Part 2/3
Jessica arrived immediately after we called and quickly made herself useful gathering supplies, timing contractions, getting water, and standing in for bathroom breaks. Jessica and I worked seamlessly to keep my wife fed, hydrated, and relaxed during the early stages of labor. When my wife finally said it was time to go to the hospital we were already to roll thanks to Jessica's efforts. Once we got to the hospital the intensity of my wife's labor increased and it was quickly apparent that the nursing staff, although diligent and hard working, was only interested in supporting one type of birth experience (the one most convenient for them). As my wife toiled our birth experience was slowly being hijacked by hospital policy and it became more about what the nurses and doctor wanted and not what my wife wanted. That is until Jessica's support and experience gave me the strength and backbone to stand up for my wife and what she wanted for her labor and our daughter. Jessica was vital to us taking back our birth story and going down the path that we knew was best for us. I completely underestimated how much support I would need during this difficult process and when Jessica would say to me, "That isn't you're only option" or "Everything is ok" I was able to take the reins and put them back into my wife's hands.
After my daughter was born Jessica quickly and stealthy (this was discussed during our earlier visits) took the most priceless photos of our first moments with our new baby. After the dust settled and we were moved into the post partum room, Jessica left us to bond with our baby. Jessica came to visit us again after we were home for a week just to make sure we were adjusting well and to offer any assistance if we happened to need it.
-Kevin Dee
September 10, 2015
Rushes Doula Service
Birth Fee: $1200 to $2350
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $45