Testimonial for Dana Oakes-Sand AS, CCE, MCD, NMPP, IPES

During my first pregnancy, I took the childbirth education class offered at my local hospital. I was told I would not need a doula, that “the labor nurse would be my doula.” And they went through the whole “you wanted a medication free birth, but ended up have ALL the interventions, but you have a baby now” thing. I did not effectively advocate for myself, I was frightened during transition and left the hospital feeling that I was pressured into accepting sub par support and unwanted interventions during a normally progressing labor. My second pregnancy was just so, so different. I knew right away I would hire a doula, and ended up hiring Dana. I took her childbirth education class that not only taught me about the birthing process, but also enabled me to advocate for myself with my doctors and hospital staff. It also gave me a different perspective on the purpose and usefulness of pain during labor. I wrote a great “birth preferences” list that was invaluable. While I ended up being induced due to my water breaking and labor not progressing, I did not require any pain medication and the only point I felt I couldn’t go on, was right before Dana told me to “look down!” and I was looking at my baby boy’s head! She helped me be calm during labor and helped my husband be a great coach as well. She remembered some of my preferences that I forgot, and also got along well with the hospital staff. My doula experience was so much more wonderful and my birth went so much better, I don't know how to adequately express it in words. If you are thinking of hiring a doula, get one. If you are looking at Dana’s profile, contact her! It was the best money we ever spent.

-Bettina

July 29, 2016