Emily Cavey

4/8/2020

Part 1 of 2 

In July 2019, my husband and I found out we were pregnant with our first child, and I was always  interested in the idea of a natural birth.  Honestly though I was unsure - and scared.  So my husband and I decided to grow our support team and reach out to multiple local doulas to learn more.

Lin Cook with Mothers Helper easily stood out.  Decades of experience and up-to-date knowledge ranging from pre-natal to post-natal care were the obvious.  But the less obvious that grew every week was her warm support that was so crucial throughout the pregnancy - especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  More on that below, but first I HAVE to mention my husband and I’s favorite part - the Bradley classes.

The Bradley Method classes were invaluable, and served as the foundation for everything we know.  We covered so many subjects, but a couple I was most grateful for was learning how to reduce pregnancy/birth complications through exercises and nutrition, and how it taught my husband how to be a supportive coach.  That kind of support that I really needed on all fronts: physically, mentally, and emotionally.  The classes, led by Lin, gave us the confidence to say we could do this! Through each week, Lin earned more of our trust to become a irreplaceable part of our birth team during pregnancy and Raegan's birthday - which happened to be right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contractions started in the middle of the night, and when they started getting tough, Lin was at our door step ready to help.  I labored at home for about 8 hours with the help from my husband and Lin.  They flowed together so well, which really helped me focus on the work at hand.  This was my favorite experience of the labor, and were able to stay at home all the way up to 8cm dilated.

Shaun Cavey

4/8/2020

Part 2 of 2 

Because of COVID-19, Lin wasn’t able to join us at the hospital (East Cooper Medical) which was honestly soul crushing when we found out.  But it was everything that she taught us prior that really mattered.  Although she couldn't physically be with us, she was very much by our side the entire time.

We had plans to setup video streaming at the hospital, but things were happening so fast - so instead we just kept a steady phone call with her.  She remained on the phone with us for our entire time at the hospital, and just hearing voice of encouragement, advice, and emotional support felt so amazing.  Throughout this experience Lin has been open to any digital streaming platforms We suggested.  So she’s been quickly adapting to the new normal. 

Did I mention she's lactation consultant too?!  I’m writing this looking at my 7 day old baby girl, and I have been on the phone with Lin every day since birth talking out everyday concerns.  Mostly related to breast feeding - sometimes not.  Whenever a problem or general question arised, it was wonderful to know Lin was a phone call (many times a FaceTime) away from getting the answers and reassurance we need.

In summary, I felt Lin was always a step ahead, and just knew what to do for SO MANY situations.  I am so thankful to our doula and our family's newest friend, Lin Cook.

Jill

3/5/2019

Lin was beyond helpful throughout my pregnancy and after. I originally hired her as my doula, then took the Bradley birth course with her, newborn care class and currently still use her as my lactation consultant. I had the most perfect natural, unmedicated birth thanks to her support and guidance. I highly recommend her for all your pregnancy and lactation needs. She really is a mother’s helper!