Testimonial for Susan Rotman, AAHCC, CD(DONA)
Susan was the absolute perfect doula for us - we highly recommend her to anyone who wants a knowledgeable, comforting, and calming presence on their birth team.
My labor lasted 30 hours because baby wasn'to positioned correctly in my pelvis. Through the 22 hours I labored at home with my mother and husband as my coaches, Susan was in constant contact with us via phone and text. When I felt scared, like I couldn't to it anymore, she coached them to say and do the right things to bring me back. When we all got tired (physically and emotionally), she helped us develop a game plan to make sure we could all get the rest we needed and reminded me to conserve my energy, that birth is a marathon and not a sprint. It was especially helpful when she gave us plans to pass the time. For example, when I felt exhausted after the first 12 hours and just wanted to go to the birth center, Susan suggested that my coaches take me for a walk in the yard and then draw me a bath. It helped me relax and it also made me feel like I was "doing something," not just sitting around in pain with no end in sight.
Susan joined us at the birth center shortly after we arrived. As soon as she arrived, she gave my mom and husband the breaks they so badly needed, and she was my constant support through the challenging hours ahead. She held my hand, hugged me, told me I was okay, and kept giving me encouragement. She gave me the nudges I needed to comply with the nurses' requests. She gave my mom and husband guidance on how best to coach me. She made suggestions like laboring on the toilet (never say never!) and reminding me to breathe. When it was finally time to push my baby out, she breathed with me through the pushes. After our beautiful son Boone was born, she told me that I was a warrior and bought us all breakfast!
Words can't express the gratitude we have for Susan - our birth experience wouldn't have been as rewarding without her on the team! We love you, Susan!!
-Tatiana Preston
February 05, 2015
Susan Rotman, AAHCC, CD(DONA)
Rotman Education Services, LLC
Birth Fee: $2000 to $2500
