Testimonial for Gina Valo
Gina was an incredible guide and support before, during, and after our birth.
As someone who planned for a medicated birth, and isn't especially skeptical of Western medicine, I didn't initially know *why* everyone recommended a doula, and why it mattered to have someone "advocate" for you in a medical setting. But going through labor, it was UNBELIEVABLY helpful to have Gina as a calm, knowledgeable person by my side to help me have a positive birth. This probably won't surprise anyone who has spent time in a hospital, but there are exhausted, sleep-deprived doctors who are prone to mistakes; residents streaming in and out of your room who haven't really read your chart; etc. -- so needing an advocate in this context makes complete sense!
During a challenging birth, Gina made me (and my very anxious wife!) confident that everything would be OK.
I planned on a medicated birth, but the initial epidural placement had some signifcant issues (specifically, it was a 'wet tap'), so I had to go through birth with significantly less pain relief that I expected. As such, I can speak to the fact Gina would be a good choice regardless of whether you want a medicated or unmedicated birth, as I had a bit of both!
I appreciated how Gina guided us through the huge number of decisions you have to make in childbirth, bringing her experience to help us make choices aligned with our own goals. I initially picked Gina because I felt her strong academic background might be an asset, and working with her, it was both obvious that she had a true depth of knowledge, and that she was an incredibly compassionate and grounding person who deserved my complete trust.
It was so helpful to have Gina's support in establishing breastfeeding, both in the delivery room, and in her postpartum visit.
I can't recommend her highly enough!
-Elena
March 01, 2025
Gina Valo
Birthingkind
Birth Fee: $2050 to $5000
