Testimonial for Simone Toomer, CD/CBE(DTI), IBCLC, CBC, LCCE, ISE from Julieth kennedy yearwood

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

I was extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to have a doula provided by the BY MY SIDE program to help assist me during my pregnancy.I was eager to meet my doula, Simone at the first prenatal visit. Immediately after meeting her she was very easy to talk to. I felt comfortable sharing private information regarding my relationship and my health. Although we had to complete survey questions it still felt more like a conversation opposed to an interrogation. Simone was very knowledgeable when asked questions about the pregnancy trimesters. As a mother her first hand experience comforted me in which I was able to ask specific questions about her pregnancy journey. Simone was very relatable in that she herself had a natural vaginal birth.I too wanted a natural delivery without the epidural. She also breastfeeds her child and I also was interested in breastfeeding. I was so glad that all of the things I wanted she had experienced and was able to better guide me and inform me. In between the weeks Simone kept in contact with me to see how my pregnancy was going. Towards the end of my pregnancy we came up with a birth plan that she 100% supported. But unfortunately around 38 weeks I tripped and fell on the stairs and was in excruciating pain and just wanted my baby girl out.Simone provided great support ranging from advice, natural remedies and even an acupuncturist she knew to help alleviate some pain. She communicated with me daily until the birth date. I changed my mind about not getting the epidural and Simone supported my decision. She still assisted during the labor and delivery by talking to me and asking questions to the midwife and nurse. She really helped advocate My wants and needs. Simone helped hold my legs apart as she coached through. Now that my little girl is here Simone helps with lactation support because it was challenging for my baby to latch correctly. Simone and I are still in communication. She is Great!

-Julieth kennedy yearwood

June 04, 2016