All Things Birth & Beyond

I must say Mel's videos on breastfeeding are very informative and quite comprehensive, making them an invaluable resource for first-time mothers like me. The content is of high quality, with clear and well-structured explanations and contextualisation.Mel not only provides practical advice but also empowers through information, which is essential for people navigating the challenges of breastfeeding.A wide range of topics are covered, from proper latching techniques and breastfeeding positions to troubleshooting common issues like nipple pain.Whether you're a first-time mom or looking to improve your breastfeeding experience, these are a valuable resource that can support you on your journey.I feel I have enough theory to get started with the practical aspect of things now!

Mel worked with me and my first baby from when she was just a few weeks until until she was around 8 months old, in the role of ‘Parenting Mentor’. This was was one of the best decisions I ever made! Having her support was like having a hand to hold when I needed it most. Alongside our scheduled sessions together Mel would also offer her support whenever I reached out about an issue, struggle or a doubt - she was always on the end of the phone or message chat, other times she would suggest options of when she could come over sooner. She set up a zoom chat almost immediately when I was struggling with breastfeeding positions so she could watch me and my baby and guide me better with options to help. Her expertise helped to identify a tongue tie and other feeding complications with my baby, she showed me how to use a SNS (supplementary nursing system) to feed extra milk to my baby who refused a bottle, she helped us enormously with naps, baby wearing, breastfeeding positions and with the logistical planning of sleeping arrangements in the home. It made such a difference to me having a mentor who felt like a friend who knew my situation - and I could always ask her advice/opinion on anything that came up because I always felt listened to and understood by her. In all the work we did together, most of all, Mel empowered me as a new mum - she never told me what to do at any stage and never took credit herself for our triumphs- she gave me confidence in my abilities, listened to me, reflected back what I was feeling and we came to solutions from there. Now, when I am struggling with something regarding my baby, I ask myself ‘What would Mel say to me?’ I simply cannot recommend working with her highly enough!

Mel was my doula for the birth of my son who came just over 3 weeks early. She was fantastic in the delivery room working with the midwife to prevent early intervention, voice my requests and support me through the birth. I managed to hold off the gas and air until 8cm because Mel’s hip and lower back massages during contractions were so effective. Mel’s food parcels were just what I needed when I got home and Claire’s lactation assessment and advice helped get us started on what has been very trouble-free breastfeeding since. I highly recommend this service and support as a first time expectant mother

The breastfeeding empowerment coach course was a very rewarding experience and provided the resources to explore the needs of the mother and baby dyad and why breastfeeding is so beneficial & more. Mel and Claire are incredibly supportive and the course was well set out with a Facebook group to get additional questions and support answered, I finished the course feeling confident in empowering and supporting families choosing to breastfeed. Highly recommended mel and all things birth and beyond, thank you!

I honestly can't recommend Mel enough. It's like it says on her website, if it was a drug

We are so glad that we chose to share our pregnancy and birth with Mel & Claire. The support is priceless and I honestly can say our experience wouldn’t have been so positive without them. Mel went above and beyond during my labour and I can’t thank her enough for all of the support, advice and love she shared throughout. We felt so informed and calm knowing that we had her there on our side. Although we planned a homebirth that we couldn’t have due to staffing issues, Mel ensured that we got as close to the environment we hoped for as possible despite being in hospital. Claire’s visit when we arrived home really helped us come home when we were struggling with breastfeeding whilst still in hospital.If we are lucky enough to have another baby in the future, we wouldn’t hesitate to have Mel and Claire share the experience with us again. We would recommend All Things Birth and Beyond to anybody and everybody! Thank you again both of you x

Mel provided such valuable breastfeeding support for me. I was struggling in the early days with oversupply which just wouldn't settle - it was crazy and was freaking me out as it was my first baby (now 6 months old). Mel listened to me and understood me (much better by far than the breadtfeeding helplines in my case) and provided proper advice and a plan of action to help me get things evened out... and it worked! I would recommend her wholeheartedly.

I cannot speak highly enough of Mel's Counselling services. As someone who has utilized many of the services she offers, I can say with confidence that her Silent Counselling session truly changed my life. Going into the session, I was carrying a deep feeling that I couldn't fully understand. But Mel's gentle approach and empathetic listening created a safe space for me to explore and unpack my emotions. By the end of the session, I felt a sense of enlightenment and relief that I had never felt before.Since that session, I have noticed a positive shift in both my physical and emotional wellbeing. I credit this transformation to Mel and her incredible Counselling skills. Her ability to connect with her clients and offer valuable insights in a non-judgmental way is truly a gift. I recommend Mel and her Counselling services to anyone who may be struggling with any physical or emotional challenge, especially mothers who may need an extra level of support during this demanding time. Thank you, Mel, for changing my life for the better!

Birthing and beyond really does what it says on the tin – they offer huge support to before and during birth to both parents, but also beyond, getting to grips with life with a baby and any torubles along the way. As a dad, I felt fully included and a crucial member of the birthing team. Unfortunately, during the first couple of weeks, we experienced some quite traumatic circumstances, although I’m happy to say are now resolved. The trauma support offered to not only mum but also dad was incredible. I had tried to get mental help via a couple of different avenues, but once I had my ‘3 step rewind’ session with Mel, I have been able to deal and manage my mental health, and enjoy our new family life much more. Without Mel’s help, I honestly don’t know how long it would have taken to fully recover – thank you!!!

What a difference All Things Birth and Beyond made for me when expecting, birthing and starting to look after baby number 2! I learned so much, had a much more positive experience than first time round and I am now taking those newly learned skills forward into my parenting and other areas of my life. If you are ummimg and ahhing about whether a doula is for you or not then don’t hesitate - it’s worth it! Thank you to Mel for the Three Step Rewind birth trauma sessions - if you think ‘just being teary‘ about a past experience isn’t enough to warrant these sessions then think again and let yourself learn to remember your experience in a different way. And thank you to Anneliese who was there for the birth of my baby boy - I wondered what it would be like having someone I didn’t know well with me as a birth partner and can honestly say it was like having a dear sister there. Thank you Mel and Anneliese!