Testimonial for Noleen Thurman CD(DONA) & Birth Photographer
My husband and I really enjoyed having Noleen as our Doula. She was flexible to find a place, day, and time to consult with my husband and I to determine if she was the right fit for us. We were having a home birth and knew that having a doula there would help everything and everyone run more smoothly. When we asked her what her "style" was, which several people had advised was important to ask, she said she was adaptable to what I needed. If I needed her to be more vigilant, she could be. If I needed her to be laid back, she could do that too. Knowing my midwife was very low key and calm, I felt like Noleen would be a good complement to her.
During labor, Noleen walked in the door as I was laying across my bed loudly groaning, or as she says, "singing my birth song." I remember thinking, "Great, she's here to help me figure out how to work through these contractions!" She helped me consider different positions, helped make sure the birthing pool was ready and the labor drinks were done. She knew my midwife, so she communicated with her about the progress I was making. When I started to feel and act out of control, Noleen helped me go back to center. I have very distinct memories of being in contractions and starting to freak out, and Noleen telling me "You've got this." I honestly don't think I would have stayed as calm and on top of my contractions as I did if it hadn't been for Noleen there every moment. She gently and kindly put the straw to my lips and reminded me to drink labor drink to help keep me going. She was integral and a willing aid to the midwife since the midwife's assistant didn't have time to get there.
Noleen took beautiful pictures and wrote out my birth story and it is beautiful. I am so thankful to have those memories to pass on to my son and remember those precious hours of laboring and giving him birth. I am so thankful for Noleen and how she came alongside me to bring my son into the world.
-Andrea Pulsifer
March 12, 2018
Noleen Thurman CD(DONA) & Birth Photographer
Doula Noleen
Birth Fee: $1600 to $2700
