I helped to look after these gorgeous quads in Basingstoke during 2006. See what their mum said below: "Tracy 2006".

Amelia (2010)

Without Dillian I honestly don't know how I would have made it through those first few weeks after Theo was born. Originally I was relying on Dillian's knowledge and expertise on breastfeeding to help avoid a repeat of the 3 months of tiresome expressing and bottle feeding I went through with our first child. Not only did we avoid that, but five months later and still no formula!! On 'Dillian Days' as they were known in our house, she made sure I was 'fed and watered' and frequently restored my sanity and self belief to normal levels even with a simple cup of tea and a natter. If anyone asks me about my experience of a doula I cannot recommend anyone more highly, she helped us navigate our share of dramas with calm intelligence and genuine motherly concern. I wish she could have stayed forever...

Jemma (2010)

When leaving hospital and coming home with a newborn baby, a family needs all kinds of support and Dillian met all of our needs: from invaluable breastfeeding help and advice to spending time with our new baby and toddler, Dillian has helped us in all areas. In addition, we have all enjoyed Dillian's wonderful, wholesome meals and a clean and tidy house, helping us all to remain as relaxed as possible - now that's a real achievement. Thank you Dillian x

Dipti (2009)

I hired Dillian for postnatal support after having a traumatic delivery and in very minimal words I would say she was brilliant. She knew exactly what sort of help a mum with a little one needs. Her little actions of generosity made a huge difference in my recovery. Her breasfeeding knowledge was immensely useful. She had a very reassuring presence and helped me getting out of my postnatal blues by listening to me and being very kind. I wish I have had her by my side sooner.

Steph (2009)

I realised fairly quickly that I was going to need some help and picked up the phone to Dillian. She took me under her wing, and boy, did I need it! With the labour comfortably 3 months away I was in denial about the fact that I was going to have to give birth and my views on the subject went as far as, 'give me all the drugs, yes, all of them... NOW!'. So not very enlightened. And so began my education. I don't know how she did it without knocking some sense into me with a two by four, but tactfully, carefully, she lent me books, chatted and even attended my antenatal classes with me. Dillian's education worked on my partner too and as the time approached he realised that maybe it wasn't such a horrific thing after all - but a beautiful, natural process.

The irony is of course that the baby arrived early, Dillian was away on honeymoon but my partner was there. Thanks to Dillian's education, and the wonderful support of my independent midwife and hospital midwife, baby Anna was delivered naturally with no drugs and only a small episiotomy, after a 20 hour labour. Dillian was miffed to have missed the birth but baby Anna arrived on her birthday, some consolation and appropriate in my view that these two people should be linked by a birthday. Postnatally she was of course wonderful. Breast-feeding problems were ironed out almost before they happened, she kept us fed by cooking wonderful soups (we kept forgetting to eat - as it seems most new parents do) and even managed to keep my garden tidy for me! I have one particular memory of failing miserably to prepare a herbal healing bath remedy given to me by the midwife; Dilllian read the complex instructions, premixed it all into easy to use sachets and then ran the bath for me. That's the kind of help you need with a new baby!

Over the 9 months that I have known her, Dillian has become more a friend as well as a doula; I have enjoyed not just her advice but her company and she has certainly enhanced the lives of the whole family. I have been recommending hiring a doula to everyone I know that falls pregnant; it was certainly a key part of my pre- and post- natal experience.

Alison (2009)

Dillian was a wonderful source of support and encouragement during my homebirth. She has a lovely calm presence and a warm positive energy. She is very knowledgeable, dedicated and willing. Her wealth of experience is evident. I recommend that you get in touch with Dillian if you are considering hiring a doula.

Jane (2008)

Dillian was a very reassuring presence during the delivery of my son by emergency Caesarean, she was calm and focused, expertly combining the professionalism I wanted with the care I needed. I have no hesitation in recommending Dillian as a doula.

Ged (2008)

I was lucky enough to experience Dillian's calm reassuring presence at the birth of my second child Katy. Katy as normal was full of surprises and that day decided she would catch us all out and be born very quickly. Fortunately Dillian had also arrived and assessed the situation and told me to phone the midwife. She then took control and explained to my wife the stage she was at and that going to hospital wasn't an option, this was going to be a home birth, everything was alright, and she would be there with her. She was right, Katy was born just after the midwife arrived! It was obvious to me that she had a natural ability and is so well suited to the job. We will always have a strong bond with Dillian. I will always be eternally grateful that Katy wasn't born in the car on the way to the hospital!

Jude and Mark (2008)

Jude says: Dillian came into our lives at a point where we were in complete turmoil. Good turmoil, but turmoil none the less. I had twin baby boys, and my three year old son Jacob. I felt exhausted and quite out of my depth, Dillian's input was invaluable to our household, and far more than we could have imagined! Dillian is generous and heart felt and at the same time organised, clear and efficient.

As soon as we met Dillian, she was a comforting presence. Her experience and essential clear thinking made establishing some stability and direction very easy and immediate. She is wonderful with babies both in a loving and also practical approach. Her knowledge and midwifery experience helped enormously with the health and development of the twins.

She was able to pinpoint reasons why the boys were unhappy at times when I was at a loss and get them seen by experts who made a huge difference to their wellbeing, I will always be grateful for this! Dillian also created a loving and supportive relationship with my three year old son, with the most wonderful sense of humour! She went above and beyond her call of duty in helping Jacob through the initial stages of adjusting to his new twin brothers.

Mark says: I could rest easy and return to work without worry knowing Dillian was there to help Judith with the twins. Dillian brought a great wealth of knowledge and experience to the household along with a warm sense of humour. If you are seeking additional support with a new family big or small then I would most certainly consider Dillian before someone else does!

Janet (2008)

I wanted to thank you in person for all the help you gave me, I don't think I could have got through the early weeks without you. You helped my confidence no end.

Martina (2008)

Thank you for all your help as my postnatal doula. First of all, thank you for all the research you did to help me sort my breastfeeding issues - I am glad I persevered and it would have been so much harder without your help. Thank you for helping me learn about my baby without taking over and telling me what to do. And thank you for keeping my floors clean and cooking for us (even for the carrot soup!) and for doing little things without being asked. And last - but not least - thank you for all the books you lent me and all the work you did for me even at times you were not working at my home.

Elizabeth (2008)

When I first met Dillian, she told me that her role was basically help in any way your own mother would help you, offering shopping, childcare and ironing as examples. What I didn't bank on was that she also offered the emotional support that your mother would offer you including a hug when sleepless nights and a baby that wouldn't feed got me down. Dillian guided and supported me in achieving my goals. I had to spend some time apart from my baby during the first few weeks of his life and felt that I had lost confidence in understanding and meeting his needs. Dillian helped me to regain my confidence, I really believe that I would have struggled for much longer without her!

I can't thank you enough for your support, we couldn't have done it without you.

Gillian (2008)

Dillian helped out after the c-section birth of our second child. She gets on with any chores quietly and efficiently. She gave our 3 year-old attention and play when I was busy with baby, and looked after baby while I spent some much-missed 'quality time' with the 3 year-old. She doesn't give advice unless asked (phew! what a relief!). She provides a listening ear and is supportive emotionally as well as practically. I would highly recommend her doula services.

Sue (2008 and again in 2009)

2008 I just wanted to say a big thank you for making the last few weeks so much easier. It's been great to have someone to help with the boys and do little household jobs and give helpful advice. We will miss you, especially the boys who have loved playing with you.

2009 Just wanted to say thank you so much for being a great help and moral support over the last three weeks. You shall be sorely missed by us all.

Jill (2007)

I was thinking back to when R was first born and really don't know how we would have managed without you! Thank you so much you made the first few weeks so lovely and easy and I was really able to just sit back and enjoy R.

Paola (2007)

I employed Dillian as I knew I would need additional help as I suffer with a chronic illness myself. When my son was born with his own medical problems Dillian was worth her weight in gold. Not only did she look after my little boy, she walked the dogs, cooked the dinner, did the laundry, made sure I had time to look after myself, and most importantly was there with a friendly ear to listen and offer her advice and support through a very difficult time. Additionally, when late one night we had to take our son into hospital as an emergency she offered, and happily came with us to hospital (at no extra cost) to be there with us, and to support us through it. I look back now and don’t quite know how we got through it, but I'm pleased to say we did, and I’m very sure it was down to Dillian’s help. I would totally recommend Dillian and her services to anyone who was thinking about employing a Doula.

Philippa (2007)

Dillian came to help us when baby Alex was 7 weeks old, and Lucy was 3 years old - and I'm very glad she did! Before she came, I had just about got by, but didn't feel I was being a very good Mum to either of the children. I was very tired, we were eating rubbish, the house was a mess, and Lucy was spending hours waiting for me while I fed the baby to sleep. With Dillian's help I was back to being a proper mummy to my daughter again and able to really enjoy my baby boy too. Initially she was the patient listening ear that I needed, and then in no time at all had turned us into a happy functioning household, with a baby who smiled all the time and would happily send himself to sleep at nap time! She is the best bits of a sister, friend and mother all rolled into one. I would thoroughly recommend Dillian to anyone expecting a baby.

Zoe (2007)

After the birth of my daughter Grace, I had Dillian for four hours twice a week. It was fantastic! She was so helpful. I would feed Grace and then go upstairs for a nap. Dillian would look after Grace and do jobs around the house. It was so relaxing and I felt so comfortable with her. Grace would sleep so Dillian would maybe prepare dinner for later or do odd cleaning and tidying jobs. I found myself looking forward to the days I knew she would be coming because I could have a couple of hours rest and sleep. I found it really helpful and I felt much better for it. I would certainly recommend her services to anyone expecting a baby whether it's their first or third child. In fact I have given her number to a few people already. If I have any more children, I will certainly be calling her again!

Lynda (2007)

Dillian was heaven-sent, supporting me through a very difficult period. I had been so tense and stressed with my little bundle of noise before meeting Dillian; not only did she perform a vast array of household chores with great enthusiasm, she also changed nappies and cooked meals (which made my husband very happy) and more importantly she was concerned for my welfare. She made sure that I was eating properly, drinking plenty of water and getting some well-earned rest. She also came to my rescue when my car unexpectedly played up, by phoning round various family and friends to obtain the number of a reliable mechanic who could come to the house and look at the problem straight away, so myself and the baby could stay at home. Dillian is a thoughtful, hard-working and conscientious person who introduced me to the NCT, to meet other mothers who had or who were also going through this steep learning curve of motherhood. Looking back, to me, it was through Dillian’s support and how she interacted with my little boy that I was able to see a totally different side to him, which was very important because as a result I became more confident in my own reactions with him, getting him to chuckle and laugh. Without Dillian’s help we would have struggled on and the situation may not have had a positive outcome. I would recommend Dillian’s services to anyone as it could change your life for the better.

Emma (2007)

Dillian provided invaluable advice and support both during the early days when the twins were in the Special Care Unit following their premature birth, and upon their arrival home when I felt everything was spiralling out of control, not least due to lack of sleep! Her calming influence and expertise reassured me, my husband and the babies and helped us to settle into their routine.

Emma (2006)

Two weeks after having my second child, Harry, and with a busy toddler in tow, Sam, I knew I needed serious help at home. Harry's birth was relatively quick (5 hours) but extremely painful and an epidural after 3 hours left me with a lumbar puncture and hospital bound for four days. Once home I was required to rest as much as possible, which was quite literally impossible. I had no family able to help me at that time so I had to seek external help. I spotted Dillian's advert in Families magazine as well as in the NCT Newsletter and decided to give her a call. We instantly gelled and she was just what I needed. She was a true professional, anticipated my every need and fulfilled it without being asked. Dillian cooked meals for my husband and I, cooked meals for Sam in bulk for the freezer, did my washing, ironing, made our lunch, played with Sam while I fed Harry and was there emotionally for me as a friend when I needed a chat. Sam quickly grew attached to Dillian (or Dininin as he called her) and loved having stories read to him over lunch. I looked forward to Dillian's visits, twice a week, four hours a time. We had good fun and she looked after me until I felt strong and able enough to cope with everything on my own. Dillian was honest, thoughtful and always went the extra mile. Anyone who chooses Dillian as their Doula is seriously lucky and will never look back. I had no depression of any sort and it was all thanks to Dillian. Had I struggled on my own I wouldn't have coped in a million years....

Rachel (2006)

I had a long, hard labour and came out of hospital exhausted and with a respiratory infection. We have no local family and my husband works demanding hours, so Dillian’s help for half a day a week was very welcome. Dillian is a mature, confident and very capable doula who works on her own initiative and is an excellent cook. She cleaned, tidied, cooked tasty wholesome meals and walked the dog, encouraging me to rest (bed in the day – how decadent!). Importantly, she also realised that I was having milk supply problems, researched remedies and advised on alternative feeding positions. I had reservations about getting professional help after my daughter’s birth, but Dillian’s practical, no-nonsense support was very welcome. Without Dillian’s help I doubt I would have breastfed my daughter beyond a few weeks (I fed her for ten months) and it would have taken me longer to relax into mothering my daughter.

Erika (2006)

Not knowing how life was going to change from having one child to two, it was reassuring to have someone come in and help us all out with the transition. A friend of mine had experience of a Doula when she had twins, and from what she had described, it was exactly what I was after. I knew I didn't want someone to only look after the baby, or only look after me, I needed someone flexible to adapt to out needs as I had no idea what those needs were going to be. Dillian was fantastic. She got stuck in to whatever I asked her to do, and over the period of time she was with us, we all became very fond of her. She got down on the floor with my two year old and joined in with his games, she washed up, cooked, ironed and cleaned. She was a rod of support that I really needed at that time and I really can't imagine what life would have been like without her. She has made me more confident and passionate about breastfeeding and brought light to a very stressful time in my life. Words can't really describe how grateful I am for her friendship and support then and now.

Tracy (2006)

Dillian's help with the quadruplets was fantastic! How could anybody do without her? She nagged me into resting, did my ironing, fed the babies and gave me some great advice!

Sam (2006)

Dillian came to help me after the birth of my third child Iona. She was a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos and confusion of looking after a newborn and dealing with a four year old and a disabled three year old. Iona was born a few weeks early and Dillian arrived with an air of calm, patience, tolerance, seriously good advice and took over so that I could get some much needed sleep! My two elder children absolutely adore her and there is no doubt, in our minds, that their easy acceptance of their new sibling was entirely down to Dillian’s nurturing attention towards them. At the same time, meals were cooked, baths were given, mess was cleared up at the end of the day, ironing sorted – we would all breathe a sigh of relief when she arrived to help. If I could have kept Dillian permanently, I would have – she is unobtrusive but a great source of comfort and company, at what can be a rather isolating time. If we ever have another child (!!), she will be the first person I call.

Sophie (2006)

Dillian came to help us when our third child was born, and was an absolutely invaluable help, as well as being great company. She was with us for 6 glorious weeks, and did everything from cooking (wonderful fish pies and hearty casseroles), picking up from school, trips to the library and park, ironing, tidying and generally making herself indispensable. I only had to explain anything once and it was done. She has that most important but elusive quality: initiative; for example, refusing to wake me from my desperately needed sleep if she could cope on her own (which she did, admirably). My older children (3 and 5) absolutely loved her ("we want Dillian to pick us up from nursery/school!") and I would have loved her to stay for ever. It was like having my own mother here, but without the emotional baggage. She is much missed, and we hope we will keep in touch with her for a long time.

Olivia (2006)

Dillian came to us to help me with my 2 1/2 year old toddler and my newborn daughter who was nearly 4 weeks old after having another caesarean (elective). She got on with my son like a duck to water and they went to story time together and she played with him, took him to the park and out on his bike so I could feed my daughter and have a rest. She is the kind of mother you crave for if your mother is not the kind to help you or be there for you when you give birth naturally or not. She made me feel at ease and didn't mind going shopping for food, cooking or any cleaning that needed doing, driving us about. She has such a way you know that everything is going to be alright and she will help/give you advice if you want it, listen to you and your worries and reassure you that everything will be ok. She is a caring person, honest and direct in relation to what you want her to do and off she goes until she runs out of things to do and asks what next but at the same time she will go with the flow. At the end of the day nothing in life is for free and it is not the cost you should think about it is the support you need as a woman, a new mum and what your children/family need while you have a newborn until you are up and running on your feet again. If I had known about a doula the first time around I would have employed Dillian then and it's people like us who need to spread the word!

Helen (2005)

Dillian was unbelievably supportive. My family and I miss her very much. Her calming and serene approach was so welcomed. T's welfare mattered to Dillian as much as it did to me. I don't think I could ever find such a great substitute mother again. If I have another baby I'd be asking Dillian as soon as the baby was conceived! I hope I can be at least half the mum she is. She is a very genuine, loving, caring person who I have benefited from enormously. A huge thankyou!