Testimonial for Emily Hursh
It's not often that a birthing experience goes more or less to plan - which was to have a natural birth at a birthing center. As luck would have it I was able to do so and Emily's sound judgment, deep knowledge of coping techniques, and calm and supportive presence was integral to that.
From our initial meeting onwards I immediately felt at ease with her and knew that her spunky and sensible personality would help get my husband and I through the marathon of birth. I was eleven days late and she checked in on me frequently - sympathizing the long slow torture of being so late and potentially being risked out of the birthing center yet still levelheaded in providing me suggestions on how to induce labor naturally.
When I finally did go into labor it was unfortunately in the middle of the night and yet she was extremely responsive, letting us know she'd come over whenever we felt like we needed her. A couple hours later I started experiencing back labor in addition to the traditional pelvic pressure. Once we shot her the YAS, HELP text, she came over right away and convinced me to try addressing the back labor by holding a series of positions for 20 minutes at a time. Staying in place for that long of a period of time while you're in labor is never fun but I trusted Emily and lo and behold the baby did resposition herself and it took the pressure off my back. Hooray!
Emily was like that throughout the rest of our experience - super helpful with suggestions but never pushy. She also had a great read on my husband and I - when I was in active labor at the hospital he really started physcially and emotionally comforting me and so Emily naturally took on a quieter role, giving us space to continue with that (which was working).
I know choosing a doula can be hard as there are so many amazing women to choose from - I would highly recommend Emily to be a part of your experience.
-Karen Teng
August 13, 2017
Emily Hursh
The Flying Doula
Birth Fee: $2500
