Testimonial for Susan Rotman, AAHCC, CD(DONA)
I wanted a doula to act as a moderator between myself and any health professionals that may have gotten a little over-eager with interventions. I also wanted a doula to support my husband in his support of me. It turns out I didn't need much protection from questionable interventions, but Susan was valuable throughout my labor and delivery. Susan clearly has experience, knowledge, and the kind of attitude that helped her do many things that supported a good birth experience for me. Just a few things I remember: She unobtrusively massaged and verbaly supported me throughout labor, backing off at the moments when I needed not to be touched or didn't want to talk. I found out later that she comforted my husband when things got a little scary and he needed reassurance. She verbally reassured me about what was going on when medical professionals and I made decisions about the course of action. In one instance I wanted to stick to my birth plan on a certain issue and she gently suggested to me that I break away from my plan and explained how it would be more comfortable and safer for me because of circumstance that I was in at the moment, and gave me a chance to make the decision for myself. I took her advice on this and was glad she had the foresite to suggest this minor change in birth plan that made a difference in my comfort. Overall, giving birth is a blur and sometimes you aren't even aware of who is in the room, but I'm sure that having Susan there made a positive difference.
-Sarah Alexanian
March 11, 2014
Susan Rotman, AAHCC, CD(DONA)
Rotman Education Services, LLC
Birth Fee: $2000 to $2500
