Testimonial for Mary Ficek, CLD(CBI), CBC(CBI) from Amanda Harding

Testimonial for Mary Ficek, CLD(CBI), CBC(CBI)

Mary rocks! She was instrumental in our achieving a blissful homebirth with our third child. From the moment you meet Mary you will know that she genuinely cares about and trusts you, your baby, and your birth experience.

Mary played a large part in my planning for and achieving a drug-free hospital birth with my second child (which forever changed my outlook on birth!) and she was also the one who asked me if I had ever considered a homebirth. I appreciated the evidence-based resources she provided and that she encourages you to make your own decisions by asking *great* questions - NO judgement! With her assurance that it was never too late, I switched providers in my second trimester.

Mary is very professional and nurturing throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery. When my baby’s birth day finally arrived, Mary arrived before the midwives, to the complete relief of my husband and I - things were moving fast and he was not “catching a baby!” Even though this was our third birth, the peace of mind her presence brings is priceless. In addition to her active coaching, Mary applied counter-pressure to my hips as I labored, which cut the surges so well. She never overstepped or tried to take the place of my husband, but rather supported him so that he could support me. To have another woman by my side who has been there made me feel safe and collected. When I began to doubt myself she reminded me of my strength. I still hear her saying, “You are doing so well,” “It is hard.” My husband has said more than once, "I can't imagine what it would have been like without her.”

This was also my second time having my placenta encapsulated - I have had great recoveries and an abundant milk supply each time.

When people ask about my births, I am overcome with joy and emotion and Mary is forever a part of that. You will never regret hiring a doula!

-Amanda Harding

January 28, 2017