Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA) from Gwendolyn Williams

Testimonial for Laura Fortner, CD(DONA)

I came to this site a few months ago trying to decide if hiring a doula (for our second birth) was the right thing for me & my husband. I was leaning towards yes, but was on the fence. Let me tell you, having a doula on your team and by your side is 100% worth it! I knew a little bit about NDDA from friends, but didn't know any of the doulas personally. I chatted with Melissa and she connected me with Laura, and after just one meeting, I knew we needed her! Laura is fun (and funny) and spunky and incredibly sweet - AND man does she know her stuff!

During my first pregnancy/birth, I had wanted to try to avoid an epidural but was not successful. I felt like I knew what I wanted to achieve but didn't have the tools or resources to get there once labor started (I had read a few books and talked to a few friends about natural birth, but that was about it). This time around I tried to educate myself more, but I was still worried that history would repeat itself and we'd end up in the same situation. My husband was supportive of the idea of a natural birth, but I knew that when the time came, he wouldn't know anything about how to handle contractions, how to progress labor, etc. This is where Laura came in and why, YES, you need a doula!

Once labor was underway, Laura came to our house and helped me labor at home (another goal for this birth) for a few hours. When it was time to go to the hospital (right after my water broke & contractions sped up to 2 minutes apart!), Laura came with us. We got to the hospital at 425pm and our son was born at 455pm (sans epidural!). The entire time, Laura was on one side holding my hand and my husband was on the other side holding my other hand. I couldn't have gotten through labor & delivery without Laura! She was so cool, calm, and collected during all of it and we were so lucky to have her on our team!

-Gwendolyn Williams

June 22, 2017