Testimonial for Anne Schuchman
I started considering a doula b/c my family and I were moving from NYC to Bergen &I was planning to try for a VBAC in the city. I started to panic about the trip into the city, and initially emailedAnne to ask if doulas ever accompanied women from NJ to the city. I expressed my concerns and my anxiety about traffic, what would happen if my husband was at work in the city, etc. I also told her I was planning to VBAC. She immediately responded with a very helpful email, explaining that yes she could accompany me if necessary, and providing a ton of info and resources on VBACs. She told me that she had had 3 VBACs which I found extremely reassuring. It took me a while to decide to use a doula, but when I finally met Anne I knew it was the right choice. She was calming, warm, easy to talk to and extremely well informed. I immediately felt comfortable. From the first email, she informed me that she would be away the week before my due date and offered to provide either back ups or alternative doulas. I decided to take the risk. During our prenatal meetings, she helped me make lists of questions for my doctors and provided books and DVDs to help educate me on VBACs. When I went into labor, she was on vacation, which I knew was a distinct possibility. I texted her and contacted the back up doula. The back up doula, who was also wonderful, came and met us at the hospital (it turned out I went into labor in the middle of the night) and helped get me through the first 3 hours at the hospital. But after that, Anne showed up! She left her vacation early to be present for what turned out to be an amazing birth experience. With Anne and her sub's help I was able to have the birth experience I had hoped for. My labor was as smooth as it could have possibly been and the whole experience was perfect, in large part thanks to Anne. I highly recommend her.
-Ginger Janow
August 24, 2014
Anne Schuchman
Mamma Mia Doula Services
Birth Fee: $1850 to $3750
Postpartum Rate: $55 to $75
