Testimonial for Simone Toomer, CD/CBE(DTI), IBCLC, CBC, LCCE, ISE from Jane Farren

Testimonial for Simone Toomer, CD/CBE(DTI), IBCLC, CBC, LCCE, ISE

When I think back about my labor and birthing experience this September, I have only positive memories. I credit this largely to Simone's calm and supportive presence as a doula. Without her, I'm not sure I woiuld have been able to have a natural birth but she helped me have the confidence to get through it and I am so grateful. If you are considering a doula, I would strongly recommend Simone!

From my first meeting with Simone, I felt secure that someone who has experience with helping women thorugh pregnancy, labor, and the post-partum period would be able to share her insights and advice with me. During pregancy, Simone met with me and my husband to go over what to expect and some pain management techniques. She also contacted me regularly to see how my pregnancy was going.

When I went into labor, Simone was extremely responsive and met us as soon as we asked her to. She was able to tell me what to expect and helped me advocate for measures to make me more comfortable with doctors and nurses. During each contraction, Simone massaged me and helped me relax even though I was scared for what was to come. When my dllation seemed to halt around 4 cm, I felt frustrated and worried that I wouldn't be able to make it much longer without medication. Simone talked me through this and encouraged me to stay in the moment and try other ways to relax like getting in the shower (which worked!). Labor was difficult but the support from Simone helped me work through my fear and made it a really positive experience for me.

Even after giving birth, Simone still regularly checks in to see how my daughter and I are doing. During her post-partum visit to my home she was able to give me some really helpful advice with breastfeeding issues I was having. Simone was wonderful and I greatly appreciate everything she has done for me!

-Jane Farren

November 16, 2015