Testimonial for Mariah Falin, CD(PALS), PPD, PES from Neeloufar Gharavi

Testimonial for Mariah Falin, CD(PALS), PPD, PES

From our first meeting through our prenatal visits, Mariah and Ildi knew just what I needed to feel taken care of. They played with my daughter and joked with my husband, and I thoroughly enjoyed their visits.

During my 37th week, I had a full 24 hours of mild, non-progressing contractions after two days of bloody show, and I was feeling frustrated, confused, and exhausted. Eventually, my contractions became a bit more intense but in no way regular. The midwife told me that I would “know” when to page her. My husband needed sleep, so I called Ildi.

I cannot tell you what a welcome sight Ildi was after I had been pacing around the living room for almost an hour, laboring alone. She suggested I do three pelvic tilts and belly lifts to improve the baby’s position. Then she massaged my back through a couple of contractions.

And then - whoops! - I was pushing. Ummm...this would be the time I “knew” to call the midwife.

Long story short: Ildi was actually the person to catch the baby. Thank goodness she had been paying attention at all those births she assisted! She knew to rotate the baby after it crowned and to check the baby’s vitals signs for the Apgar score. She even noted the time of birth. She was so thoroughly calm and professional, that it was a long time before it occurred to me how nerve-wracking the experience must have been for her. After all, baby-catching is NOT a doula’s job, and it was the first time Ildi had needed to fill a midwife’s shoes.

People have asked me if my labor was traumatic and scary. It wasn’t at all -- because Ildi made me feel safe for every bit of it. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

I also want to say that Mariah attended our baby’s naming ceremony, which was definitely above and beyond. I know that I would have been just as supported had she attended my birth. I recommend them both with love and gratitude!

-Neeloufar Gharavi

February 22, 2017