Testimonial for Shari Aizenman
For the birth of our 2nd child, we chose Shari to be our doula; she seemed a good match, personality-wise: wise, caring, and oh, so funny, with just the right amount of sarcasm thrown in for good measure. She seemed to be a strong presence, a strong will, as well. Little did we know at the outset how much we would come to value these specific traits in her.
Fast forward to D-day. I had planned to deliver VBAC, unmedicated, but from the moment labor started, the whole process felt different than with my first child. I labored alone, both at work and at home, for a good portion of the day. By mid-afternoon, however, my resolve was waning. Several times, I told my husband that I wasn't sure I wanted to continue, that I didn't think I was up to the job.
Enter Shari. From the moment she arrived, she was both a calming force, and a rock; her assertiveness that I "can do it. You've got this," brought me back to center and back on task. Her knowledge of both hospital protocols and procedures and the birthing process ensured that we were never taken by surprise, and I found her to be a staunch advocate for myself and my baby. She was a stellar partner in the process, and completely indispensable. She was just the right person at just the right time.
In the months leading up to the birth of our daughter, she took the time to help me educate myself on options and interventions, allowing us to create the birth plan that we wanted. She also helped to document our birth, as best she could.
In the end, my VBAC occured with no interventions, and it occurred in the water, just as I'd hoped. I credit Shari, first and foremost, for helping me have an amazing birth experience. She's the best!
-Barbara Rafter Jones
December 02, 2014
Shari Aizenman
Bodyworks Atlanta & A Doula's Touch
Birth Fee: $1000 to $2000
Postpartum Rate: $50
