Testimonial for Meredith Markussen, CD(DONA)
Upon discussion of my desired birthing experience, I was referred to Meredith directly by my OB, Dr. Jennifer Gulick. Dr. Gulick stated she had worked with Meredith through North Dallas Doula Associates. I felt comfortable contacting Meredith knowing she had a company affiliation and my doctors referral.
When I contacted Meredith she was extremely warm and professional. She answered all of my questions ranging from her involvement in my pregnancy and birth, my husbands role as my support, cost, and insurance claims. I waivered on hiring her due to my husbands concerns of being my support. He was concerned with a doula present he would have no role in my support. Meredith spoke with me many times, even after I said I was not interested. She helped me to understand and explain to my husband that she was not there to replace anyone (my husband or the nurses on staff) but rather to empower and support us.
And that is exactly what she did. I spoke with her a few times during pregnancy and provided updates after OB appointments. It was very helpful to follow up with her about my concerns and to talk about my appointment findings.
Two weeks before my due date my water broke but I did not begin labor on my own. I was on the phone with Meredith off and on all morning checking my status. When I arrived at the hospital to ensure my water broke Meredith offered to come. I asked her to wait until I was in active labor and she obliged me.
When I began contractions we called Meredith and she arrived. She was amazing. She coached me and also helped to guide my husband in how to help me. I labored on pitocin with no other drugs as my wish was to have a drug-free birth. I wavered at the end of my labor and asked for pain medication. Meredith helped me to stick to my birth plan and have no further interventions.
With MerEdith's help I delivered a healthy baby boy.
-Chelsea Migura
August 18, 2015
Birth Fee: Not specified
