Testimonial for Susan Rotman, AAHCC, CD(DONA)
When my husband and I found out that we were pregnant, we knew immediately that we wanted to have a doula alongside us. Working in maternal and child health, I knew the evidence base supported having a doula to achieve the outcomes we hoped for (e.g., little to no interventions, vaginal delivery, alert baby ready to breastfeed). My husband, eager to be a dad and involved partner in childbirth, was completely on board with this assistance during labor. In our research for childbirth classes in downtown Raleigh, we came across Susan’s comprehensive birth services. We interviewed other doula candidates after registering for Susan’s Bradley Method course but in the end, we couldn’t pass up working with her as a doula too and we’re so glad we did!
With our Bradley preparation, the unparalleled clinical skill of the birth center staff, and Susan’s tireless physical and emotional support, we labored at home (texting with Susan throughout), arrived at the birth center 9 cm dilated, and muscled through six hours of pushing. In my husband’s own words, “I really appreciated helping with labor, although I knew I was the least experienced in the room. Susan did a great job of supporting me to use the techniques from her class and she stepped in with more advanced assistance as the pushing stage went on for hours.”
That intense pushing time included a seamless transfer to UNC where Susan’s experience was particularly evident. She made sure nothing was left behind at the birth center, that the hospital room was cozy, and that my husband and I were taken care of while we all got some rest. And we will never forget Susan’s whispers of encouragement when things were roughest, her wealth of maneuvers for relieving our anxiety and pain, and the chocolate protein shake she snuck me slurps of when I needed it the most. We’re so grateful to you, Susan, and would recommend you in a heartbeat!
-Alex Collins
January 07, 2018
Susan Rotman, AAHCC, CD(DONA)
Rotman Education Services, LLC
Birth Fee: $2500
