Testimonial for Debbie Castelbuono from Stephanie Cedrone

Testimonial for Debbie Castelbuono

I first "met" Debbie in the ICAN group of Southeastern PA on Facebook. Her advice to me and the other moms regarding our VBAC's was always so sound that when I found out I was expecting my second I decided to reach out to her in hopes of hiring her for our birth. From the first conversation I knew I wanted Debbie by our side. She came to my home and we went over what her role would be, how she would support not only me but my husband through labor and delivery (and after), different scenarios that could arise during my TOLAC and how we could handle them, and my birth plan. She wanted to know my story, my history, why I wanted a VBAC so badly and what I hoped for this labor and delivery. She helped me write my birth plan and kept in touch throughout my pregnancy. If I had any questions she was always available to answer them.

Contractions started at 3:45am the day after my due date and my daughter was born 34 hours later. Throughout the entire day and a half Debbie was by our side, helping contractions get started when my labor stalled, helped me decide when to start a small dose of pitocin, and even though not having an epidural was a big part of my birth plan Debbie helped me decide to get one after 29 hours as I was just exhausted and not progressing at all. I slept for a couple of hours and 2.5 hours after getting the epidural my daughter was born without me even having to push. I fully believe without her I would have ended up with a repeat C-Section.

One thing that made me apprehensive about hiring a doula was that she would replace my husband as my coach. That wasn't the case at all. Having Debbie allowed my husband and I to work together better. I couldn't have done it without him, and we couldnt have done it without Debbie. We both agree we'll never have another baby without Debbie there with us!

Thank you Debbie for helping us bring Scarlett into the world!

-Stephanie Cedrone

April 05, 2017