Testimonial for Virginia Rivenbark, AdvCD(DONA), LCCE, CLC
Virginia Rivenbark was my doula in January 2014. My husband had recently been transferred from Florida by his job, and as such, we had no close friends in our new town in central PA and few living relatives. As an only child with no knowledge of how to care for a baby, I was apprehensive about the everyday tasks of a new mother, such as feeding, bathing, diapering and putting a baby to bed, so I was originally only interested in a postpartum doula to observe and instruct me to ease my mind. However, after my husband and I sat with Virginia in our home at her first visit in late 2013, I immediately knew I also wanted her there for my baby's birth as well. She was calm and compassionate, never making me feel as if my questions were silly or unwarranted. She had a wealth of experience not only from being a doula for over a hundred births but also giving birth herself eight times. In addition to her caring attitude, she was also incredibly intelligent and well-researched. The role of doula is not one she took lightly and it was obvious from our first meeting.
I don't want to imagine my labor without Virginia. She was that wonderful. She made sure I labored in a carefree atmosphere and that all of my questions were answered. The doula does not take the husband's place but works with both of you to keep the mother comfortable and calm. She is your coach, your cheerleader, your library of information, your friend. She is everything and anything you want her to be for you on that special and difficult day.
After the birth, Virginia helped us as new parents, making visits, answering my questions, helping me figure out breastfeeding, and giving hugs to our new little boy, who adored her too! We still keep in touch with one another as friends, and I hope we will for a long time. If we were still living in PA today, I would be honored to have her as my doula again and again. She is, simply put, incredible.
-Marnie Lynn Reidy
June 24, 2015
Virginia Rivenbark, AdvCD(DONA), LCCE, CLC
Preparing for Birth and Beyond, LLC
Birth Fee: $1200 to $1500
