Testimonial for Laura DePasquale, CD(DONA)
Laura played a very large role in the birth of my first child: my husband and I took Laura's 9 week birthing class, she participated in my daughter's birth as our doula, and she was hired to work with us postpartum.
After taking her birthing class, my husband and I knew that we needed her as part of our birth team. We felt that her calming presence and extensive experience would give us the best possible chance of having our child the way we wanted to. As I met with Laura to talk through my birth plan, she offered opinions without being judgmental and honored what was important to us. We grew extremely comfortable that Laura would be our advocate when we were unsure of what was best, our cheerleader when everyone else needed a break, and our voice of reason when things got overwhelming.
Laura arrived at our house while I was in labor, and helped determine when we needed to head to the hospital. Once there, she helped me to settle into labor in my room, and it became clear that she had a strong rapport with the my midwife and the nurses.
Throughout labor, Laura offered advice on different positions that might help move things along, and massaged my lower back, with each contraction I endured, for close to 10 hours. She encouraged my husband to take much needed breaks from the physical and emotional stress he was under, and she held my hand when I doubted myself. Her presence and guidance gave us the confidence to push through when things got really tough. She showed the perfect blend of empathy and encouragement, and I my husband and I attribute much of the success of our daughter's birth to Laura.
Postpartum, Laura helped me with breastfeeding, took care of the baby when I needed a break, did laundry, prepared meals, and made sure that I was fed and rested.
Laura exceeded all of our expectations. My husband and I agree that if we have a second child, we will absolutely hire Laura to be by our side again.
-Beth Hughes
May 23, 2015
Laura DePasquale, CD(DONA)
Holistic Beginnings,LLC
Birth Fee: $1200 to $2400
Postpartum Rate: $50 to $60
