Patricia O'Connor, ICD, CD(DONA) Doula Profile

We were unsure whether having a doula was right for us.  Patricia quickly banished every one of our concerns and within moments of our first consultation, we knew we wanted her to be a part of our birth team.   It was the best decision we could have made for our family.  She is a wonderful teacher, supporter, and advocate.  Our birth plan was to labor at home as long as possible, and deliver at the hospital in an unmedicated birth.  Contractions began at 1:30 a.m. on 4/19, and we made our first contact with Patricia at 7:00 that morning.  Our labor was quite long, and I contacted her several times throughout the day questioning whether I was truly in labor.  She was extremely patient and reassuring, and she coached my husband and I via telephone conversations and text messages for the first 24 hours of labor.  At 2 a.m. on 4/20, we asked her to come to our home, where she she quietly coached both Jesse and I through contractions as they became more intense.  When we decided to go to the hospital, Patricia made sure she was there waiting for us when we got off the elevator.  After 32 hours of labor and only 4 cm dilation, I opted for an epidural.  Because of Patricia's stamina and unending support, I was able to give birth to our daughter without the need for additional interventions after the epidural.  I was also able to feel comfortable and confident that my decision to have the epidural was the right decision for me and our baby.    

Our daughter is now one month old, and we still rely on Patricia's knowledge and support.  She radiates love and provides a safe and supportive outlet for all the questions and insecurities of first time parenthood.  She offers advice when it is needed, and she goes out of her way to validate us as parents.  We are incredibly blessed to have her in our lives!

Patricia is an angel! After reading online what people were saying about her, I set up a time to meet. I knew immediately that she was the person to be by my side at the birth of my first child. She is caring, loving, patient, while strong when she needs to be. My husband is an ER doctor and I wanted him to be a husband and dad during the birth and not have to worry about being a doctor. Patricia was there for both of us, educating us and answering all our questions along the way. I started having contractions at around 9 or 10pm and my water broke at midnight. I stayed home as long as I could. I was in the shower, on the birthing ball, on the floor... whatever seemed to help! Looking back, I should've called her sooner, but I knew she had been assisting a long delivery earlier that day and honestly, I thought I could hold on until morning. By 5am my contractions were very intense and my husband and I decided to head to the hospital. We called Patricia on the way and within the hour she was there. I was able to tolerate the contractions pretty well and with her massages and tips, I felt better. But, by 11am I was only 2cm dillated and my hip pain was intense. I broke down and decided to get the epidural. I felt like a failure since I hadn’t been able to go through the birth without meds, but Patricia assured me that I had tolerated a great deal of the labor and that I was not a “whimp” as I had called myself. She was there by my side throughout the process, but never intrusive. She and her assistant were a great comfort and we actually had a great time during the delivery. If there was ever a moment that my husband or I were nervous about something, she was there to let us know that it was a normal part of the process. My baby boy was born at 5:47pm into a room filled with family and love. Patricia has continued to check in with me and my son is now 3 months. She has brought food, gifts and lots of love. I would recommend her to everyone!

For our second pregnancy we decided on a drug-free birth.When meeting with Patricia we discovered her to be peaceful, strong, very knowledgable, and without a doubt we knew she had to be there for the birth. I went into preterm labor at 36 weeks on the dot. I had called her the morning my son was born with Braxton Hicks that wouldn't quit. She advised me to rest and hydrate and we were in contact several times within a few hours. I ended up laboring to 6 cm in my bathtub and then my husband and I were off to the hospital to meet Patricia.This is where I truly felt the POWER of a doula.She was an angel Not an angel with soft wings and a faint glow but a powerful, brightly shining angel with a sword! Our nurse and midwife were agressively pressuring us to take medication to stop the labor and we said no because Patricia informed us of the high risks. (As it turned out, it was too late to stop my labor anyhow). They tried to put me on an IV and give me antibiotics (which were unnecessary). She kindly but firmly insisted to to the staff what our birthing plan was.  As my labor progressed, she was there giving me sips of water and affirming words while I lay in the tub. She helped me to focus and not tense up while pushing .I honestly feel I could not have done it without her. She was a strong presence when needed and a quiet and gentle presence and gave space to me and my husband. She is a very faithful Christian woman who offered words and prayers of encouragement. My son came out perfect but had an extended stay due to jaundice and Patricia came bearing gifts and a tender heart the next day. She wrote an amazing birth story for us. She came for a postpartum visit and kept in touch for months after I had my son. It was so helpful to have that emotional support.Once you know Patricia, you have a friend in her. She has made herself available to me anytime I need an encouraging word or have a question.

With this being our first baby, my husband and I knew that we wanted to have an OB/GYN and deliver at the hospital in case there was an emergency. At the same time, I was very fearful of the medical interventions commonly used, and I felt very strongly that God had designed me to handle childbirth naturally. Finding a doula was a perfect compromise to having the birth experience that we wanted. Patricia was the first doula that we called, and we knew immediately that she was the right one. It was obvious that Patricia is very knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about serving women during this special time. We met several times towards the end of my pregnancy to discuss our goals and fears about birth and to answer our questions about what we should expect to happen. I must say that we learned more from her than the classes taught by the hospital! When it was time, I labored at home for a few hours using a birthing ball, hot shower, breathing, and other techniques. When my contractions got stronger and closer together, she assured us over the phone that it was time to go to the hospital. She met us there and helped us get settled into a room long before we ever saw a doctor. Through the rest of my labor, Patricia motivated me and reminded me of my strength. She supported my husband, who was applying pressure to my lower back with each contraction. When our son was born, she ensured that we immediately got the precious time with him that we had wanted. She stayed to make sure that we were comfortable and settled into the postpartum room for our first night as a new family. Once home, Patricia kept in contact with us every few days to check on us and to celebrate with us a beautiful birth experience. We still say to this day that having Patricia on our "team" was the best decision we made!

Having Patricia as our doula was one of the most valuable decisions we have ever made. I went into labor at 10:30 pm and called Patricia at 1 am. She was at our house soon after and thank goodness she was! Even though I had thoroughly educated myself on the birthing process (how to breath and cope with contractions, etc.) once I was in it, most of that went out the window. Patricia was there to help me cope with the labor pain and continuously remind me of what to do. She monitored my contractions and provided support at home until it was time to go to the hospital. Once there, she helped me remain as calm and comfortable as possible. She always knew what to do to make me feel better from fanning me when I was hot to bringing me popsicles and helping me get in the tub - things we would not have thought to do. After 20 hours of labor and very little progress, I finally got an epidural and was able to rest. By then she had been with us about 17 hours. Instead of taking a well-deserved break, she told my husband to take a nap and spent the next couple of hours working my legs while I was asleep to make the baby descend. By the time I woke up, it was time to push! After the baby was born, she was with us until we were ready for her to go. Even though my husband was incredibly supportive throughout the whole thing, it would have been much more difficult and painful without Patricia (on both of us because her being there lifted a huge weight off of him). This is her passion and she just knows what to do to help ease the pain and difficulty of labor. Knowing what I now know, I hope to never have a baby without her!

Patricia prayed with me during my labor. She held my hand through my contractions.. She gave me time and distance when I needed it. She is close when you need her to be and gives you space when you need it as well.

My baby was born in July and we still harmonious relationship. She is an angel and nothing short,. She has always come through for me. She is loving, understanding, not judgemental, open, a great listener, knowledgeable, encouragng, humble, insightful, and strong. Having her close during my pregnancy, labor, birth, and post-partum is nothing short of magnificent. I love her as a doula and am amazed that I get to be her friend.

Our experience with Patricia was outstanding.She is a caring, loving and very knowledgeable person and I knew right away that giving birth with a doula by my side would be a totally different and positive experience.We met two times before my due date and each time was informative and Patricia explained the rights we have as parents and that not every procedure during the hospital stay is necessary. She also introduced us to her back-up Alex in case Patricia wouldn't be available.After our last meeting Patricia always checked in with me via email or text to see how I am doing. On 12/24 my water broke so I texted Patricia while she was out of town.She advised me to give Alex a call which I did later that night. We drove to the hospital and the nurses wanted me to stay and spend the night although I didn't have any signs of contractions.I stayed in contact with both of them throughout the night and Alex came to the hospital on the 25th.I was given Pitocin around 8 AM and & labor started around noon. Alex coached me through the contractions and helped me focus and switch positions. She was a huge help and she kept both me and my husband calm. Without her help I wouldn’t have been able to manage the contractions and stay focused. My delivery only lasted about 15 minutes and Alex coached me through it. She made sure that the hospital staff stuck to my birth plan and that they gave me my baby right away.Alex stayed with me and made sure that I was all settled into my room and she checked in with us the next morning and so did Patricia. Their support throughout labor was excellent! Both stopped by a week later to check on my family and answered all of my questions. My baby is now 5 weeks and Patricia is still supporting us and checking in on a weekly basis.
I had a wonderful birthing experience and Patricia helped to make it a very special one. I highly recommend Patricia and her services as a doula. You won’t regret it.
 

The birthing experience with a doula on our team was absoloutely wonderful!  It allowed my husband and I who are first time parents to feel less stressed during the laboring proccess.  Patricia allowed us to explore on our own what would work for us, yet always there supporting us and giving suggestions.  Being first time parents we were nervous, excited, unsure of ourselves, and much more.She never imposed and she instilled confidence in us.  The birth of our son was a  joyous experience.  She was a guide, but we were always the ones who made the  decisions.  I cannot imagine how labor would have gone without her.  I know that when we have more children I would want her by our side. 

As a single mother expecting her first child and preparing to go through labor and delivery free of drugs, I knew I needed to have a doula by my side. From the moment I spoke with Patricia I knew she was the right choice for me. Her nature is peaceful, kind and caring and her motherly warmth and compassion was a blessing to have since my own mother was not close by. Patricia offered her own childbirth education classes which were held in a personal setting and tailored towards the type of birth she knew I wanted. Her knowledge on the subject seems limitless and she quickly became my lifeline. For every little question, concern or freak out I had, I called Patricia, and she was there for me any time of day. By the time the big day arrived I was so well versed in what to expect and was no longer very nervous. Throughout the entire process I was her first priority, and she made sure I was comfortable and kept me focused with every contraction. She was wonderful about being right by my side when I needed her and letting other family step in too. The birth of my daughter was the most amazing day of my life and I owe a lot of the experience to Patricia. Her knowledge and life experience is vast and is a result of the genuine passion she has for what she does. And it doesn’t stop with pregnancy. She has an amazing way with babies too and is a valuable resource to have on speed dial!
Patricia remains a great friend and is truly there for me when I need advice or just someone to listen about life and the trials of motherhood. It is clear in everything that she does that she has devoted her life to being a doula.

Patricia O'Connor has been with me for all four of my children's births.  She always brings a feeling of peace to me during delivery due to her attitude, knowledge, encouragement, and thoughtfulness.  I joke that she can read my mind during delivery, which is helpful because I don't usually want to talk because I have to focus to get through my labor naturally.  I am also thankful to have her with me because she is a very good advocate for me with the nurses and doctors to make sure my wishes are followed.   Patricia actually delivered my last baby for me on my living room floor!  The baby came so fast that I couldn't make it to the hospital, and EMS could not come fast enough!  Even after the paramedics arrived, they let Patricia keep taking care of the baby and me because it was obvious that she knew what she was doing.  I give Patricia O'Connor the highest recommendation to anyone considering having her as their Doula!

I can't imagine labor & delivery without having Patricia with me.  In short she is always equipped with information, techniques, birthing "tools", and a positive mother/baby first attitude.  

Prior to labor & delivery day she helps prepare you with a lot of information so that you can make your decision about how you want the day to go.  Let me stress that, she helps you make YOUR decision...  not makes the decision for you and makes you think it is your decision or tries to 'guilt' you into it.

During the labor & delivery day she helps keep you on track and focused.  She also helps the doctors and nurses stay on track to your birth plan.  She questions things done nicely so that you can stay informed about what is going on and is not afraid to be firm with what your desires are.  At a time when you are focused on the birth process it is indespensable to have someone that can labor with those external things like trying to find the doctor when you want to be checked or strongly stopping every person that comes into the room wanted to check you.

As I said, she is prepared for the day.  The birth 'tools' help in so many ways.  The heat packs, cold packs, fans, smells, etc all provide relief and distraction from what you are going through and makes the process run so much more smoothly.

Afterwards she provided a nice 'birth story'.  She picks up on things you missed because you are focused more on the labor and birth process.  All that detail is written down so you have a story about how the day went that you can pull out much later and remember the process. 

Again, I can't imagine not having her there. She is so much more than 5 stars, A++, a perfect 10, etc.  Any rating scale you design I'd put her above the top!

Patricia was my lifeline. She was so comforting and knowledgeable. She actually knew more then some of the nurses that I had. I was at all times her first priority , but she was very accomadating to all those who were family and friends. She was not ever intimated by anyone because she knew what she was doing and was there for the Mom.  I do not know what I would have done without her by my side. She is very professional and has a heart for Mothers. I tell everyone I know that is going to be a Mother or considering to be a Mom, that Patricia is the person they need to have beside them. She is the best.