Vernita Salinas Doula Profile

I knew with my 3rd pregnancy that I needed to have a doula and I was very blessed to have found Vernita. She is very knowledgeable on many different pregnancy related issues and if she doesn't know she will research it. I wanted to have as natural of labor/delivery as I possibly could and with Vernita's love and support I knew she could get me there. Sadly my body just wasn't doing well and I developed preeclampsia so I had to be induced. She was there, right by my side the whole time and knew exactly what I needed(water/juice, hand/foot massage, a cool wash cloth for my face, a hand to hold, etc). She helped me achieve my goal of having a pain med. free labor after being induced and on bed rest. After delivery things also didn't go as I had planned but she was there to reassure me that all was well and gave me the love and support I needed once again. I would recommend Vernita to anyone looking for a doula. She's an amazing doula and now a wonderful friend.

We found our experience with Vernita to be a great one. She helped us with our second child - we did not use a doula for the first child. She was supportive and provided useful information to us before and during labor. She was flexible and worked with us for our specific needs. Most impressively, she was always available by cell phone.  She helped us in having a natural birth (no epidural). We would definitely recommend Vernita to our friends.
 

 When I became pregnant with my second child I began experiencing a great deal of anxiety, recalling all the things that I felt had gone wrong during my first delivery, and all the discomfort I had endured out of ignorance. I was specifically concerned about breastfeeding my new baby successfully after getting off to a much too rocky start the first time around. I had never so much as considered a doula before, but one day about a week before my expected date of delivery it was as if a neon sign had lit up in my mind, telling me that was just what I needed. After reviewing the available doulas in Fairbanks, I chose Vernita, and I am so glad I did! Vernita is very down-to-earth and makes you feel at ease. She is very knowledgable about what options a mother has, and is always learning new things and working to improve herself. She was able to stay with me throughout my entire labor and delivery, helping me to resist the temptation to receive an epidural again, and encouraged and comforted me in a way that my mortified husband never could. Furthermore, she stayed with me the first few hours after birth, helping me get breast feeding off to a strong start. I believe now that having a doula is invaluable, even if it's not your first child, and I hope Vernita will be available for our next one.

I had my baby girl July 25th. I met with Vernita a few weeks prior to my due date. When we met she was very professional, helpful, and informative. I knew what I wanted and we went over my birth plan. She supported everything I wanted. I felt instantly at ease with her and never felt like I was putting her out since I do think too much and worry about that. She met me at the Birth Center at 2am and I had Madison at 1:19pm. She stayed there with my husband and together they were my support system and helped get me through the whole process. She had helpful things she brought with her like knee pads and such. Afterwards my husband and I were so tired she offered to go get me food from my favorite restaurant so my husband didnt have to leave. It was the most delicious meal I have had since basic training hamburgers. Haha. She met me at convenient places for me prior to birth. Afterwards she came by and we still keep in touch. I was very thankful to have her to help during the process. Thank you again Vernita!

Love, Kasey, Dan, & Madison.

My experience with Vernita was terrific. This was our second child and with having a doula with my firstborn. I knew I wanted one with this birth as well. Vernita was very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions I had regarding pregnancy and keeping things as natural as possible leading up to and through labor and delivery. During labor and delivery she was so helpful! I felt that she knew exactly when to help my husband support me and when to step in herself and give support. We had a great birth experience thanks to her care and I would highly recommend her to anyone searching for a doula.  I will use her for future births! Amazing lady! Amazing doula! And now an amazing friend!

It was wonderful having Vernita with me for the birth of my daughter. Even though this was my second time giving birth, non of my family was able to be there so it was great having her there with me, coaching me along.  When conctrations first started coming along she had the great idea to get me out of bed and walk around. I know with my frist birth the doctors had my stricken to bed, so it was great to walk around. When the contrations got stronger, she would massage into my lower back making things feel so much better! She gave me such encouragement and strength! After we were done walking we went back into my room and she got me to sit on a birthing ball. This was the frist time I had used one and wasn't sure weather i would like it. When i got on the ball a few minutes later the contractions started getting intense. Everytime i would feel a contraction, she would massage my back telling me to breathe. She was so helpfull! I wasn't on the ball long and wanted the nurses to check me to see how dialated i was. To my suprise i was almost completely dialated and was ready to push! The doctor broke the rest of my water and right after, I had the sudden urge to push! To me this is the hardest part! I had Vernita by my side encouraging me all the way through. In about 10 minutes my sweet baby girl was born into the world! I had a short labor, only lasting 3 hours.However, I dont know what i would have done if Vernita wasnt there helping me through it all. She always knew what to do and what to say. I am so thankful that i could have such a wonderful woman who knew what she was doing right by my side!