Laura has been a solid source of support and guidance as my husband, Aaron, and I brought our first child, Lila, into the world and have been adjusting to becoming parents. Her visits during the last weeks of my pregnancy helped us to prepare for labor, and she prompted us to think about things - like a game plan for dealing with early labor and like nutrition and healing during the fourth trimester - in ways I wouldn't have otherwise done.
Where we were most grateful for Laura's calm, positive presence was during my last bit of laboring at home and during the final stages of labor at the birth center. At home, I was somewhat stalled, doing most of my contractions in the same position and refusing Aaron's attempts to get me to move. When Laura arrived, her confidence and gentle persistence earned my compliance and after a couple of hours of laboring in different positions, it was time to drive to the birth center. I'm not sure we would have realized that I was ready to go in, given that my contractions never had a regular rhythm, and we were so glad to be able to trust Laura's judgment that it was time to call the midwife.
At the birth center, I continued to be grateful for her presence and affirmations. She took some great photos (which I wasn't sure I wanted but am now really glad to have) and stayed by my side, always encouraging me.
I know not everyone is cut out to be a doula, but Laura has the perfect demeanor for this important role. She is gentle, caring, knowledgable, thoughtful, supportive, and unobtrusive. I couldn't recommend her more highly.
-Jessica Clifton
March 20, 2017
New Life Birth Doula
Birth Fee: $1500 to $1800