Wendy Fowler Doula Profile

Wendy has been a good friend for many years, but this is the first time I have had the pleasure of using her as my doula.  To be honest, I didn't think I needed a doula because I was planning on delivering at the same birth center where my first two babies were born, and with the same midwife who I trust very much.  I actually asked Wendy to be with us because I was wanted a friend there to take pictures.  Little did I know how much I would actually need her as a doula, and not just a "photographer."  The birth of Gideon was my best yet, and without a doubt I give Wendy all the credit!  Wendy gave me the strength to relax during contractions, something I didn't know was possible.  Wendy has the perfect personality for a doula- calm yet strong, and quiet yet assertive enough to speak up when needed.  And she knows her stuff!  From beginning to end Wendy can answer questions and guide you in the direction she knows you want to go.  She was never pushy but would gently make suggestions that were timed perfectly. 

She worked great with my husband too.  He was able to just be with me, without worrying about how to help or coach me through the pain.  He felt like her presence there was very calming, for all of us! 

Because of my experience with Wendy I think every woman should have a doula for her birth, no matter where she is delivering or who is attending her!  I wish she had been a doula when I had my first two babies!  I know without a doubt that if I ever have another baby she will be there!

Thank You Wendy!  You are a blessing!

 To say that Wendy helped us through our pregnancy and birth is a huge understatement. From the first few minutes of our first meeting, my husband was convinced that hiring a doula is the way to go after weeks of saying, "you have a doctor, why do you need a doula?" With family far away, it was wonderful to have a resource so close. From books and website recommendations to advice and helping us create our ideal birth plan (and a fantastic childbirth class) Wendy helped us feel as prepared as possible for all that was to come. "Invaluable" is the most used word when we talk about Wendy; not all doulas would have driven an hour at 6 am to put up with someone through 38 hours of labor! I can honestly say I don't think I could have gotten through my transition contractions without Wendy helping me focus, relax and breathe. Her photos and the birth story she put together help us remember every wonderful (and not so wonderful) moment. It's rare to hire someone expecting to talk to and see them only a few times and wind up with a new friendship. We're hoping our second child comes within the next 3 years so Wendy can be there again!

It takes a truly special person to be a doula.  Wendy was referred to us by another doula in town. I felt comfortable because other professionals in her field recognized her abilities and expertise and would stake their own reputation on the service she provided. She was an integral part of our preparation as she helped educate us about physical changes and the best way to prepare physically, nutritionally, emotionally, spiritually.  She helped me work through my first birth experience and prepare for a VBAC as the birth of our first was a DIFFICULT experience. She was intentional about working through all aspects to equip and prepare us for delivery. When labor began, she came to our home immediately when we called.  She helped my husband feel at ease so he could enjoy the process with me, instead of worrying about getting every detail right. I have specific memories of  Wendy helping me cope with each contraction, watching for signs of progression, reasurring us both.  She did it all, and beautifully so!  As my doctor was out of town, we knew we were dealing with the doctor on call that day who was not VBAC friendly.  We labored at home and once we arrived at the hospital, she was totally professional, courteous, and thorough in her role.  She was our advocate when we needed it. She responded appropriately to every circumstance that evolved that day.  A stalled out labor, a baby in an unfavorable position, an exhausted mother, an unwilling doctor with his own agenda, and a host of other things working against us that day - I have never been a part of a better team! We fought hard that to achieve our goal of a VBAC. She went above and beyond and did things we never expected. We would have Wendy by our side a thousand times again! 

As the Dad, my expectations of a birth were based on my experience with my first born Owen. My wife was induced, had a spinal (or epidural), and then the c-section. My wife never labored so there was not a whole lot of “action” that I participated in. However, it was a very difficult experience for my wife. That is why we decided on a VBAC with our second child Olivia. We are not granola but are headed in that direction and after much research and counsel with family and peers we decided to ask a Doula to support and help us during our second birth. Actually my wife did most of the research because I thought Doulas would hold moms hand during labor and that was about it. I remember meeting Wendy Fowler at a birthing class at the YMCA and I thought this will be no big deal. I asked Wendy the only question I needed to be answered which is when do I take her to the hospital. She said when she starts grunting during her contractions. Her advice was my comprehensive plan of action. I would be sleeping and she would get me when she started grunting was my plan too. I was wrong and I am glad my plans did not work out because I would have missed out on the most wonderful experience my wife and I have ever been through. After a phone call, Wendy Fowler was at our door quickly. She was there when we needed her and she stayed well past our precious Olivia was born to ensure mom and dad were doing well. Wendy patiently helped me assist my wife during labor and told me everything would be OK after my wife bit my head off. More importantly, Wendy helped my wife labor at home for four exciting hours and at the hospital until we experienced the beautiful arrival of our Olivia. I love and trust Wendy Fowler to take us on another adventure IF my wife gets pregnant again.

 Wendy as a person and as a doula are priceless; she went above and beyond the call of duty for us. When I found out that I was pregnant, my husband and I were living in California, but planning on moving to Wichita Falls, Texas in seven and a half months for my husband's military pilot training. Knowing that we were going to be away from family, in a different state, having our first child, and away from anything familiar, stressed me out. I had no clue what the hospitals, doctors, and mind set of birth would be like in Wichita Falls. One thing we did know was that we wanted a natural birth and because of that, my husband and I decided to find a doula or midwife. My search led me to Martha, who referred me to three other midwives and doulas; two of them never got back to me, Wendy got back to me within 24 hours! During our last months in California, Wendy answered every question that I had within 24 hours, even recommended doctors and pediatricians to me and all of this was before we "hired" her. By the time we moved, I was no longer stressed and I felt as if I knew Wendy. When we did finally meet, my husband and I were so excited, because she was exactly what we wanted: she would be there to help us during the birth, but it would be our birth (meaning my husband's and mine). Up until labor, Wendy continued to help inform, prepare, and equip me, especially since I was reaching 42 weeks with no signs of labor and a doctor wanting to induce. Thankfully, our baby girl came on her own naturally. I cannot express how much of a help Wendy was before, during, and even after labor. If I could, I would fly her out for every delivery.

Wendy was amazing. I new I really wanted a natural birth and that no matter how many classes my husband and I took we would not be prepared to handle a natural birth on our own. Wendy was amazing I felt comfortable with her from the first time I met her. I knew I was in experienced and gentle hands to guide me through the birth process. Wendy did an excellent job during the birth and was amazing after as well. I am so glad we hired her. I know my birth experience would not have been as positive without her. She is awesome.

Wendy is an amazing doula.  She is very passionate about her job.  I cannot fully put into words how wonderful she is.  She was always available by phone call or email for any questions I might have.  We had a few prenatal visits which help ease my anxieties about labor. She helped support and encourage my husband and I thoughout my very long labor.   She even went out of her way to bring my husband food. She also took amazing photos of my labor and wrote my birth story.   I don't have a single complaint about her and fully recommend her.  I will defiently use her again.

Not knowing what to expect as a new mom, I knew I wanted a kind, knowledgable doula to be there with my partner and me for our birth experience.  From our first meeting, Wendy made me feel comfortable, confident and relieved with the knowledge she shared with us and the exercises we practiced to prepare for the big day.  She had all the great labor aids there at the hospital, my favorite being the exercise ball!  I never left that ball, except to give birth!  She was there with us every step of the way with whatever we needed: words of encouragement, neck rubs, answers, chasing unwanted visitors away, summoning nurses...really anything we needed, Wendy was on top of it!  I had a wonderful, beautiful, memorable first birth experience thanks to her and everyone there, but mostly to her because she had my back!  Even after delivery, Wendy has been such a great support for me, kind of like a big sister.  I am grateful for her kindness, caring, and dedication.  I couldn't wish for a better doula!

I first met Wendy through some friends and liked her right away so when I decided on a VBAC for my second delivery I asked her if she would be my doula. When I met her for my first prenatal appointment I felt reassured that I had made the right choice in Wendy. She was very warm, caring and knowledgeable. Throughout my pregnancy she would check in with e-mails and send me informative links about pregnancy and VBACs and let me know that she was available at any time to talk or answer any questons.  As I got closer to my due date she met with my husband and I again and we went over different comfort measures and positions for labor and birth. When the time came for me to give birth to our son she was the calming and supporitve presence that my husband and I needed during my rapid and intense delivery. I was so glad to have her there at my side. Afterwards she stayed for a bit to make sure breastfeeding was going well and that we were settled in and once we were discharged she was still avalilble to answer questions about recovery and breastfeeding.  I feel that having Wendy as my doula helped make it possible for me to have the beautiful birth that I had dreamed of. I would recomend her to anyone. 

From Stefan: Every first time parent should hire a doula!

From Mareike: We could not have had this amazing birth without Wendy. She made us feel well prepared and worked continuously on making this a great experience!

Wendy was referred to us by another doula. When we first talked to her on the phone our impression was great -Yes that‘s HER! At her first visit our impression was verified. She turned out to be THE missing team member for our birth. She is very friendly, enthusiastic, empathetic and open minded. Even though we were one of her first births she was going to attend, she had a lot of knowledge and could answer all of our questions. We really had a good feeling about her attending the birth of our little son. At her visits we talked about different ways to reduce pain during labor (like different massage techniques, how to use a birthing ball, and a lot more) and she brought different tools (for massaging, for putting heat or cold packs on the back or wherever necessary,...) All in all she prepared us really well for our first birth and took away most of our fears. When THE day arrived we were really glad to have her on our team. She helped us to stick to our plan trying to avoid pain medications and to speed up labor by using alternative methods (like pressing acupuncture points) instead of using Pitocin in the first place. She was also a great help for my husband, just by being there reassuring him that everything was ok and taking turns with him to take care of me so that he could take a break. She was a great support for both of us. After his birth and when everything was taken care of she asked if there is anything else that she could do and left us so that we could enjoy our first family time together. Next day she came back to check if everything is fine and if I needed help with breastfeeding or anything else. A few days later she came to our house and answered a lot of questions about taking care of a newborn and introduced different types of baby slings (that was very helpful). All in all I can not imagine giving birth without her. She was really great support, a valuable team member and I definitely recommend her.