Katherine King

7/29/2021

When I found out that I was pregnant with my first child I knew that I wanted to work with a doula but I was unsure what kind of doula experience I was looking for. After interviewing Audre'Ana and reflecting on the experience and knowledge she had shared with us I knew that she was exactly what I was looking for- a calming yet energetic prescense who would listen to my wants, needs and expectations to help guide me toward my birth plan preferences and be an advocate for me, my baby and my husband. We met several times throughout my pregnancy both virtually and in person to discuss how my husband and I were feeling, our thoughts on how we envisioned the labor and delivery and overall hospital experience and what we needed and wanted from her. She was always prepared with thoughtful questions, enthusism and positivity, and her openess in sharing her own labor and delivery experiences made me feel so calm about my own impending experience. When my water broke before active labor started she jumped in to action providing suggestions for what to do next to keep me focused on my plan. At the hospital she helped me manage my pain, get some rest when I needed rest, encouraged me to move when I needed to move, held firm with the doctors and nurses to ensure my wants were heard and action was taken and helped guide my decision making when it was clear that we needed to go to plans B and then C.  She also enabled my husband to take some much needed breaks from supporting me when we both needed a refresher. Althought my delivery was completely different from what I had anticipated and envisioned I feel such a sense of peace with my experience because of Audre'Ana's support and guidance. Her expertise and advocacy in the hospital made that possible and I cannot imagine going through pregnancy and labor without her.