We're so happy we chose Emma as our doula. From the first email through the first phone call and then the first meeting, we just felt like she got it-both who we are and what we wanted from a doula. She came by for several pre-labor visits, just getting to know each other and she'd share different strategies and tips for the final weeks. She was extremely conscientious about scheduling, making sure we not only had a backup doula for when she had a previously-scheduled weekend away, but that we met the backup doula so we'd feel comfortable should we need her. Luckily, my wife went to term, and Emma was back in plenty of time.
We stayed in touch with Emma through texts an emails, with Emma giving encouragement and advice, then when she started doing induction (twins that went full term, some blood pressure, so midwife encouraged us to start induction), Emma was right there with support and commiseration.
When my wife finally went into labor, she came over at 4 am, helped us get ready to go to the hospital, including making sure we ate something, didn't forget anything, and actually locked the house. At the hospital, she helped with pain relief, she helped us make sense of what the doctors and nurses said, she got waters and juices or stayed with my wife while I stepped out to make a phone call or get snacks, and she was just there. All night, and all day, and all into the second night. When my wife found she had to have a c-section, Emma came in with us and helped us both stay calm, she stayed with my wife while I went with the babies, and then helped with recovery, and then to top it all off, she went to meet our older son and take him to school, showing him pictures of his new little brothers and helping him feel like part of everything! She also made great teas that helped before labor and after, with milk production.
Truly, she did all we'd hoped and more, and we can't imagine making it through having twins without her!
-Diana Griffith
July 29, 2015
Rise Reproductive (formerly Lavandoula)
Birth Fee: $1600 to $2600
Postpartum Rate: $55