Testimonial for Odile Penet, CD(DONA), LCCE, PES
First of all, if you are considering whether to use a doula: our advice is absolutely hire a doula. Second, if you are looking for a doula, we STRONGLY recommend Odile Penet. Odile is an amazing doula and we cannot imagine having done the birth without her. She brings experience, sensitivity to your needs, and she is literally tireless at supporting you. In our case, we had a picture perfect pregnancy and everything was going smoothly, until... When we got to the earliest contractions (unbeknownst to us and our providers) my wife shifted into an atypical labor pattern. We were trying to manage the situation at home, and we were struggling. We read a LOT of books and were very prepared, but it never goes exactly like the books say. Luckily, we had also hired Odile. When I called her worried, she talked to me for a few minutes and then said, "I'm coming over." When she arrived, everything was a mess. We weren't managing the contractions well and my wife was exhausted, sick, and starting to feel a lot of pain. Odile brought a combination of knowledge, calm, and confidence to the situation, and of course, she helped us manage the contractions. She transformed a downward spiral into a managed situation. She helped us both mentally and helped my wife with the physical pain. She worked with us at home on the contractions from 11pm until 7am -- without a break. In fact, at one point she let me take a nap and helped my wife solo for 2 hours. She gave us critical advice which led to us making key decisions. She went with us to the hospital. She was with us in the hospital until 1am (our baby was born at midnight). Yes, she pulled a 26-hour shift. It was astounding. The whole time in the hospital she was providing really important "hands on" physical help to prepare for and work through the contractions, plus emotional support. It was like my wife had a second husband there, except Odile actually knew what she was doing. Trust me: you will be very glad you hired Odile.
-leonardo cuello
June 26, 2017
Odile Penet, CD(DONA), LCCE, PES
My Birth Companion, LLC
Birth Fee: Not specified
