abby to anyone and would hire her to be my doula again (if I change my mind in the future about being done with babies, lol)"

- Jana

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"Abby is just a gem she has given me so much support not only at the beautiful home birth of my son but the birth prep and all associated emotional support, sling advice throughout the last 5 years, postnatal support and even bringing homemade cake! Abby is an excellent guide and has plenty of resources and advice.

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Abby is calm, objective, a voice when needed yet impartial. Abby works with you and family to help you work through decisions and find your voice(s) and that's what is so special about her. She will blend into the background or be right there at your side helping you advocate your needs.

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I would really recommend Abby Hopewell's doula service but also Abby in general!!"

- Alex

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"After having a traumatic hospital labour first time around, we enlisted the help of Abby who helped to plan our home birth. She was there every step of the way, provided post natal support and a precious closing of the bones ceremony. She helped us to achieve the positive birthing experience that we desperately craved.

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Abby really is the village that you need, she helped us so much and I am eternally grateful to her for everything that she did for me and my family. She is so knowledgeable, helpful and supportive. I would recommend her without hesitation 10/10.

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Thank you for being amazing at what you do Abby from the Linacre-Dunstan family."

- Lizzie

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"Abby was my doula through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. I honestly don't know what I would have done without her. The support she gave me, every step of the way was essential to a positive experience. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have managed to breastfeed if it wasn't for Abby's guidance and support with finding appropriate help. Abby was my absolute rock and I wouldn't hesitate to have her as my doula again."

- Faye

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"Abby has been a wonderful source of support to me throughout her time working with us. From the unlimited antenatal advice, to sling hire for my toddler, holding my hand and cheering me on in labour, to the debrief after birth, and post natal support.

I’m so glad I chose Abby as our doula. I had such a positive birth experience this time, and she had a big part to play in that.

I’d thoroughly recommend Abby to anyone thinking of hiring a doula, she really was invaluable."

- Lauren

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"Abby is a true asset to not only the Doula profession, but to communities, mothers, villages and birthing movements.

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Abby has a wealth of information, guidance and resources. She is a safe space, listener and guide. She enabled me and my family to guide ourselves with her love and knowledge which enabled us to make the best decisions for our situation. She does everything with compassion and without judgement.

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It is clear Abby has a passion for supporting the voice of mothers, fathers, siblings and babies. It was always clear I was in the driving seat but she opened my mind up to things I had not considered.

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Everything she does is with love. She has this amazing ability of being present and holding space, yet also being able to blend into the background and beaver away doing behind the scenes work. You can tell she truly cares and has a nurturing soul which is just beautiful.

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Abby will always be part of our journey and story for so many reasons and I know she will feel privileged for that and that's what makes her such a credit."

- A