Patricia O'Connor, ICD, CD(DONA), CLC, ICCE - A Serenity Doula Service

 There are no words to describe our experience with Patricia.  She was amazing.  Like most first time parents we had no idea what to expect but Patricia did and she more than prepared us for all possibilities.  She offered prenatal courses and tons of resources.  I knew I wanted a natural childbirth and she made sure our wishes were honored and respected by the medical staff.  Day or night she made herself available to us.  She would check in with us and even attended some OB appts.  And when the time finally came she met us at the hospital in the wee hours of the morning and stayed with us until at least an hour after our son was born.  Thankfully I had an uneventful birth but I truly believe having Patricia there was a huge contributing factor to that.  She made me feel relaxed and confident with our choices.  Not to mention she knew exactly what I needed when I needed it whether it was a massage or quiet time to focus.  She helped my husband by allowing him to totally focus on me and not worry about the medical staff. She even had her husband bring my husband coffee!  One thing I can say for sure about Patricia is that she is a doula because she LOVES being a doula. There isn't much she wouldn't do for one of her expecting mothers and fathers. She is a genuine, kind hearted, loving woman.  And any expectant mother and father are in better hands with her as their doula! 

Posted 12/28/2012

I HAD THE PRIVILAGE OF BEING ONE OF PATRICIA'S EARLY MOM'S BACK IN THE DAYS WHEN HER OWN KIDS WERE STILL HOME AND I THOUGHT HAVING A BABY WAS JUST THE SWEETEST MOST EASY THING IN THE WORLD! DUH! PATTI WAS A LIFE SAVOR WITH BOTH MY DELIVERIES. I THINK I ASKED TO BE HIT AND KNOCKED OUT WITH A CHAIR AT ONE POINT AND ALSO BEGGED FOR SOMEONE TO GO TRY TO FIND ME STREET DRUGS CAUSE IT WAS TO LATE FOR THE EPIDURAL! THANKFULLY, ALTHOUGH SHE PROBABLY WANTED TO HIT ME WITH A CHAIR, PATTI WAS KIND, PATIENT AND INCREDIABLY SOOTHING THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS.  I WOULD RECOMMEND HER TO ANY MOM, WETHER THIS IS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE, DON'T WORRY ITS TRUE, YOU FORGET THE PAIN, OR YOUR ... TIME THROUGH, THE EXPERIENCE CAN ONLY BE BETTER WITH PATRICIA AT YOUR SIDE REMINDING YOU TO BREATH!! LOVE YOU PATTI, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Posted 9/18/2012

Patrica was awesome! Totally worth her weight in gold. She is extremely knowledgeable (answered all our questions), very easy to talk to, outgoing, and such a gentle soul - all qualities that worked for us. She was exactly what my husband and I needed, he was able to focus on me and enjoy his experience as a father while Patrica brought the sense of reassurance, normalcy, and calm that her experience so apparently affords her. She accompanied us from our home to the hospital (my labor progressed quickly), and she was a natural - allowing us space, knowing when to intervene, and watching over and guiding us through the the whole process. She anticipated litle things that made a big difference like asking for the birthing bar, knowing where extra balnkets were kept in the room, brought snacks; and was skilled with big picture things like professionally advocating for me to the nurses and doctors when needed and *most importantly*, she gave me gentle guidance throughout labor and birth and was tremendous in helping me focus through the contractions. I was able to deliver my little girl very peacefully and the way I wanted to! I would absolutely use her services again - I can't imagine doing it without her. This was our first baby and we were pretty nervous at how it would all turn out, but having someone there only for you and looking out for your interests and wishes really made me feel safe, as I was relucanat about birthing at the hospital. In the end, the hospital staff at NFRMC did a great job and Patrica worked so well with them, it really helped. 

Patrica also arranged for and provided some postpartum services for us which were also outstanding.

Posted 9/17/2012

28 weeks in to our pregnancy (with our first child), my husband and I found ourselves craving a more organic, spiritual birth experience. Our connection with Patricia was instant - With each meeting, she pacified any and all fears/concerns my husband and I had regarding a natural birth through knowledge and infinite wisdom. Through descriptive language and demonstration, an excellently prepared curriculum and a nurturing spirit, Patricia prepared us, for what would become, the most powerful experience of our lives. Our labor lasted almost a full 24 hours, Patricia by our side every step of the journey. Together, we sang, danced and nourished, creating the perfect environment for our son's arrival. We were able to labor a long while in the comfort of our home, as Patricia helped us to recognize where we were in the process and determine the appropriate time to head to the hospital. With the undivided support of our Patricia, an extremely cooperative medical team and the grace of a higher energy, our birth plan unfolded even more beautifully than we could have ever imagined. Some of Patricia's specialties included constant massage and counterpressure (as this was my main mode of pain relief), mood setting through the use of scents I had selected prior to our birth and electric candles and detailed documentation of our entire birth story, including photos! Our relationship with Patricia extends far beyond the birth of our baby - She continues to serve as our number one reference with regards to everything baby, but more importantly, she has become a permanent part of our hearts and our family. If ever there existed a human manifestation of a higher power, this woman would be...IS it. Since our birth experience, our lives have moved us to the northeast. But let it be understood that when the time comes to welcome a second little being in to our world, we will do whatever it takes to ensure that Patricia is, once again, right beside us.

Posted 9/17/2012

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!

Posted 5/18/2012

 

 

Posted 5/16/2012

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!

Posted 4/30/2012

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.

Posted 4/3/2012

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!

Posted 4/2/2012

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!

Posted 3/31/2012

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.

Posted 1/29/2012

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.
 

Posted 1/29/2012

Words cannot express how happy we are in our decision to use Patricia as our birth doula. During my last few months of pregnancy, he checked in on me weekly via text or email to see how I was doing. Patricia attended 4 or 5 of my midwife visits with us, so we both felt very comfortable and familiar with her by the time my pregnancy drew to an end. I was determined to have a completely natural, non-medicated childbirth and I had studied everything I could to prepare myself for labor. Patricia was incredibly supportive of this plan, but also made sure that we were prepared for the possible alternatives that we might face - just in case things didn't go 100% according to to our birth plan. We are so fortunate that she emphasized the latter, because things did NOT go according to plan! 18 hours after my water broke, I was exhausted and running a fever and still stuck at 1cm dilation. It was abundantly clear that my body was not progressing well towards active labor, and I was having a very difficult time handling the pain (knowing that I still had such a long way to go). Patricia was with us every step of the way - she seemed to be one step ahead of the medical staff at every turn, and helped us fully understand each option presented so that we could be confident in our informed decisions. Eventually pitocin and an epidural were required in order for a safe vaginal delivery, and our baby boy was born into this world 30 hours after my water broke. Patricia did not rest or leave my side during the entire labor - she was like a machine! If it had not been for her constant presence, knowledge, and loving guidance, the birth of our son would have been an incredibly frightening and traumatizing experience. I would recommend that every expecting mother - especially first time mothers - utilize the services of a caring and experienced doula like Patricia O'Connor.

Posted 11/30/2011

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. 

Posted 6/27/2011

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.

Posted 6/20/2011

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!

Posted 8/17/2010

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!

Posted 8/16/2010

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.

Posted 7/27/2010

I had a difficult experience with my first child resulting in an unplanned c-section. For my second child, I wished to try a VBAC. The day before I went into labor, I was very discouraged and fairly apprehensive about going through the whole process again. My husband then remembered hearing that Pat, who he already knew and I had met once, was a doula. We called her and she was on our doorstep within the hour, birthing ball in tow. It was a huge relief to have someone to talk to about my fears and desires regarding the delivery. Although I am a surgeon, being medical doesn't really help much when ones self is involved! She was a great ear and left me with some good tips and the freedom to call her at any time. About an hour later I started having regular contractions, and I called her the next morning when they began increasing in frequency. She arrived soon after. Pat was amazing throughout. She helped us to focus on the task at hand, and allowed me to labor fairly easily at home until my contractions were consistently less than two minutes apart (we live very close to the hospital). Throughout the rest of my labor Pat was key in keeping me focused and calm, especially when my contractions began stacking, and the pain was becoming quite intense. When it became clear that I was again going to require a c-section secondary to fetal distress, I think I was close to becoming hysterical from the combination of grief, pain, and now disappointment that I had been battling all day. She was instrumental in helping me channel all of my energy into bringing a healthy baby into the world. She also gave me much-needed words of encouragement when I was feeling like a huge failure for not being able to have a child in what I felt was "the right way." Because of Pat, I can see this whole experience in a much more positive way than I could have otherwise. I can't imagine having done it without her.

Posted 7/21/2010