Testimonial for Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro
Joyce was my doula for the birth of my third child, born on May 14, 2015. There is no doubt Joyce was THE KEY to our success. My first was a C-section, my second was a VBAC in the hospital. Despite the support of a midwife and a doula, I think the required hospital procedures created a situation where I needed a lot of drugs, sustained serious injury, and endured a difficult recovery. For my third, I was resigned to a similar fate, then a friend referred me to Joyce. At our first meeting, I was 36 weeks and unhappy with the OBs who made me feel silly for questioning whether I should have an epidural ("Of course, what do you like pain or something?") and reminded me I was "still a VBAC". Before we met Joyce we never considered homebirth, after an informed discussion with Joyce, it seemed like of course we could do it if that's what we wanted. She answered all questions and referred us to several homebirth midwives that would accept a late transfer. She did not pressure us into that decision, explaining she would honor and support me at home or at the hospital. She has valuable insight on how to improve a hospital experience as well. I did not anticipate it, but during labor, I found myself frustrated by the 'hands off' approach of the midwife, so I really needed Joyce and she was 100% there. Looking back, my behavior in the most intense moments was ridiculous and hysterical. We had to close the windows for fear that someone hearing me would call the police. Yet Joyce was unflappable. When we discussed postpartum, she was only all genuine positive support. The delivery was complicated by a compound presentation, and the midwife was working alone, so she relied on Joyce's assistance as well. Don't worry about anticipating what you will need, because Joyce will be there with everything.
-Rachel Donohue
December 16, 2015
Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro
BirthAmbassador
Birth Fee: $3250 to $4500
