Testimonial for Candace McCollett, CBE, CLD, CLE
Candace was an amazing and integral part of our first child's birth. My husband wanted to be a supportive birth partner, but he does not like situations in which he doesn't have a step-by-step plan, and I couldn't give him that because I didn't know exactly how labor would progress (who does?). Candace provided the perfect go-between for this; she talked us through possible scenarios ahead of time, and in the moment, was able to give him a good idea of what was happening with me (when I couldn't talk about it, because I turn inward and get quiet to handle pain and stress) so he could be there to support me. She was also a calm, reassuring presence during what ended up being a very quick labor; nurses seemed constantly to be coming and going, and the doctor showed up toward the end, but Candace was always there, solid and present in the moment. I also don't think I'd have made it through without her magic peppermint oil, which immediately quelled the nausea that, for me, was worse than the pain of contractions!
My strong preference was for an unmedicated birth unless I specifically requested otherwise. Candace was crucial in helping me formulate how to state that so the hospital staff understood, and they were on board with my request from the start because nothing in my written birth preference list was accusatory or confrontational. She knew and worked well with the team at that hospital, and that was also a big bonus for us.
Throughout my labor and delivery, Candace was just that extra person who knew what my husband and I preferred so that if either of us forgot or was unwilling to speak up, we had someone there to remind us gently to voice our thoughts to the hospital staff. She was the constant through all the change of that whirlwind experience! She was so helpful, in fact, that she'll be with us again when our next baby arrives this fall.
-Leigh Shapiro Kaplan
July 07, 2014
Candace McCollett, CBE, CLD, CLE
Westside Birth Connection
Birth Fee: $1000 to $1900
