Testimonial for Susan Rotman, AAHCC, CD(DONA)
Our first birth was a c-section. When we decided to attempt a VBAC the second time around, we knew we wanted all the support we could get. Having formed a relationship with Susan through her birth class, we knew she was the doula for us. And while my wife is adamant that I was her first line of support and no doula could replace me, she would also tell you that we could not have succeeded without Susan. As a woman, Susan supported her in ways I could not, because not only has she been a part of numerous labors and births, but she is a mother of two herself. She has walked through two natural labors of her own, and the empathy she possesses as a result is invaluable. During the worst contractions, my wife would cry, "Oh Susan, it just hurts so much ... I just can't do another one!" and Susan would lovingly reply, "Oh, honey, I know ... let's remember the plan. Inhale slowly through your nose ..." walking her through the rest of it with both kindness and strength. My wife could accept her words because she knew that Susan DID know - that Susan understood her pain because she had been in this place too - and that helped her make it through the roughest hours.
Although Susan will tell you she doesn't have a crystal ball and that every birth experience is different, her accumulated knowledge gained through her own birth experiences, through being a doula for others' experiences, and through her extensive research into all things birth gives her an uncanny ability to help you set appropriate expectations and anticipate what steps your care provider will recommend based upon the specific circumstances of your birth. She exudes calmness, confidence, and an empathy that I, as a man, couldn't possibly provide for my wife in the same way that Susan did. Finally, you can trust her, implicitly, and in those most difficult moments where it feels like your wife is in crisis and your baby's arrival is imminent, trust in your support team is priceless!
-David Sullivan
April 17, 2015
Susan Rotman, AAHCC, CD(DONA)
Rotman Education Services, LLC
Birth Fee: $2500
