Testimonial for Melissa Johnson VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON SUPPORT from Chris Richardson

Testimonial for Melissa Johnson VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON SUPPORT

Hi, my name is Chris out here in Portland, Oregon. My wife Heather and I were expecting a baby girl just before Halloween of 2013 and we talked about contacting a Doula. The reason we decided to find a Doula was for the additional support structure, health benefits for the baby and the wealth of knowledge that are taught and absorbed during and after the birthing process. This was our first baby so I'll admit without a Doula I would probably have searched for videos and scrambled through literature for what to do with a beautiful new born baby. So we heard of Melissa Johnson out in Boise, Idaho and decided that she would be the perfect fit in helping us and teaching us all the important things two new parents need to know. When Melissa arrived in Portland I knew that we had made the right choice. She prepped us the night before and really calmed Heather and I as we prepared for the early morning rise and new arrival of our family. When we got to the hospital early on Wednesday morning Melissa further calmed both of us as the nurses, anisthesiologist and doctor were coming in and out of our room in preparation. Then it was time. They wheeled Heather out to the delivery room and Melissa and I were waiting for the confirmation to enter. This was the point where I was so grateful that Melissa was there to coach me and really calm my nerves. Then the doctor told us to enter and Melissa, showing her composure, told me what to do amidst the chaotic scene. Our baby girl Isla was born at 8:00am and it was such an overwhelming joy to hold her. Melissa then showed us eveything from the correct way to latch, proper holding techniques, feeding techniques and of course diaper changing. In fact the whole maternity ward at the Providence Hospital was raving about how good Melissa was. We really couldn't have done it without her. Thank you so much, Chris, Heather, Isla and Eraser.

-Chris Richardson

November 13, 2013