Christina Bond CD(DONA) - Supported Birth Doula Services

My husband and I decided to use a doula for the birth of our first child because we wanted to have an unmedicated, natural childbirth but wanted to birth in a hospital and thought a doula would help us achieve our goal. We interviewed 3 people and decided Christina was the best fit for us and we couldn't be more pleased with our choice.

Christina was incredibly helpful throughout the process. During the pregnancy, Christina was always available to answer my many questions and she met with us multiple times because I wanted additional help and time together. She was helpful in preparing our birth plan and providing resources to help us prepare for labor. She helped us feel really prepared and confident in ourselves and in our ability to help us have the birth we wanted. When I went into labor, she came to our house as soon as we called and told her we were ready and she helped us labor at home since I wanted to wait to go to the hospital for as long as possible. Christina was calming and encouraging and we were grateful to have her there. Once we got to the hospital, things progressed very quickly and we weren't able to use all of the techniques we had practiced or the things Christina had brought to make me more comfortable, but we were still so glad she was there. Christina helped my husband stay calm and coach me through an extremely quick, intense labor and he admitted after the fact that if Christina weren't there, he would have had no idea what to do when things got so intense!  

Since the birth of our daughter six weeks ago, Christina remains a great resource. She came to visit and helped us with breastfeeding, suggested a support group for me to attend, and has checked in to make sure we are okay multiple times. Overall, I am so glad we went through this experience with Christina and I will always be grateful for her help and assistance bringing our daughter into the world. 

Posted 1/21/2013

Since my husband and I are both from Florida and have no family in the Baltimore area, we knew that we wanted help during the birth of our child.  We feel so blessed to have found Christina to help us!  Christina was extremely thorough - she took the time to meet with me individually to see if she was the right fit, and then followed up by meeting with my husband and I together.  At 36 weeks she met with us both again to go over our birth plan and to make sure that we felt comfortable with everything and that she understood what type of birth I wanted.  She was extremely patient and was so helpful answering our questions (and I had many, many questions!).  

My labor was not at all how I imagined it!  Things intensified so quickly, faster than I thought they would.  Christina stayed on the phone with me and calmed me down when I was home alone and feeling really intense labor pains.  When my husband and I arrived a the hospital, she was such a calming presence for us.  She kept reminding me of my wishes and the plan that we had decided on.  Christina had a birthing ball, music, heating pads - - we weren't able to use any of it because the labor was so quick!  She kept encouraging me, which was what I really needed.

What I found most helpful is that after the birth, Christina continued to help and guide us.  Our son was in the in NICU for ten days, which was an incredible hardship, but Christina continued to reach out and ask how we were doing.  She sent me coutless articles about breastfeeding and advice about different support groups.  She would email me to give advice, suggestions, and continued encouragment.  Christina's help and support was truly amazing before, during, and after the birth of our son.  I would highly recommend her! 

Posted 7/8/2012

Christina is simply amazing!

I was hesistant at first on whether we would have a doula for our second birth. I am so happy we decided to get one. I will never labor again without one. Christina is a perfect fit for a Doula. Her quiet and calm spirit put me to ease. Especially since I tend to be a little high strung :). My husband did not understand at the beginning of my pregnancy why we needed a doula. After our labor and delivery experience with Christina he has a new found respect for this profession. He has learned so much through our experience and greatly appreciates all the hard work that she has done for us. Christina went over and beyond for our family. She was a great support system for my husband and I. She was there for me during the pregnancy by providing information on things that concerned me. During the labor she had my birth plan on hand, music, and laboring tools. My birth plan and music I had forgotten at home! Christina took pre-labor and delivery photos that my family will cherish years to come. She also took photographs during the labor and delivery. In the midst of all of it I felt like Christina never left my side. Thank you Christina for assiting in my labor. I am so happy that my second birth was a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.

Posted 9/26/2011

The best preparation that my husband and I took for the birth of our daughter was asking Christina to help us. I had also asked my sister to be with me when I went into labor; however, none of us had ever witnessed a birth. Christina guided us all, especially me, though the most intense experience of my life.

As a first time mom, I didn’t realize how much support I would need until labor actually happened. As the contractions grew stronger and closer together, I started to get scared. It was a comfort to know that we had someone to call, and we feel very fortunate that our doula was Christina. She greeted me with a hug and lots of reassurances, and I felt calmer as soon as I saw her. From that moment on, Christina stayed by my side and helped me to be as comfortable as possible.

As labor intensified, it would have been easy to panic and ask for the epidural. However, I had Christina’s incredible support, and I was able to experience the labor pains without any pain medications. Christina guided me through each escalating wave of pain, coached me to stay relaxed between the contractions, and encouraged me in her calm, caring voice to keep going. She helped me to stay focused on one moment at a time, and she also helped my husband and sister to care for me.

Christina’s constant, caring support transformed labor from something scary to a positive, memorable experience. My family is extremely grateful for Christina’s wonderful help and thrilled by the birth of our healthy, beautiful baby girl.
 

Posted 6/1/2011