Chrisna C. Zitnyar

7/16/2024

**Amy - The Best Doula**

As a new mom, I was terrified about giving birth. I didn’t feel confident about being pregnant or giving birth, but having Amy as my doula, I felt nothing but empathy and compassion. From the start, Amy was incredibly personable and caring. She made me and my husband feel safe and supported throughout the entire process.

Amy advocated for me during my labor, ensuring that my needs and wishes were respected. She not only looked out for me but also made sure my husband was included and supported. Her knowledge and resourcefulness about labor and birth were invaluable. My labor was hard, but Amy's support and guidance kept me focused and calm through the pain. I always felt empowered to make decisions about my birth plan because of her.

Amy is truly the best! Her accessibility was a huge comfort. Any questions or concerns we had, even postpartum, were promptly addressed. She is an educator at heart, and I learned so much from her.

Thanks to Amy, by the end of my pregnancy, I viewed myself as strong and confident. We highly recommend Amy and will definitely work with her again for my next pregnancy. She has made a lasting impact on our lives, and we are forever grateful.

Dara

5/2/2023

Amy was integral to my survival and well being during delivery. She always made me feel comfortable and safe. She helped both my husband and I be aware of our options and alternatives through out the process. 

I was induced for high blood pressure and it took 2 days to deliver. Amy came up to the hospital shortly after we checked in. It was important to me that gravity assist me in delivering my baby, I was hoping it would make delivery go faster than my last. I wanted to be upright and moving as much as possible. Amy made sure I was taking laps around the hospital, switching stretches and excercises the entire time. I felt confident that Amy would help me know what to do and she motivated me to keep going.

Over one of the nights, the baby flipped and was breech. Amy helped warn my husband how aggressive the external rotation would seem. She always made sure that my husband was eating and I was getting as much drink and sustenance as allowed. 

During delivery I developed a fever after being on pitocin for so long. Amy showed my husband some trick to always keep a cold wash cloth on my forehead. She was always holding my hand or rubbing my arm, offering some comfort. 

During delivery, baby swallowed meconium, was blue and wasn't breathing at birth. He eventually was able to make some noise and was taken to the nicu. My husband went with baby and Amy stayed with me. She made sure I knew how to express milk and use the hospital pump. Amy stayed until I was ready to rest and made sure I felt okay. 

Amy was so encouraging and supportive and I don't feel like I could have made it through a vaginal delivery without her. She saw me through some pretty gross and stressful moments. I probably would have given up a lot sooner if it hadn't been for her encouragement. I am so grateful to have had Amy with me during the delivery process. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is considering a doula.