Testimonial for Laura DePasquale, CD(DONA) from Luke Zak

Testimonial for Laura DePasquale, CD(DONA)

We have been very fortunate to have Laura DePasquale as our doula for our two children’s births – the 2nd only a few weeks ago. She is a wonderful doula.

During her birthing classes, Laura was so warm, compassionate, empathetic, experienced, authentic and honest, that my initial uncertainty about having a doula was quickly allayed.

Laura clearly explains the philosophy of natural birthing and strategies to try achieve such a birth. Her guidance certainly helped my wife and me to navigate the many decisions during the birth and how to interact with the doctor and hospital respectfully and with sound considered judgment. I am convinced that for the second birth we avoided a c-section because of Laura's guiding principles.

Both births were very long and the labor was painful and arduous but overall, happy experiences. I will forever be grateful for, and in awe of, the effort my wife put in to deliver our babies. Laura's support, knowledge and understanding was essential to the whole process.

When we fell pregnant the second time there was no question as to whether we would ask Laura to join us again. And to top it all off, as we live some significant distance from the hospital, Laura offered for us to come and stay overnight at her home during early labor as she lived very close to the hospital we were using. Talk about going above and beyond! This meant my wife could labor in relative comfort and move over to the hospital at just the right time. Truly thankful!

I know that Laura was in regular contact with my wife during the pregnancies, in the last weeks and days before the birth and consistently during labor. She also follows up a couple of times after birth and can give advice on lactation as well. Both our kids had tongue ties so Laura’s advice helped there too.

We cannot now imagine the birth of our children without Laura present. She's been a happy part of it all for us.

-Luke Zak

March 17, 2017