Testimonial for Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA) CLC, CBE from Kryst Notaro

Testimonial for Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA) CLC, CBE

When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I knew that I wanted to attempt a VBAC. Labor with my first child was long, hard, and had ended in an emergency cesarean. This time, I wanted to be more prepared because I knew I was going to come up against so much resistance from hospitals, and even my midwife, so my husband and I went on the hunt for a doula. I scoured the internet for local doulas and interviewed several. The first time we met with Denise, I knew I was going to pick her - she was kind, knowledgeable, and I felt a connection immediately. She met with us and our whole family, and she even had a connection with my son! The day of the birth came much sooner than anticipated and I was ready for the long haul - expecting another 28 hour labor. But! This baby had a different idea! We called Denise when my water broke out of nowhere and she made her way to the hospital, getting there about the same time as us. She was calming and helped me through each and every contraction. My husband was happy to have the help because he remembered the previous labor and how exhausting it was for him as well. Denise had honey sticks for energy, my favorite essential oil (lilac) diffused into the room, and she took my concerns into consideration when I stated plainly that I didn't like a particular nurse. (you often say aloud whatever is on your mind when you are in labor LOL!) Denise was there every step of the way and my labor only lasted about 6 hours (hallelulia!) She was my cheerleader when I felt like I couldn't do it, she took pictures (some pretty gross ones too haha), she was my voice when I couldn't speak, and she was just overall comforting and encouraging to not only just me, but to my husband and best friend. Thank you so much, Denise! For working with me on pricing, to helping me bring my little girl into this world. It was incredible!

-Kryst Notaro

June 15, 2017