Testimonial for Emma O'Brien from Zipporah Legarde

Testimonial for Emma O'Brien

I have put off writing this review because I don't even know where to begin, but in a good way!

My Little One was born on February 24, 2017, and is currently 12 weeks old. I knew from the moment I found out I was pregnant I really wanted as natural and low-intervention a birth as possible. I was connected with Emma via a member of my queer cooperative community in Lower Allston, who works in Reproductive Justice. Honestly, I put off contacting Emma until I was in my third trimester; with moderate PPD and the tension and ultimately absence of my child's other parent, I was frozen when it came to figuring out a birth plan. I couldn't imagine a ~*perfect birth*~ given the circumstances. And as I had a very non-traditional family/community, it was hard to navigate the waters when my crew was so different from the standard. I had many issues even in Boston with misunderstandings from medical personnel of my support team.

But Emma stayed in touch. She called and texted me, reminding me she was available and willing to work for me. Finally, I called her and discussed all the issues I was struggling with. She was so sympathetic, and this was before I even officially hired her. She made herself available, often driving between 20-30 minutes to see me. I believe she drove to me 3 xs for simple meetings to discuss the possibility of her being my doula! When I went into labor around 9:30am on the 24, a FRIDAY, Emma basically came straight to the hospital for me. Though this is my first child, my labor was a total of 4 hours. I labored in a bathtub, and Emma used an array of techniques, my favorites being aromatherapy, and this subtle, yet amazing, fan.

Emma is kind, and has the sort of demeanor that is just comforting. I regret not hiring her sooner only because I could have put my mind at ease so much sooner! Please hire her, I don't think you can make a better choice.

-Zipporah Legarde

May 21, 2017