Testimonial for Donna Rigert
There's an idea that every person has a guardian angel. Well, if that's true, then Donna was mine.
I was originally unsure as to whether or not I wanted a doula at my birth. I was a first time mom, and didn't know whether having others in the room would be helpful or alarming. When Donna arrived at our house for our first meet, I was immediately put at ease. She was vivacious, upbeat, happy and energetic. I knew that she would have the unflagging energy and enthusiasm that I wanted to make sure that I had the best birth possible.
Donna proved to be an incredible asset when I went into labor. She was extremely respectful of our religious restrictions, practical with the interventions she offered (she showed up with a whole bag of tricks including this amazing ice-filled rolling pin), and soothing and reassuring even as I fought my way through excruciating back labor. Once in the hospital, she didn't shy away from jobs that weren't hers- like helping me get cleaned up after I vomited- and remained calm and unflappable even when my labor stalled, I got an infection and it seemed as though I would have to get an emergency C-section. She was non-judgmental when I chose to get an epidural (which deviated from my original birth plan) and even told me that there was no reason to suffer needlessly. Her reassuring presence, positive attitude and hands-on approach was a large part of why I was able to have a vaginal birth in the end. She not only coached me through pushing; she actually held my legs as I pushed! Donna is a doula who will absolutely go ABOVE AND BEYOND for you, as she did for me.
Donna's a jack of all trades - whether she's educating you about birth, taking gorgeous photos that you will treasure right after your child is born, sending you your Birth Story or helping you with breastfeeding, she is your advocate through thick and thin. I was so thrilled with her that I hope to have her at my next birth as well!
-Olivia Friedman
November 18, 2014
Birth Fee: $1600
Postpartum Rate: $40 to $45
