Testimonial for Erica Angert
Erica was my postpartum doula for 8 weeks following the birth of my daughter in February 2014. This was my first child. I had interviewed both labor & delivery and postpartum doulas, but could not afford both. I decided that, whereas labor & delivery terrified me, the postpartum situation was even scarier. I have well meaning family around, but really, the 4th trimester is all mom and baby. And frankly, having my mother or mother in law help out was almost more stressful to me than just going it alone. They are lovely but I needed an objective, non-relative to help me get over the hump.
Erica always was on time and courteous. She had suggestions for me but offered them in a non-judgy way. I was an emotional, Percoset-addled wreck (I had an emergency C-section), with bad hair and the most ridiculous questions. But if she was horrified by me, she didn't let on. She came two days a week for three hours and during those hours I would a.) hand her the baby, b.) take a shower, c.) retreat to my bedroom with a sandwich that she had just somehow made me while watching my daughter, d.) watch a few minutes of House of Cards, then e.) fall asleep.
It was glorious.
She also would do light housework like dishes and laundry. I didn't ask her to do much in the way of housework though. It seemed like too much to manage, and I'm particular about things. Honestly, the mere act of explaining what I wanted done cut into my precious nap time, which was way more important.
In addition to simply giving me a break, Erica would answer my ridiculous questions and show me some tips and tricks. Swaddling, breastfeeding, putting my hand on the baby's head to get her to go to sleep, the right way to wear a sling, etc. She also brought me cold medicine when I was sick, and I think hung out with my very neglected cats.
She's kept in touch throughout this last year, which means a lot. I highly recommend her.
-Lesley Howson Bruno
February 18, 2015
Erica Angert
Erica the Doula, LLC
Postpartum Rate: $40 to $45
