Testimonial for Elizabeth Oldham CD(DONA), HCHD, HBCE from Sarah Patterson

Testimonial for Elizabeth Oldham CD(DONA), HCHD, HBCE

Since the birth of my first child, the only advice I give to expecting mothers is to hire a doula (and to hire Elizabeth if she's available). Hiring her was the best money my husband and I spent in preparation for the birth of our daughter. (It was also incredibly helpful to take her Hypnobirthing class - she's a wonderful teacher and she was able to coach/support me in all the techniques I had been practicing.)

Elizabeth is competent, compassionate, positive, patient, and truly passionate about supporting mothers while they are pregnant, during labor, and postpartum. I cannot count the number of times I contacted her prior to giving birth and postpartum. She was ALWAYS willing to listen to me fully - I never felt like she was rushing me or that I was being a bother to her. If she doesn't have an immediate answer, she is wiliing to do research to find the answer.

Her presence during my 36 hour labor was a calming and reassuring one. She fit in perfectly with my family members and was able to help them figure out how to best support me. She helped me have the birth I had envisioned - I was able to listen to my body, be relaxed and calm, and actually enjoy the process. She helped me bring my daughter into the world peacefully - something I had not even considered as a possibility until I met her and was inspired by her to really envision the birth I wanted, set intentions about it, and take steps to achieve it. Without her as my doula I would not have such a wonderful birthing story!

This is very difficult to fully articulate, but Elizabeth has incredibly positive and kind energy. She makes me feel validated, worthy, capable, confident and grounded. My husband was on the fence about hiring a doula. As soon as we got in the car after meeting Elizabeth he said, "Hire her." I'm with my husband whole-heartedly - Hire her!

-Sarah Patterson

September 25, 2013