Aberdeen Birth Collective CIC

I decided I needed an advocate for my second pregnancy after feeling 'overlooked' during my first labour and delivery. I wanted to feel empowered and advocated for during my second, especially in the absence of close friends or family nearby, and so proactively hunted for a doula. What a blessing to have found Arleen who was in the process of relocating to the North East! From pregnancy preparation to labour and delivery, Arleen was everything I could have hoped for and more. She was skilled and flexible in tailoring and delivering hynobirthing training to my husband and I. She was able to direct sessions with just my husband so that he could be fully included and share concerns which he may otherwise not have wanted to bring up which supported the 'plan'. Arleen was an incredible advocate throughout, supporting me in designing and implementing (despite many barriers) my ideal plan and although this remained flexible and changed from a Midwife unit to a home birth at the 11th hour due to hospital closures. Despite the longest early labour ever, Arleen was consistent, supportive, spontaneously checked in regularly (which in the wider circumstances was so greatly appreciated), was flexible and present until my son finally arrived in a comparatively quick labour. I could not have asked for more, from prompting me to breathe, to feeding me fluids with a straw to being an awesome conduit between my husband and I until the point where my son was on his way and we were together as a family unit. I am by far a '50's housewife but my first labour taught me that labour can be long and I like to be 'in the zone'. It can be very distracting and 'labour intensive' to have to be very conscious of someone else's needs during that process which is why we decided to set up a midwife/doula combination with the expectation that my husband was under no obligation to be there for the full duration but could come and go as required. I am so grateful to Arleen for understanding, respecting and facilitating this little coven environment. It was the most amazing delivery experience and I am confident this would not have been the case without her. She anticipated every need and was the advocate I hoped for and desperately needed. I have no hesitation in recommending Arleen and indeed, if the thought of having a doula for any purpose has even so much as crossed your mind then go with it, you won't regret it. Thank you for being my Doula Arleen, I am so grateful for you. Although you came to us as a service, I couldn't be happier to have had your time and skills as a doula and come away wonderful friend.

Arleen was fantastic at providing support during my high-risk pregnancy. She was always there to listen, talk things through, and help me hold my boundaries and ultimately give birth on my terms.

All the ladies are lovely, super helpful and full of knowledge. Thanks for letting me attend as a non-pregnant person.

5 stars just are not enough!! Opening yourself to a world of knowledge, CHOICE, affirmations and confidence. Joining the sessions was the best decision we made throughout our pregnancy. Birth is not always within our control and changes happen last minute, but the support you get really does make such a difference. Also sooo worth partners taking part, get on the same page and try to keep an element of control" during your most magical moments."

Arleen was my rock during the birth of my daughter. She intuitively and calmly met all my needs during labour, but also went above and beyond her doula duties to share in my experiences and guide me before and after the birth. Her level of care, openness and thoughtfulness knows no bounds. She held a beautiful Mother's Blessing for me, shared lots of information and resources with me, helped me prepare emotionally and mentally, and took time and care in looking after me afterwards with walks, thoughtful gifts, and vital debriefs to help me process everything. I am so proud of her and her amazing work, and am blessed that I now have her in my life as a friend - someone who shared in the first moments of my daughter's life! That's a bond that is hard to beat! Arleen is amazing and inspirational as a doula, friend and mother herself.

Wealth of knowledge! These ladies have put together the best Antenatal Materials" that a first time Mum will need. I knew nothing about pregnancy

I attended birth prep classes from ABC with my husband. The classes were excellent and made me feel far more prepared for the arrival of my child. I felt much more comfortable being able to advocate for myself which was especially useful when I felt pressured by NHS registrars and consultants. The classes were far better than those I attended from the NHS.

The care and support offered by Arlene Cameron during our pregnancy was without doubt the best we could have asked for. As labour didn't quite go 'according to plan' Arlene adapted so quickly and accommodated our needs exactingly.I would also like to say that as a father sometimes you can feel like a spare wheel at times. This was never the case with Arlene. I was treated with kindness and respect all the way through and nothing was too much to ask.The plan was home pool birth. What happened was born by emergency c section, baby in SCU for 10 days, both mum and baby were very ill and all during lockdown, so no visiting was allowed.Through it all Arlene was there for my wife and I day or night.Have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending this service where 'above and beyond' and 'extra mile' come as standard.

I have zero hesitation recommending Arleen as doula throughout pregnancy, for support with both mother and father. She has supported both me and my partner throughout any obstacles faced during my antenatal care with zero judgment and only has the goal to validate, empower and educate you. She has a strong ability to help guide you toward your intuition if you are feeling a bit lost on any decisions you need to make. We also done the hypnobirthing course with her to prepare for birth so that my partner can support me and reaffirm this when the time comes.