Testimonial for Cara Crowe from Sara Russell

Testimonial for Cara Crowe

With the birth of my daughter I had a lot of medical interventions I didn't want for the birth of my son (epidural and pitocin). Knowing my tendency to get stuck in an unhealthy pattern of thought that would ultimately lead to another epidural ("I can't do it", "I'm too tired") I knew I needed a doula that was not only kind and knowledgeable and, but strong and firm enough to get me to "snap out of it".

When my son was overdue I began to question if my body even knew how to labor naturally...I expressed these fears to Cara and she immediately reassured me of my body's strength. She remained in constant contact....texting her with any little update without feeling like a nuisance. Finally it was time. Cara arrived at the hospital shortly after us and immediately attended to me. She recognized my pattern of coping with contractions and made the perfect suggestions on what to do ("try leaning on the ball", "would you like me to rub your back with essential oils?", etc). Most importantly, she coached my husband through it all and allowed him to also be an integral part in managing my pain....without her, he probably would have said the wrong things at all the wrong times! While I was monitored for what seemed like forever, Cara began running the shower for what would be my final hour of labor. It was the most peaceful setting...warm, lights dimmed and candles filled the bathroom. After realizing I wad transitionin, I couldn't have asked for a more peaceful setting to do it in. She recognized signs that my body was ready to push and told me to trust it. Shortly thereafter I was ready to deliver my boy.

The strongest memory I have is repeatedly saying "I can't do this". Cara reassured me that I was strong and so was my body. If it werent for her educating me on the signs of transition, I would have given up in the shower. Cara is amazing, an inspiration, and I couldn't imagine my birth without her.

-Sara Russell

September 28, 2013