Testimonial for Heather Karlson (DONA)
I was a week overdue and my doctor started talking to me about being induced. I was already pretty on edge from the long wait and induction was definitely not my ideal birth plan. Heather helped keep me calm and used some of her resources and references to help. Chiropractic and acupuncture definitely got things started! I experienced painful but very infrequent contractions (maybe two an hour) overnight and throughout the morning. Taking a walk didn't really move things along so I took a nap. Woke up and contractions were more like 10 min apart so thought things were just starting up. Took a bath to relieve pain but again-- contractions weren't getting regular and close together like they should to signal "it's time to go to the hospital." We called Heather to come over and let us know what she thought about my progress and whether we should go in. I live 15 min from the hospital so we figured we had time. Well, instead I felt that famous pressure and knew it was too late. I stood up and hobbled to the bathroom saying "we aren't going to make it" and immediately my water broke. Basically dropped to the ground and couldn't help but push. Heather walked in the door at the exact perfect moment. She was calm and collected as she assessed the situation. She saw baby girl's head crowning, popped on gloves, had my husband get what was needed, and had a midwife on the line for help. She confidently delivered our baby while my husband called 911. Little one came out in about three pushes during one contraction and was super alert and content immediately. Heather handled it like a pro! She then helped navigate the emergency personnel and helped me deliver the placenta. And in the midst of the chaos, she helped clean up and took pictures too! She met up with us at the hospital to make sure everything was ok and we were settled. She was so good at taking more pictures and just celebrating with us! We are SO thankful she was there!
-Monica Allen
September 19, 2018
Heather Karlson (DONA)
DoulaKarlson.com
Birth Fee: $1800
