Testimonial for Jill Thompson CLD, IBI

(continued from above). Compare that to what actually happened WITH Jill: Realizing in amazement that, per Jill's confirmation over the phone, I am going into labor 12 days early. Husband excitedly continues to time contractions until Jill shows up at our home around midnight. Driving to hospital, knowing Jill has done this many times and that we can trust her knowledge and instructions. Me in lots of pain but not feeling overwhelmed because I have both Jill and my husband to give me words of encouragement, fueling my confidence that I can and will handle the entire process without relying on an epidural and/or pain meds. Me telling Jill I need to throw up, her quickly grabbing a large trash can, informing me this is normal and actually helps with labor..! Husband is able to catch a few hours of sleep on a couch, while Jill continues to be amazing with me in a labor tub. Jill and husband taking turns heating my rice packs, so I always have someone at my side. Learn baby is sunnyside up and work with Jill to get baby to flip, feeling beyond exhausted but trusting her...this is what Jill DOES! I know I can do it b/c she is there. Eventually, joyfully, having my baby and basking in the moment with my husband, later receiving a lovely book of photos taken both during and after the actual birth, chronicling a miracle for our little family...and that isn't taking into account the wonderful visits she made before and after the delivery, the many emails she answered, and the joy she shared with us throughout the pregnancy overall. So no, you don't NEED a doula at all. But if you want to remember this life-changing event with joy and accomplishment rather than anxiety and frustration, you will want Jill Wilkey at your side.

-Erin

April 07, 2017