I simply can't say enough positive things about Denise. She was an absolutely integral part of child's entrance into the world and without her guidance, compassion, wisdom and support I know my birth story would have been very different.
As soon as my husband and I met Denise we knew she was our perfect Doula. I had been anxious about having a hospital-based birth and had heard so many stories of women feeling disempowered in a hospital setting. Denise addressed my concerns with experience and candor and assured me she would support me and partner with my husband in navigating the hospital system, advocating for my birth wishes, so that I would be able to have the safest birth experience possible.
When she met me at the hospital she proceeded to do just that. She was a constant reassuring presence during early labor and a powerful force as I transitioned into intense labor - grounding me with her hands and her voice, knowing exactly how to keep me from panicking over the pain and exactly how to help my husband in supporting me. When it came time to push she advocated for me to do so in a position that felt right for my body and when the baby began crowning she guided my hand so I could feel her head. When my daughter arrived she was immediately at my breast and Denise was advising how to get the best latch. I credit the fact that my daughter is a champion feeder to that early skin-to-skin contact which Denise made sure the hospital staff allowed us.
I never once questioned whether I needed pain medication but I know if my labor had gone longer and I had decided I wanted an epidural she would have been completely supportive of that decision too. Not only that she took incredible pictures that I will always cherish, and she visited us after the birth and remained on call. I will always remember my daughter's birth as the most miraculous thing I have ever done and I couldn't have done it without Denise.
-Jennifer Krieger
December 13, 2017
Bold Doula! Black Women Do VBAC, CLC, CBE
Birth Fee: $0 to $5000
Postpartum Rate: $40 to $60