Testimonial for Emily Cohen-Moreira from Asra Syed

Testimonial for Emily Cohen-Moreira

My "Plan A" was a natural childbirth but I wanted my doula to help educate me in advance about under what circumstances I should opt for interventions given that my #1 goal was for a safe, quick delivery.

Emily exceeded my expectations. She teaches childbirth education classes, so is very well-informed about the various medical and non-medical options and procedures you may confront during your labor and delivery and helped me and my husband figure out our preferences without judgment. She also went over many ways my husband could support me as I labored and during my pregnancy, which allayed his worries of being a bystander during a singular time in our marriage and our child's life. Thanks to the many hours Emily spent with us, by the time I went into active labor, I felt surprisingly well prepared.

Emily was by my side encouraging me through every stage of labor, literally massaging me and coaching me through each contraction without ever seeming to tire out. (I was in active labor for ~16 hours.) I was able to deliver as I wanted - without any pain meds or unnecessary interventions, even though my baby was in a posterior position. The only intervention I received was a little Pitocin after I was fully dilated to speed up my contractions so I could start pushing. I truly don't think I could have achieved that if i hadn't had Emily preparing me and supporting me throughout.

Her postpartum support, especially re breastfeeding, has been invaluable, too. I can see why so many moms try breastfeeding but soon quit - it's not instinctual! - and here again I feel like Emily's willingness to offer strategies on everything from getting a good latch to ensuring good output to use of the breast pump has kept me going even when I've hit obstacles.

If I have another child, I'd definitely turn to Emily again to be my doula. Not only is she 1000% qualified, but she's your ultimate champion.

-Asra Syed

November 03, 2015