Testimonial for Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro
I am so happy I had Joyce as my doula for the birth of my baby. Because of her I had a natural childbirth with no epidural and look back on it as the most wonderful experience of my life. I was afraid of childbirth, having heard so many stories of difficult labors. I worried the doctors might perform an unnecessary C-section. I didn't want an epidural because it might make it more difficult to push the baby out, & lead to a C-section. A friend told me about her wonderful experience with a doula. At first I was skeptical, but at the childbirth class, the nurse said the only possible way to have a baby without an epidural was with a doula. In choosing a doula, it was important that she had expertise, & the right personality. Upon meeting Joyce, there was something special about her. She is warm, & embracing without being overbearing. She made me feel calm. It was so comforting to be able to contact her to get advice about concerns during the pregnancy. The night I went into labor, this being my first baby, I had no idea how to breathe as the childbirth class does not prepare you for that. Joyce taught me how to take control over the pain by breathing. She helped me dilate faster with exercises and positions during the labor that I felt I could not do. With Joyce, it was such a natural process that the doctors had little to do with it. No nurse or my husband could have done what she did. Afterwards Joyce visited me to make sure the baby & I were doing well. I could tell these visits were not perfunctory but rather she enjoyed visting. Months later when I contacted her about concerns about the baby she was always helpful, never too busy to answer a question. Having a doula is a necessity. Joyce made all the difference in the world. I feel blessed to have found her & to have been fortunate enough to have shared one of the most important events of my life with her.
-debra guarnieri
October 01, 2016
Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro
BirthAmbassador
Birth Fee: $3250 to $4500
