I hope I can do justice in putting together the words to express how Stephanie's work as my doula was nothing short of TREMENDOUS. The help and support that I received is what I wish for every, as Stephanie would say, "Mama" and her baby and should be their rite of passage. Some people are born into this world to perform a certain role and I believe Stephanie was born to be a doula. Her passion and dedication shine through and are demonstrated in her care and commitment to you and your baby.
Why hiring Stephanie as my doula was so valuable:
- First and foremost, the quality that I think makes Stephanie so talented as a doula is her high emotional intelligence. She really understands people and truly listens and values you as a person. Having someone by your side that works hard to understand you and value you during this time in your life is so important and comforting.
- Prior to the birth of my daughter, Stephanie and I worked together to create a birth plan. Although I had done research on some of the topics online, she was able to discuss so much more extensively what the impacts of each accommodation as well as the mechanics of what goes on in the delivery room/hospital were with so much more depth and breadth from anything I would have found on the internet. This allowed for me to not only be so fully informed, but to make decisions about my child's birth I may not have made without this expert knowledge. It made a HUGE difference and allowed me to more fully understand what to expect on the day of.
- Stephanie provided excellent literature to read to prepare for childbirth: different articles, books, and even an affirmation ring with different inspirational quotes to meditate on (I had told her how spirituality and faith were important to me and she provided me with this taking into consideration my unique needs and who I was as an individual)
- In the hospital, she used her experience to navigate the delivery room in a manner which allowed for me to have the best birth experience I could have ever imagined. Having someone there to advocate for me and to ensure that my experience was of the highest quality really attributed to my experience. When you are in the middle of labor, it becomes nearly impossible for you to do this on your own. If you want to have the ability to have some say and direction in terms of what happens to you the day of, having Stephanie as your doula is an asset. Also, understand that it's often necessary for nurses, midwives, and doctors, to have to step out of the room while you are in labor. Stephanie stayed by my side throughout the delivery to answer all of my questions, support me, and do whatever was necessary to help ease the whole process, calm me down, and allow me to focus.
- After I delivered my daughter, Stephanie stayed with me to provide guidance on the early steps to breastfeeding and how to transition into new parenthood. If you are anything like me prior to having my daughter I thought breastfeeding would come naturally and be easy, but boy was I wrong. Having someone show me how to get started was so valuable because I really wouldn't have known how to get over this challenge on my own.
- A week after my daughter's birth, she came for a post visit at my home to continue to support me as I was having a difficult time latching my daughter and pain associated with breastfeeding. The month following birth is a very difficult time and it was reassuring to have Stephanie there to address all of my questions and concerns.
- Stephanie was available every time I picked up the phone to call her. She gave such amazing support and advice on every issue no matter how small. The breadth of her understanding and experience really came in handy and helped me. Her kindness, compassion, and positive encouragement were a help beyond measure.
Overall, I don't think I can put into words just how much Stephanie stepped up for my daughter and I and provided us with expert care. I had the best birth experience I could have ever imagined. I am so utterly grateful that I had such an amazing person and excellent doula to go through the whole process with. She truly felt like she was sent from above. I am going to echo another woman's sentiment that I read on here and say that having Stephanie as my doula was truly THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. read more