Testimonial for Odile Penet, CD(DONA), LCCE, PES
I knew I wanted a doula at my child's birth, even though I had a midwife (they perform separate services - midwife delivers the baby and does medical things; doula supports the mom). When I spoke with Odile I felt immediately comfortable with her and her birth philosophy - essentially, you never know until you get to the birth what you will feel like or what you will need, at which point parents and support people should be open to different options. She was supportive of the things my husband and I wanted (minimal medical intervention if possible, but the potential for epidural or other medical comfort measures if necessary). She was supportive and reassuring in the weeks as we prepared for the birth, checking in with emails every so often and offering to talk by phone or in person if I wanted to. After the birth she kept in contact and came by for a visit to help with breastfeeding and check on my recovery. The day of my son's birth my husband and I were already at the hospital when I knew I was in labor (we had a previously scheduled appointment). Odile came right down when we called, arriving at 1 pm and staying right by my side until after the birth and all the procedures after (about 6 pm - yes, it was a fast labor. No epidural - there wasn't time!). She was so supportive and helpful, encouraging me when I needed encouragement, suggesting different comfort measures, and offering my husband suggestions for what he could do to help me. She was especially supportive while I was being stiched up afteward, which was more painful and took longer than I had expected. I think going through labor and delivery and the aftermath would have been much scarier and much more difficult without her. I felt like she truly cared about me, my husband, and my baby. I would highly recommend Odile to anyone looking for caring support through the final stages of pregnancy, labor, delivery and post partum.
-Emily Fisher
September 08, 2010
Odile Penet, CD(DONA), LCCE, PES
My Birth Companion, LLC
Birth Fee: Not specified
