Sue Gibson – Monmouth, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, Chepstow, Gloucestershire, Newport

About Me

I’m Sue and I live in Monmouth and have four grown up children. If you are reading this chances are you might be pregnant. If so, congratulations! This can be an exciting time but also a time where you may want some support. Maybe I can help you?

I am passionate about supporting women through pregnancy, birth and beyond. What do you need? A listening ear, someone to sign post relevant information, and provide gentle, calm, reassuring support? I can help with all of these. Together we can discuss the issues that are on your mind, the support you feel you need and the information that will help empower you to have the most positive experience you can, regardless of how the birth of your child unfolds. By understanding the many things that aid birth, including the role of hormones, I can help you gain confidence to embrace your labour feeling positive and with a great trust in your body. I believe having a positive birth experience encourages a good foundation for the ongoing relationship with the new born babe.

We meet three times antenatally and once for a social visit leading up to the birth to prepare and to build a report. Involving your partner if you so wish during part of our time together can be beneficial as we plan for the birth. I will be on call from 38 weeks, day and night and will be with you through to the birth of your baby and for a few hours after, whilst you settle in together, while giving you space to enjoy this special bonding time. I will visit you following the birth over the next few days and will most likely bring something tasty and nourishing to eat

I offer remote support. Im happy to do this also for anyone living some distance from Monmouth and even for those abroad.

I also offer post natal support for as little or as long as you need, helping you to enjoy the baby moon period, (early few weeks) and the forth trimester, (3 months following birth) and beyond if required.  I will offer calm and loving support to help you manage the responsibilities within the home so that you can have as much time as possible to cherish and bond with your little one. I offer practical help, a listening ear and will help make sure you are well nourished with rest, good food and kind words of encouragement.

More about Me…

My fascination with childbirth started many years ago when a friend invited me to her home-birth. She had an active labour, birthed in an upright position and  I found it awe inspiring! Up until then I had been terrified of childbirth. I came away thinking: “I could have a go at that!” I went on to marry a year later, and have my children with confidence, embracing the active childbirth principles I’d learnt from my friend.

Whilst giving support to another friend in labour, the midwife suggested I should become a doula. I was delighted to discover such a job existed and thus began my journey of supporting women through pregnancy, birth and beyond. I trained with Nurturing Birth.

Having raised my family, including two step sons and having been very involved with the care of my elderly parents I felt it was the perfect time to whole heartedly give my time and energy into supporting women through childbirth. I have supported many women through both hospital and home births.

I am also an artist and particularly enjoy drawing portraits. To relax I enjoy yoga, qigong, cold water swimming, walking, and I play the drums.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Testimonials:

Veronica
Sue supported me through two long births. I couldn’t have done it without her. She was with me all the way, and gave me and my partner the most amazing support throughout. Having her alongside gave me calm, centred emotional, spiritual and physical support…she seemed to know exactly what i needed and when, and gave me great encouragement all the way through. She seemed to always understand how to help, without taking over..and her non medical help was just what we needed.  It was great to have her there to welcome my sons into the world!

Yvonne
Sue was an essential support to me during the birth of my last child. Her presence was comforting and reassuring even though I was controlled and confident in child birth. Her soothing voice and gentle encouragement as labour progressed was invaluable. Our 2 year old son came down at 3am feeling unwell. My husband was able to take care of him because Sue was with me. The midwife felt we were the perfect team and watched me progress successfully and quickly through to delivery supported by Sue. She then took over at the crucial moment. It was an exhilarating and beautiful birth!!

Emma
I had such a positive birth experience, I had no fear and felt that this was all due to having Sue as my doula. Throughout my pregnancy Sue was a wonderful support, emotionally and physically! Sues’ emotional support helped me prepare and be ready to face any situation. This was important for when I faced negative news during my pregnancy.

When I faced hard moments during the labour, Sue was there, reminding me of my hypnobirthing techniques which really helped me manage my contractions. She knew the right thing to say at the right time, and her positive words really helped me when I needed motivation. Sue had come prepared with drinks and small snacks to help with energy. She even massaged me with my favourite oils.

Charlie
Sue was  like a second mum to me during labour. I rang Sue after I experienced my first few contractions and she arrived very quickly, which was a great relief for me and my partner. She helped me through the contractions and got my partner involved. I can’t remember I time where she left my side, I remember her holding my hand and smiling at me. I honestly believe without Sue’s calm nature my partner and I would have struggled to cope. Sues support continued after the birth helping our new family get settled.

Madeleine
Though I live across the pond Sue was the doula for me. Preparing for my first live birth, I had a lot of questions and concerns. Through a mutual contact I learned about Sue and how she would be willing to help me out even though I am in the United States. Over video calls, she was able to answer all my questions, offer literature and other recommendations, and provide support for my individual journey. She was even willing to receive a video call when I went into labor. Sue was sensitive, knowledgeable, and reassuring. Her help definitely had a positive effect on my birthing experience.

Laura
“Sue supported me throughout my pregnancy, labor, and the weeks following the birth. She was always there to provide either an immediate answer or seek out the necessary information for our medical questions, ensuring we felt cared for every step of the way. Her calm and nurturing demeanor was a perfect fit for our family, and she provided invaluable support during the birth, including relaxation techniques, herbal supplements, and liaising with the midwives to ensure our birth plan was followed.
Post-birth, Sue stayed until we were settled and ensured we had the family support we needed before she left. She even helped with the clean-up after the birth, which was incredibly helpful. In the weeks following, Sue continued to check in on my recovery, offering advice, remedies, and meals, making the transition much easier.

Having Sue as our doula made a significant difference in our birth experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend having a doula for both the mother and the birth partner. Sue’s calming presence, empathetic support, and deep understanding of our needs made this birth experience much more positive, and I am grateful for her guidance and care.”