Testimonial for Mariah Falin, CD(PALS), PPD, PES from Erin Machaj

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

My husband and I hired Birth Matters NW to be our doulas for the birth of our first child in November 2016. I initially met with Ildi (she was the first doula I interviewed) and instantly told my husband they were the ones for us! There was an instant connection with both Ildi and Mariah that I never expected but was so glad I had found. They were all about what I wanted for my birth plan and never pushed me to do anything I wasn't comfortable with.

Prior to the delivery of our daughter, we met with each of them in our home to discuss our birth plan and they even showed me tricks/techniques to help me feel more comfortable in those last weeks of my pregnancy. My water broke while I was at my 39 week checkup so the doctors sent me straight to the hospital. We called Mariah and she came by to see us after I was admitted. We discussed our birth preferences again, made a game plan for the next several hours (I still wasn't dilated so it was hours before true active labor). Mariah headed home, rested up and was ready to come straight back as soon as I progressed and felt that I really needed her. As contractions became stronger and more consistent (about 20 hours later) we called and she was right there by our side. She helped me stay calm and collected, helped me breathe through the contractions, and showed me things to help manage the pain that I never would have known or even thought to try. I did receive an epidural as that was part of my birth plan but I was very proud of myself for hanging in there for as long as I possibly could with Mariah's help.

I can't imagine having gone through labor with any other doula. Mariah was by my side the entire way and I swear, she made it feel easier than I ever imagined possible. I am forever grateful for the help and support that Mariah provide me and my husband during this monumental moment in our lives.

-Erin Machaj

February 28, 2017