Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA) from Julie Turner

Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA)

I gave birth to my first child, a precious baby girl, at Baylor Hospital in downtown Dallas in September 2015. At the advice of a colleague knowing I wanted a natural birth, I researched doula practices and filled out the "contact us for more info" box on North Dallas Doula Associates website and in less than a minute (no joke!), I received a follow up phone call from Laura. I was impressed with her quick response, flexibility and professionalism. My husband got home from work about 10 minutes after my call with Laura ended, and he had no idea what a doula was - he thought I was talking about some anatomical part of the brain! That quickly changed...we set up time for both of us to meet with Laura when I was 6 months pregnant, and after a 1 hour meeting filled with all of questions and anxieties, quickly decided she was a great match for us. While she is crunchy, natural-minded and knowledgeable, she is business-minded and professional - something we found to be a rare combination in the doula/birthing industry. For many husbands, doctors and nurses, hiring a doula seems superfluous - and they couldn't be more wrong. Laura did not take the place of my husband, OB doctor or the nursing team - instead, she was a critical addition to the team, not only when I went into labor but the weeks leading up to it. On birthing day, we were in contact with Laura from the time contractions started to when she met us at our house before heading to the hospital. She called every 30 minutes to check in on us. While my husband was provinding me the critical emotional support, Laura offered practical labor support and was an expert throughout the birthing process. She believed in me when I was struggling most and encouraged me. She liased and had a great relationship with the nursing staff and answered questions I had throughout the process. Without the support of Laura and my amazing husband, I'm 100% positive I would not have succeeded in having my dream birth honored.

-Julie Turner

October 24, 2015