Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA) from Christina Miller

Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA)

Laura was recommended to me by a mutal friend and I could not be more thankful the two of us met. I am one to do more than enough research on my own, so I knew I wanted a doula present for my first birth, but "clicking" with someone was going to be a whole new challenge. Once I met Laura and talked with her, I knew we would be a great match. She provided me right off with some books from her personal collection along with handouts to make sure I was informed as possible. She talked with me for months to make sure my husband I were both prepared for our baby's arrival. About 3 weeks before my due date, I went into early labor and she was right there to support me through it. That one day turned into 2 weeks of prodromal labor and Laura checked on me regularly throughout this waiting period. How much more caring could she get? When my water finally broke, it took a little bit for things to get started, but Laura was right there, comforting me from over the phone, then in person when I was finally in active labor. As things progressed in a way I had not anticipated, Laura comforted me, assured me that my decisions were okay and supported us as we made some very difficult decisions. She even made sure my husband took time and ate dinner after being by my side all day. I will definitely make sure we have her again for our next baby as I cannot imagine not having her there telling me I was doing great and everything was okay. Just having that voice of reason in the midst of chaos makes all the difference. The best part of this whole experience? I feel like I have gained another friend in my life, not just a doula who was there for the birth.

-Christina Miller

January 15, 2014