Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA) from Amanda Holsonback

Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA)

I met Laura through a local parenting facebook group. My husband and I had been trying for our second baby with frustration due to difficulty conceiving as well as different idea on a birth plan. I reached out for advice from other mothers when Laura sent me a message, offering to provide support to help my husband see the birth center plan I envisioned. I met with Laura in her office and immediately knew I was not just meeting with someone trying to gain business, but someone who genuinely wanted to help me have the birth experience I missed with my first child and ease my soul with the frustrations that came along with difficulty conceiving. Every month, Laura checked in on me just to say hello and inquire about my general well being. I realized at that moment I was part of a family and tribe, I wasn't "business."

When we finally had a little one on the way, assisting through labor was just one of the many things Laura saw us through. Laura continued to check in on me regularly and provided advice when I sought it and supported decisions I felt best for me and my family. My beloved doula was also there to again ease my anxiety while waiting for labor to intiate as well postpartum when exhaustion took over and again anxiety and frustrations arose when breastfeeding wasn't going well. Other than my husband and immediate family, I have never felt such an outpouring of support and assistance as I have from Laura. Having a doula as part of our birth experience was the best decision we could possibly had made for ourselves as well as our family.

-Amanda Holsonback

February 15, 2017