Taylor Barton

10/14/2020

Every mother dreams about her first special blessing from God and my first baby was no short of a miracle, but my first birth was extremely traumatic. There was no magic, no oh my goodness that was an amazing experience nor a healthy one mentally while it was happening and after. My first-born came into this world to bright hospital lights and a wild environment charged with fear and absolute exhaustion. What followed that birth was even more traumatic. Due to a 3rd degree tear (unnecessary had the birth been handled appropriately), my sutures became infected and I was placed on more than 6 antibiotics. After 4 hospital visits, 6 medications, and 2 ointments, the infection healed in 6 months time. 

After enduring this process and the trauma, I wasn't sure I wanted to have a baby again. I wasn't ready to go through that without the proper support. My sister suggested that I find a doula. Someone who would support me, comfort me, and someone who would show me the beauty and healing of birth. I didn't think that was even possible. 

Upon meeting Meredith, I soon realized this all to be true. Meredith changed everything that I though birth could and was supposed to be. She showed me techniques to help me with anxiety, she traveled to Findlay from her home several times to be there for me. She was available around the clock for support. Meredith showed me the importance of God's hand on your pregnancy and birth. Meredith was there when I needed her most. She is the reason I accomplished my delivery naturally. I truly believe that without her I would have ended up terrified and so stressed I'm unsure of what would have happened. 

She was also there after birth. She brought me a meal and snacks, she sent cards, voiced her support, loved on my oldest daughter, and was just the perfect support system. 

Meredith is an amazing person. My birth was everything and more than what I expected. Birth can be healing! 

Avery L-A

6/25/2020

Meredith was our doula for my first pregnancy. We had an introductory meeting and two prep sessions before the birth. Due to COVID-19, the hospital did not permit her presence at the birth. Despite this, Meredith was extremely valuable during our pregnancy journey. 

I feel comfortable around Meredith. To me, she is a good balance of firm and understanding. I felt like I could share my questions and worries with her safely. But, I also felt like she could take command of a crisis situation if needed. And that's the kind of person I wanted in the delivery room! Meredith is an excellent communicator, both teaching in person and responding to my emails, etc. She prioritized including my husband and empowering him as a support person for me.

In the prep sessions, Meredith is a wealth of information and options. Meredith is knowledgable about almost every aspect of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I had a lot of questions and she handled all of them. (And, if she doesn't know an answer, she could find it.) She gave us many resources and showed me stretches on my living room floor.

When I went into labor, we called Meredith and that call was very important! She correctly identified that it was time to go to the hospital. I had a positive experience during labor and a lot of that is due to what I learned from her. The OB nurses even asked if I had taken a Lamaze class or how many previous deliveries I had: nope, just using techniques and mindset from our prep sessions. She also followed up with us after the birth in a meaningful way. I highly recommend her as a doula!

Arneshiah

8/20/2019

Meredith is phenomenal, she helped not only me but my other support people. She explained things to my husband and my mother, provided us with everything we needed and supported me and all of my decisions even if it meant deviating from the birth plan. We felt nothing but love and a calming, knowledgeable presence from Meredith. I would absolutely recommend Meredith as your Doula, she helped me achieve a beautiful VBAC and I will forever be grateful for her.