Website: www.savvybirth.com Phone: (916) 276-1749 Type of Practice: Solo practice Clients per Month: 0 to 3 births and 0 to 3 postpartum families Birth and Postpartum Doula Birth Doula Experience: 3 years and 15 births attended Postpartum Doula Experience: 3 years and 4 families served Area of practice: Folsom, CA Travel range: 60 miles Travel comments/restrictions: Languages spoken:
Working towards certification Specific certifications for the above: DONA
Specialized training or previous experience:
VBAC
Home Birth
Adoption
Waterbirth
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Special services available:
Parenting consulting
Baby-led weaning
Reduced rates for military members/spouses
Reduced rates for women considering adoption
Pregnancy, birth and/or newborn photography
Sibling support (for your older children at the birth)
Antepartum doula
Relevant volunteer or advocacy work: Volunteer doula at Sutter Davis Hospital in Davis, CA
Attends hospital births? All Hospitals Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers Attends home births? Any Home Birth
Birth doula fee: $600 Postpartum doula hourly rate: $20 to $30 Fee details: Complimentary consultation. Reduced fees for families in financial need, reduced fees for military families. Willing to make financial arrangements and payment plans. Every woman is entitled to doula care regardless of financial predicament
Client Testimonials for Cyndie Hardester
Tina Russell
Cyndie was my doula for the recent birth of my first child. Since we had never before experienced a pregnancy, labor/birth, postpartum or having a newborn, my husband and I decided to get some extra support by hiring a doula. We are so happy that we did! Cyndie was awesome through every step of the way. I had been told by my doctors that I would need a c-section for a low-laying placenta. Since I had my heart set on having a very low or no intervention birth, this was very upsetting to me. Cyndie encouraged me to seek out a second opinion. I was told by the second medical group that a vaginal birth was not only possible, but preferred. Cyndie gave us so much information about what to expect in labor/birth/postpartum as well as techniques for dealing with pain and how to have my husband support me. She was always so available to answer questions or just offer some support during my pregnancy. During my labor/birth, Cyndie stayed with us the whole time as a calm and intuitive support person. She also supported my husband as he supported me. I had a 16 hour labor without any interventions. I also birthed my daughter in the water. I am very fortunate to have had the birth I wanted and I truly believe Cyndie was a major part in that being possible. Cyndie was also available after the birth. She helped me overcome some breastfeeding issues and was able to answer questions about newborn care. I still feel as though I could contact her anytime with a question or concern and she would be more than happy to help. Whenever we decide to have a second child someday, I would hope to have Cyndie as my doula once again.
Posted 6/6/2011
Amy Vahle
After having my first son I didn't know what to expect as a new mom. Cyndie was so supportive - in the first few days after his birth, she came to my home and assisted me with breastfeeding and overall postpartum care. Knowing I could continue to call Cyndie (versus someone I've never met or didn't know anything about) to ask for advice really put my mind at ease. No matter how silly I thought my question was, I felt comfortable asking it. Cyndie was always so reassuring and positive - I felt I could ask her anything ... from breastfeeding to sleeping to newborn behavior in general, even more personal topics. Cyndie always had the answers and was so supportive. The boost she gave to my confidence as a first time mom was priceless! Even after having my second son 6 years later I would call her when needing a "refresher" and again she was right there for me with all the wonderful support as the first time around.
Cyndie has a real passion for childbirth and helping a woman connect with her new infant, she has a calm nature about her that puts one at ease. Cyndie is truly a wonderful resource for new or even existing moms. I would highly recommend her to any soon-to-be mom!
Posted 3/26/2011
Brian Scates
Cyndie assisted me with my second pregnancy. My doctor told me I would have a C-section because of my previous C-section with my son. I said no, and that I would not be coming in for the scheduled C-section. Cyndie helped me every step of the way for the next few weeks. She had so much knowledge and pointed me in the right direction as far as my rights as a patient. This delivery was my delivery not the doctors. With Cyndie's help I waited out my pregnancy despite the doctors demands on a C-section. I was a week overdue and tried every thing in the book to induce contractions. Cyndie called her midwives for direction and wisdom on what to do to try and labor at home. Unfortunately when I was admitted I was only at 2 centimeters dilated. I stayed there for 11 hours. The doctors and nurses came into my room a number of times telling me what they where going to do. With Cyndie's help I politely said no thank you to every attempt to break my water, or give me pitocin. Because of Cyndie's support and knowledge I knew every angle the doctors would go to get me to have a c-section. Cyndie helped me concentrate on my breathing as I tried to labor through the pain. After 21 hours of painful labor I agreed to a local anesthetic. We waited until I was 6 centimeters dilated before I agree to let the nurse break my water, shortly after that I agreed to pitocin. After 37 long hours of contractions I was ready to deliver! I will never forget the determination and strong instinct to deliver my baby vaginally. With Cyndie's help I only pushed for 15 minutes. It was my delivery and Cyndie helped me to achieve this goal. The love, support and knowledge given by my wonderful friend helped me deliver my baby girl. Thank You Cyndie
Cyndie was my doula for the recent birth of my first child. Since we had never before experienced a pregnancy, labor/birth, postpartum or having a newborn, my husband and I decided to get some extra support by hiring a doula. We are so happy that we did! Cyndie was awesome through every step of the way. I had been told by my doctors that I would need a c-section for a low-laying placenta. Since I had my heart set on having a very low or no intervention birth, this was very upsetting to me. Cyndie encouraged me to seek out a second opinion. I was told by the second medical group that a vaginal birth was not only possible, but preferred. Cyndie gave us so much information about what to expect in labor/birth/postpartum as well as techniques for dealing with pain and how to have my husband support me. She was always so available to answer questions or just offer some support during my pregnancy. During my labor/birth, Cyndie stayed with us the whole time as a calm and intuitive support person. She also supported my husband as he supported me. I had a 16 hour labor without any interventions. I also birthed my daughter in the water. I am very fortunate to have had the birth I wanted and I truly believe Cyndie was a major part in that being possible. Cyndie was also available after the birth. She helped me overcome some breastfeeding issues and was able to answer questions about newborn care. I still feel as though I could contact her anytime with a question or concern and she would be more than happy to help. Whenever we decide to have a second child someday, I would hope to have Cyndie as my doula once again.