Testimonial for Laura DePasquale, CD(DONA)
My husband and I first met Laura when we took her childbirth classes before our 1st child. Her classes were the right balance of presenting research-based information and nurturing encouragement. We formed a connection with her immediately and asked her to be our doula. She often reached out by text as the date approached and let me know she was there should I have any questions or concerns. When my water broke and I called Laura, she was coming off a 30-hr birth and was there for me regardless. I assured her I was fine, but she kept tabs on my labor which ended up being unexpectedly fast and arrived at the hospital before my midwife. My daughter was breech and I needed an emergency C-section. Laura was an emotional support to my husband and mother-in-law and stayed to make sure I was doing well after the surgery. She also helped me process my feelings about the birth at our postpartum visit and beyond. Fast-forward 2 years and we were expecting again. We didn't have to think twice to hire Laura again and she was just as excited as we were to help us achieve a VBAC. The day came when I started having erratic contractions but I didn't think things would be moving swiftly. Laura didn't leave that to chance and made sure she was nearby just in case I would call her. She ended up being right when my water broke and my contactions were suddenly 3 minutes apart. We all raced to the hospital and she arrived just as I began pushing. As soon as I saw her, I felt a weight of fear leave my body. Her presence is reassuring and I have total trust in her intuition. Among all the voices yelling directions at me, I was able to zero in on her calm, even voice coaching me on my breathing. She knew how much this birth meant to us and was with us every step of the way. We finally had the natural, unmedicated birth we had wanted and another healthy daughter. There is no one more dedicated than Laura. She is an educator and empowers women and their partners.
-Sarafina Mugavero
March 16, 2017
Laura DePasquale, CD(DONA)
Holistic Beginnings,LLC
Birth Fee: $1200 to $2400
Postpartum Rate: $50 to $60
