Testimonial for Shari Aizenman
Shari is a doula’s doula. She went above and beyond, helping us non-stop for 20 hours of active labor, and for over a week of “early” labor and contractions. Her expertise in dealing with both the hospital and in helping us manage our very conventional OB practice was invaluable. Her guidance spared me from having an caesarean birth, which we so wanted to avoid.
Being an older mom posed real challenges with our healthcare providers, who treated me as high-risk despite there being absolutely no problems with my pregnancy. Shari’s presence gave me the confidence to pursue the birth we thought was best for us and our son, despite them worrying me with all the things that “might” go wrong.
Her special talents in understanding how to relieve pain during labor were especially helpful as I have back problems from previous injuries. Her pre-birth visits and birth plan discussions helped us to navigate all the choices we needed to make for our son’s care, and gave us the extra information we needed to make informed decisions. She knew when to calm me and when to encourage. She even knew ways to configure the bed that the OB attending didn’t know, nor my midwife. I only pushed 45 mins due to her know-how.
Due our baby's large size the neonatal team wanted to test his blood sugar. It is common for large babies to have a drop in blood sugar, and they would want to give him glucose or supplement him with formula, which would compromise breast feeding. She ensured he had colostrum right away, which helped to keep his blood sugar stable.
A real bonus with Shari is her rolodex of other providers. From lactation consultants to pediatricians, even photographers, she knows other wonderful and talented people who are also excellent providers of service. She also provides a huge list of links to articles on every birth and baby topic imaginable to help you be more educated.
-Susan Hardwick Bess
August 13, 2014
Shari Aizenman
Bodyworks Atlanta & A Doula's Touch
Birth Fee: $1000 to $2000
Postpartum Rate: $50
