Rowie, Rowie, Rowie what would we have done without her?! We had the immense privilege of having Rowie along for the whole crazy, beautiful, wild ride. From gorgeously inquisitive and knowledgeable birth prep, to being our powerhouse guardian angel during the birth itself, and 6 weeks of postpartum nourishment for our bodies and souls. My, oh my were we grateful. Shall we start with her cooking? Phenomenal. The day Rowie was coming was a real highlight in our household, even my husband was excited to see what was in the bag! If she hears of an ailment one week, the next meal she brings has the exact ingredients tailored to help heal you from the inside out. Her knowledge of ingredients and how they nourish the body is next level. Secondly but more importantly, the support, loyalty and genuine ally ship we received from Rowie in navigating a birth within the hospital system was beyond. We had many instances where we wished to go against ‘usual’ hospital protocol and at each juncture Rowie helped slow the ship, ensuring we had the time to make the right decisions for us, mapping out what the next phase might look like depending what choice we made, and then steered the ship to its next destination. We truly could not have done it without her and I can honestly say that thanks to her, no compromises were made on the day.
She is great with partners and makes them feel like they are equally supported and empowers them on the day and through postpartum too. She listens to their thoughts, fears and perfectly answers any questions, no matter how random.
Thanks to Rowie, we felt supported through it all without much family support around us. Always an ear to listen, thoughtful weekly (sometimes daily) voice notes to make you feel heard, seen and lots of warm fuzzies, a wealth of industry connections and knowledge to offer in times of need, and above all, a shoulder to lean on and be that pillar of strength that you need through it all. So much thought and care goes into her work, it almost doesn’t feel like she is working at all but a friend who has come to hang.
We have made a friend for life in Rowie, and Maximilian has forever a bond with his special friend. Be aware - if you let her in, you might not want her to ever leave.
Shaan, birthing Maximilian
From the first time we spoke to Rowie it was like speaking to an old friend. She has a comfort and ease about her that we both gravitated to. Our sessions with Rowie before the birth helped guide some really important conversations between my husband and I, and helped make sure we were both on the same page in ways we hadn’t yet considered.
During the birth Rowie provided me with a gentle and calm presence that grounded me in the moments I felt I couldn’t be grounded. I remember one moment while we were still at home, I felt a wave of a contraction bigger than the rest that came before it - the fear began to creep in. Rowie placed one hand on my chest and one on my back and asked me to breathe into her palms, I suddenly felt like I was landing back in the room and that I could breathe through the wave. She continued to provide that same feeling in many ways for the rest of the birth.
The postpartum support from Rowie was well beyond what we were expecting; the meals, the cuddles, the hot tea and her calm energy when those early days feel chaotic - she’s the absolute best. Rowie will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We recommend her to everyone we meet who’s expecting a bub.
Kirsty, birthing Stella
As soon as I met Rowie I so hoped the stars would align so she would be our doula for our home birth we were planning for our first child. Rowie’s presence, knowledge and support throughout my pregnancy, labour and postpartum was incredible to say the least. Rowie allayed my fears surrounding labour in my final weeks of pregnancy. Once labour commenced and she arrived I felt immense relief for myself and my partner, we both knew we were in the best of hands. During labour, Rowie supported me so well, to me what seemed intuitive, always in the right place at the right time. I’m so grateful to have had Rowie as my doula and feel so excited for anyone else embarking on their pregnancy journey with her. She’s the best, a real genuine human and a light in the fog of what pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum can be.
Olivia, birthing Gloria
Before the birth of my second son, my partner and I had a planning session with Rowie which I found the most valuable! I knew what I didn’t want this time around, but to construct what we did want was super helpful. We discussed expectations with my partner, workshopped how to connect to ourselves and each other and discussed what barriers and resources we would need. I forwarded the document Rowie prepared to the people I was going to rely on for my healing and this opened up conversations and clarified expectations. The planning session would be an invaluable gift to all families whether Rowie’s services continue beyond there or not.
Rowie’s visits in our postpartum were the highlight of my week. Rowie is intuitive and calm, my toddler was instantly comfortable and drawn to her as they played, allowing me time and space with my newborn. Her warm meals feel like a hug after she’s gone and the weekly warm drinks were exciting and delicious.
Rowie always considered every member of our family, whether that be homemade playdough for my toddler or cups of tea for my partner working from home. Don’t deny an expert massage, a warm drink, a vacuum or any other of Rowie’s many offerings.
- Carly, after Rudy
Doulas are life! As a second time mama, I learned the hard way what was crucial for a more calm, sustainable, supportive, nourishing and emotionally safe postpartum (postpartum is forever).
I am so grateful for the time Rowie was in my home, in my bubble, sharing, listening, holding and validating. I recall that feeling when seeing her arrive for our sessions. A feeling of everything is going to be ok washed over me. She just knew what to do, what to say and what not to ;)
Another stand out for me was feeling safe to open up to Rowie about the deep stretch from one child to two. Her presence and care was a soft landing in those very fragile moments. Never did I feel judged, just witnessed. I wasn't a problem to be fixed, my toddler who was adjusting to this new version of his mama, wasn't broken.
I look back at that time and cannot help but smile. It's so wonderful knowing that whilst the system and society has a long way to go supporting families in their infancy, there are doulas like Rowie invested in their health and well-being. What meaningful work.
- Dee, after Hugo
“From the get-go Rowie’s warm, nurturing and non-judgemental vibe was evident. She has a magical way of making people around her feel calm and understood. Another one of her magical traits is her ability to forecast the needs of others before they know they need something. Her healthy, nourishing meals were made with love and attention to the needs of our family.
The six weeks that we spent with Rowie has been integral to my fourth trimester, fuelling my body with the nutrient-dense foods and the emotional support that I received, by having Rowie’s calm presence in our home and having a judgement-free space to talk about how I was feeling post-birth.
We are nearing the end of our fourth trimester and I am feeling so much more grounded, stable in myself and my role as a mother of two. We were so fortunate as a family to have had Rowie on our journey. Our hearts and bellies are filled with gratitude and goodness. Thank you Rowie for working your magic, making us feel supported during a vulnerable time and for sprinkling goodness into our lives.”
— Rena, after Nori
The birth of our son has been a deeply moving and transformative experience. As we prepared for our home birth, Rowie has been a constant source of strength, confidence and positivity in our process. She helped me drown out the chatter, stay grounded and trust in my body’s wisdom, even when I carried well past my ‘due date’. I will never forget that nurturing, knowing hug from Rowie just hours before my waters broke…
She understands birthing women and this translates into the nourishing, healing foods she cooks. Gentle, warm and deeply restorative! For anyone looking for a doula, I could not recommend Rowie highly enough.
Thanks Rowie for helping me feel okay with saying yes to help, encouraging deep rest and letting the community hold us during this Fourth Trimester. I am emerging feeling deeply loved and confident as a new mother. What a gift. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.
— Anna, after Paddy