Testimonial for Ruth Green
My husband and I had our hearts set on having a home birth vbac before we even became pregnant. We knew we needed a midwife, but we didn't consider finding a doula at first. I assumed doulas were only needed for hospital births. Upon meeting Ruthy's husband and being told she was a doula, in case we were interested, I started looking into why having one may be beneficial during a home birth. After some research I decided having a doula would fit our needs and circumstances, and my husband agreed. We interviewed Ruthy and immediately knew she was who we wanted to be there to support and encourage us during our birth. She is very gentle and maternal, and I was excited to work with someone who has so much personal experience with birthing at home and in the hospital. It was also important for me to have support and guidance from a fellow believer during such an important event in our lives. Ruthy not only gave me advice and ideas for managing various discomforts and anxieties during pregnancy and leading up to labor, but she asked how she could pray for me, too. During my lenghy labor, her support was priceless. Her presence was very calming, and she helped me keep my focus while actively helping me work through contractions with various massage tecniques, encouragement, and prayer. I did decide to go to the hospital for pain management, and because I had progressed so much at home before I went I was still able to have my vbac. Without my doula, I doubt I would have labored at home as long as I did! Ruthy came with us to the hospital. She talked me through my options regarding pain management, continued to help me through the pain while I waited for the epidural, and reminded me of things we desired I may have otherwise forgotten to relay to the obgyn (like delayed cord clamping.) We were so blessed to have her present throughout labor and during our birth!
-Sam Cavanaugh-Matherly
October 26, 2014
Ruth Green
Graceful Birthing of Virginia
Birth Fee: $1300
Postpartum Rate: $35
