Testimonial for Mary Ficek, CLD(CBI), CBC(CBI) from Caitlin Young

Testimonial for Mary Ficek, CLD(CBI), CBC(CBI)

When my partner and I found out we were both pregnant and due only days apart, we knew we needed to find a doula who could navigate a very complicated birthing scenario. When we first met with Mary she was very calm and knowlegeable, about both homebirths (partner had) and hospital births (I had). Her commitment to getting us the birth experience we wanted was evident in the way she constantly assuaged my fears of the hospital at every meeting.

Mary was with me during my early labor, which began overnight but then stalled out as the sun rose. She then came back when I called for her that night as real labor progressed. Throughout my birth she was there with resources I wouldn't have had otherwise. I was having back labor and asked for a heating pad, but the nurses didn't find one. Mary to the rescue! She held a heating pad on my back for hours, it was the only thing that helped the back pain. When an inexperienced doctor frightened me towards the end of labor, Mary was reassuring and helped me move around and get into the shower for more pain relief. At every turn she was there to comfort me and find new ways for me to get through contractions without pain medication, as I really wanted a natural childbirth experience.

During all this my partner was able to rest as she had given birth just 6 days prior. Our tiny newborn was in the labor room with us and he slept until the very end. As I began to push our newborn woke up and began to cry. Of course my partner wanted to be at my side during pushing. Without even asking Mary knew what to do, she slipped into the background and soothed our baby so my partner could watch our newest baby come into the world.

After birth Mary was there to help me with a difficult breastfeeding initiation. She was truely the most amazing person to have with our unique family during the most special time in our lives

-Caitlin Young

November 10, 2015