As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I'd be hiring a doula. After having experienced having my baby, I want to scream from the rooftops that everyone should hire a doula for their birth team & if possible, hire Vanessa!
During early labor she was there for me to communicate with, to help me feel confident in where we were at in the process, and reminded me that she'd be there with us in person when we decided we'd need her - which was an additional layer of peace of mind for us first timers.
Vanessa arrived in the early hours of the morning to provide support. She was THE reason I was able to rest between contractions. She massaged my legs, talked softly and reminded me how important resting was for the later stages of labor. As contractions intensified, Vanessa helped me find my breath to get through the surges and helped remind me to let any tension I was holding in my face or shoulders go. Vanessa showed my support people how best to touch me during contractions, how to apply the right counter pressure I needed and how to help keep me centered through each surge. Beyond that, because of her presence and help, my husband was able to take a nap while I labored with Vanessa and my sister.
During transition Vanessa helped me keep my mind present and as focused as it could be in that moment, reminding me what I needed to do to support my baby when things were feeling impossible. During pushing Vanessa let me squeeze her hand, kept a fan on my face and had a cold wash cloth at the ready to keep me cool and help me get through pushing. Beyond all of that, Vanessa also captured so many sweet photos over the entire day. Memories I will cherish forever, and wouldn't have without her.
Vanessa was an incredible addition to my birthing experience. If you're on the fence about hiring a doula, or specifically hiring Vanessa, I wholeheartedly encourage it. I can't imagine having a baby without her now and fully plan to have her at each and every one of my future births!
Even though we only just met right before Gracelyn's arrival, I can't imagine our birth experience without you. Thank you for the strength, calm and unwavering support that you provided me, Jonathan and Gracelyn. I couldn't have done it without you. I am beyond grateful for the role you played in our journey and I have no doubt you are going to be an incredible midwife. Your care, wisdom and calming presence will bless so many families in the years to come.
Thank you for everything. With so much love and gratitude,