Testimonial for Grace Lape CD(DONA)
“What’s a dooo-la?”
I heard this question over, over, and over again. Before having my baby, I would explain to friends and family that she would be helping out, giving me a recommendation here and there.
But after working with Grace and having my baby, I was wrong. Having Grace as my doula was infinitely more than that.
When we first met, I was terrified of all the unknowns. I had no idea what Grace meant when she asked what was my birth plan (“Uhh, to have the baby?”). With her warmth and spunk, she opened up my eyes to a whole new world as to how I could prepare in my months of pregnancy. When I met with her for the second prenatal meeting, I had been taking her suggestions and reading recommendations, and I felt the difference in educating myself.
Two weeks before my due date, my doctor told me I would have to be induced days later if my blood pressure did not go down. Even though the news wasn't ideal, I felt calm because of Grace. She encouraged me and checked in on me constantly. Things kept piling up that made a natural birth challenging, but Grace made the process so easy. I texted her that she didn’t need to come in until later, but Grace was there within 20 minutes...which was good; I had my daughter much sooner than I expected! She always had me carefully evaluate my options and listen to my body. She held my hands, helped my husband, and brought joy and excitement into the room as my daughter came into the world. The doctor on call and the nurses asked for Grace’s name afterwards; they said she was the best doula they had ever worked with!
My husband and I agree that if we are blessed to have more children, we can’t do it without Grace! She changed my mind and heart on what normal childbirths should be. The next time someone asks, “What’s a doula?” they’ll hear about what the best kind doula can do. That's the work of Grace Lape.
-Meaghan Thorpe
October 09, 2018
Grace Lape CD(DONA)
Doula by Grace LLC
Birth Fee: $1500
Postpartum Rate: $30
