Testimonial for Victoria Michonski CD, HCHI, CLC
Whenever my husband and I talk about our birth and things we would do next time, Victoria is the first thing mentioned. I would have her present again at my birth in a heartbeat and I cannot recommend her highly enough. If I was giving birth in another state, I would fly Victoria to me so that she could assist us again. She was instrumental in my positive birth experience because:
1. The midwife-in-training misread my cervix and told us in triage that I was dilated 9 cm. When they tried to break my water, they discovered I was only 5 cm dilated. Victoria took over, diplomatically asking everyone to leave the room so that my husband and I could metabolize this news. I was so dejected, and she reentered the room and told us exactly what we needed to do to get through the next few hours.
2. I told her I no longer wanted the midwife-in-training to be part of my experience, and she took care of it.
3. She ensured I stayed hydrated and fueled throughout the birth even when I didn't want to.
4. She gently and effectively coached my husband throughout the experience.
5. My baby was 8.5 lbs and the hospital wanted to perform glucose tests on her. This often results in the baby being fed formula within the first 24 hours. Victoria knew one of my goals was to exclusively breastfeed. Victoria explained to me what this was and why I should be wary of this. She encouraged the nurse to make absolutely sure that my daughter needed this, and the nurse returned to explain that we did not. Without Victoria's presence, I would not have known to question the nurse and my baby would have been taken from me unnecessarily to get a glucose test.
6. Victoria was communicative, no matter the hour, before, during, and after my birth and thoroughly answered all my questions.
-Erin Nakayama
September 29, 2015
Victoria Michonski CD, HCHI, CLC
312Doulas *Classes*Doula*Breastfeeding*
Birth Fee: $1600 to $2300
Postpartum Rate: $30 to $45
