Testimonial for Jennifer Richards CD(DONA), CLD, HCHD, CYBE
May Jennifer 30th She came over to my house to work on our birth plan before my 37 week appointment. We all guessed my due date and went over a few things about the big day coming up in a few short weeks or so we thought. May 31st I woke up around 6:55am went to the restroom and well my water broke. I quickly called Jen, Everything sounded healthy and normal so I took my time going to the hospital. Once I was there they confirmed it was my water, I asked to go home to let me labor naturally, they really weren't having it. I messaged Jen and she gave me that courage to advocate for myself and there was no reason for them to keep me. Around 1pm they agreed to let me go until 8pm. Once back at the hospital they were shocked I moved to 2cm and was 90%effaced. 1am I felt that my contractions were really starting so we called Jen To come in. I didn't want to know how many centimeters I was until 8cm because I didn't want to give in to the epidural. Once there the nurse told Jen I was at 4.5cm and things were going well. Jen constantly was offering different positions, squat bars, balls, shower, massages, many things to help with the pressure from contractions. Without her and her suggestions I doubt I could have had my natural birth. At 8cm we celebrated and walked more. What I didn't know shortly after is I regressed to 7cm. I made the call to go with pitocin after stalling at what I thought was 8cm. That's when the contractions got hard a lot pressure, a lot of wanting to give up and ask for medicine. Jennifer and my husband kept me going and kept me calm and breathing anytime I thought I couldn't, she was there to tell me I could. I don't think she left me for the whole 14-15hrs of labor. She was amazing, selfless, encouraging, and just beyond what I could have imagined from a doula. If you're thinking of a doula consider Jen. It was the best investment for myself, my baby, my husband. She did so much for us all and to help me get the birth I desired.
-Amanda Allen
June 10, 2017
Jennifer Richards CD(DONA), CLD, HCHD, CYBE
Serene Beginnings Birth Services
Birth Fee: Not specified
