My Husband, Brett, and I found Lacey quite by accident and it was the greatest gift fate could have sent us. Brett wanted to be very involved and was doing his homework to prepare for an active role in the birth. We decided we probably wouldn't need a Doula and could use the money for all the other expenses involved in bringing a child into this world. Over time, due to heavy work commitments, Brett started to feel worried that he wouldn't be 100% focused and felt he was falling behind in the prep he needed to do to be confident in his role. We chose a home birth so I needed to have a strong support system in place.
When we met Lacey, we were immediately drawn to her very calming and sensitive demeanor. She had a deep knowledge base and exuded a strong self confident understanding through her own experience as a mother. It meant a lot to us that she had gone through labor, and not an easy one mind you. We felt that having someone there for us that knows what it's like when things don't always go the easy way, gave us a sense of security. Brett and I quickly agreed that she was going to be a good fit for us.
Lacey was an amazing asset within our support system. She was like a sister to us throughout the process from pregnancy through postpartum. We were so thankful for how generous she was with her time. We had an initial visit with her where she spent time getting to know us and every wish and desire we had for our perfect birth. She vowed to help us achieve this and when the time came she was faithful to that commitment in every regard. Throughout the rest of the pregnancy she would check in on us. It's nice to have someone knowledgeable there that really wants to know how you're holding up and can help you through anything that you're going through.
When my water broke, we called Lacey to let her know and she said she would be ready to go when we needed her. Then, I started having frequent contractions, we texted Lacey, she told us to call the midwife and she was heading over. She got there within the hour (which was pretty amazing since she lives in the Valley and we live in Culver City). Lacey has great bedside manner. She was calm and attentive to both our needs. She massaged me when I needed, offered suggestions to help me stay as comfortable as possible and worked in harmony with my husband, the midwife, and her assistants to give everyone the space to do their job.
When things started getting down to the wire she went from a calming peaceful caregiver to a strong active member of our birth team. As we got closer to the birth, the baby's heart dropped for a moment, enough to scare the midwife into calling paramedics as a back up. We were working hard to get me into different positions to help move the baby through the birth canal. She was there for me and my husband giving us both positive reinforcement as things progressed. The baby was just about to crown when the paramedics arrived. Lacey leapt into action and kept them outside the house so I was able to push without a bunch of big burly men walking in during this most sacred time and was back inside in time to still be apart of the birth.
Even through all the crazy requests and responsibilities asked of her, she had the forethought to snap some pictures throughout which we will cherish forever. In retrospect, we were crazy to think we didn't need a doula. Throughout the labor pains all I wanted from my husband was for him to never leave my side and help give me love and support. Lacey was by my side when my husband needed a rest and was up and ready to fulfill any request.
During postpartum, Lacey has been just as important, providing lactation advice, general newborn childcare advice, emotional support and sisterly love. She is a person that has seen me in my darkest and brightest lights and we share a very special bond. I am so honored that she is the one I share that with and would recommend her highly to anyone looking for a doula. She brought so much more to the table than what I expected from a doula, and still continues that today. We could not have and would not have wanted, to do this without her. We love Lacey with all our hearts.
Love, Brooke & Brett read more