“A dear friend of mine once commented that it is surprising that we learn so much in school about so many subjects / domains of knowledge, but not a lot about the wonder of nature when it comes to pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Every woman's body is built to be able to conceive, support the growth of a baby, and to birth a baby. It came to me as a shock that many women go through the process without knowing what to expect, and also fearing it.

When I was pregnant with my first child in 2004, I suddenly realised that there are a lot of questions and doubts in my mind, about what to expect, what is normal etc. I researched intensively on the subject, and wanted to know as much as possible, so that I can make the most informed decisions when the need arises. I do not wish to leave the decision making in the hands of anyone else, other than myself.
 
I chanced upon the AsiaParents yahoo group, and joined it. There was a lot of informative sharing on the subject, and a contributor which impressed me greatly with her knowledge is Pat. She shared freely, openly about issues, and clears lots of my doubts. From her, I learned about pain relief, respecting the woman’s body etc.

Armed with the limited knowledge, I gave birth to my first child, a daughter in June 2005. The birth process of Chelsea was not a most perfect one, and thus, when I was pregnant with my second child in 2006, I arranged to attend a private one-to-one session with Pat.
 
Now being more prepared, the delivery of my second child, a son in March 2007 was a relaxing, drug-free affair. In fact, his birth story is so short! I learned to work together with nature, and not fight or fear it.
 
Last but not least, I strongly recommend Pat's classes to all expectant mums. She provides a view that is refreshing and also motivating. From her, one would get courage to stand up for decisions that might be frown upon by hospital staff, but for the good of the child, and the good of the mum, those decisions need to be made.
 
For my third child (if God permits), I would still go for a drug-free, no-episiotomy kind of natural birth.”

“My husband and I attended a talk by you on gentle birthing at the MIM Loft before I birthed, and it opened my husband’s eyes. It left such an impression on me that I had then asked my cousin (Yvonne and Davis) to attend your class. When we knew another cousin of ours was pregnant, we both told her it was important to attend your lessons because it's something that she HAD to know! Thanks to that one talk by you, I managed to have a gentle birth also.”

“Pat is my encyclopaedia on birthing, nursing, anything that could possibly help, educate first time mothers like myself! And thanks Pat for unselfishly sharing not just your knowledge but your experience with bringing up your kids. Really appreciate your time and help all these while, being patient with my unending questions and problems!”

“Gives a different perspective. Cleared a lot of misunderstandings I had. Found the class interactive, easy to understand and to remember!”

“Good to know about labour and birth from a different point of view from the doctor! I learnt the importance of making my own decision in my child’s birth.”

“Can’t get such info from hospital antenatal classes especially on use of drugs during labour and birth plans and breastfeeding. I learnt about the importance of gentle/natural birth and the choice of a gynae.”

“Very comprehensive. Empowers us with knowledge of choices that we can make in deciding how to birth.”

“Thanks Pat, for all your encouragement during the amazing journey; for telling me I can bring this baby past 32 wks, to 37 wks; for being there when baby was in breech position. Thank you!!!”

“Very useful and knowledgeable session for mothers/fathers to understand the process and the ‘rights’ they have during the labour process.”

“Very informative. Good information to manage a drug-free birth.”