Testimonial for Christina Carino CD(DONA)
I could not have had a natural birth without Christina. Other doulas would have been helpful and emotionally suportive, but Christina brought that and so much more. She has tons of knoweldge and skill to help you prepare for childbirth, manage your pain, and avoid unnecessary interventions. Christina:
- gave me exercises to get my body ready and the baby into a good position;
- answered all our questions and made us feel more confident and knowldgeable;
- helped me avoid induction by providing techniques to go into labor naturally;
- gave us ways to manage my pain during early labor, communicated with us throughout labor, and came over immeidately when we needed her;
- led me through exercises to help shorten my labor, reduce my pain, and pass the time (getting up and moving around is so much better than just lying in bed waiting for the next contraction!);
- provided lots of natural pain-relieving techniques that enabled me to get through contractions;
- helped us decide when to go to the hospital;
- assisted us in making decisions about my care;
- encouraged me to keep going and not get the epidural - she helped me believe I could do it;
- shortened the amount of time I spent pushing and coached me on how to do so effectively; and
- stayed alert and engaged throughout the long night.
After 25 1/2 hours, my son was born at 6:29am. Without Christina, I likely would have been induced, needed an epidural, had a longer and more painful labor, spent more time pushing, and who knows what else. She's not a "light candles and sing to you softly" kind of doula, but that emotional support and love can be provided by your partner/support person. She is a get you through childbirth with her skills, knowledge, and experience kind of doula, and that is exactly what I needed. I am so happy that we hired Christina and will do so again if I ever have another baby.
-Alice Gleason
January 15, 2018
Christina Carino CD(DONA)
Belly to Birth
Birth Fee: $2000 to $2800
Postpartum Rate: $40 to $60
