Testimonial for Marcia Mattern, CD (DONA)
My first son was born via planned cesarean and I knew when the time came I would be planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). One of the top recommendations for women attempting a VBAC is to use a doula and that was the first item on my agenda once pregnant. After several interviews we chose to hire Marcia as our doula. Marcia was available to me throughout pregnancy as I interviewed and switched providers (twice), encouraging me to stay active, providing nutritional information and helping me evaluate decisions. While I was passionate and determined to have an un-medicated, vaginal birth I certainly had my doubts and talking to Marcia always helped put me back in a positive mindset.
The night I went in to labor Marcia and I texted throughout the middle of the night as I experienced contractions for the first time ever. After 12 hours of labor I was ready for her to come to our home. For the next 29 hours my husband and Marcia worked as a team to support me. 19 of those hours were spent comfortably laboring at home. I am confident that without Marcia we would have gone to the hospital much earlier and likely would’ve been subjected to interventions as my labor was not progressing in the “typical” timeframe. Upon arrival at the hospital Marcia helped us remember things we both forgot, like giving our birth plan to the staff and requesting a room with a bathtub. It was quickly apparent how valuable a doula was not only to my husband and I but also the hospital staff. Marcia took care of things so the nurse could focus on me, she explained the machines and procedures to us and her overall familiarity with the staff and facility was invaluable to getting what we needed. During delivery Marcia played an active role in instructing and motivating me. Our 10 lb son was born after 42 hours of labor via an un-medicated VBAC. I will forever be grateful to Marcia for helping me experience the birth I had so longed for.
-Jessica Heintz
November 29, 2015
Marcia Mattern, CD (DONA)
Your Doula Marcia Mattern
Birth Fee: $1700
