Having Blake attend my labor and birth experience was incredibly valuable and ultimately ensured that a challenging birth process was a calm and beautiful one. At every antenatal meeting we had with her, Blake was knowledgeable, professional, and very personable. We expected that our doula would help us prepare for labor by sharing strategies and helping us create a birth plan, but we were not expecting how Blake would help us plan for various contingencies and potential challenges, helping us feel as prepared as possible. Blake offered continuous support via text and phone during the final month, ensuring that my state of mind was positive as I faced uncertainty about possible induction due to maternal health concerns. When labor did begin, it progressed quickly and intensely. Blake was able to offer support to my husbnd over the phone as he supported me. Throughout my labor and birth, Blake was a warm, calm, encouraging presence. She advocated for me to utlize the tub and use various positions as I faced several more hours of intense labor and pushing, and ensured that I stayed hydrated and consumed calories to keep up my strength. Blake's physical touch and encouraging words helped me stay focused. Once my son was born, he needed some medical attention and as decided during contingency planning, Blake stayed with my baby while reassuring us he would be ok. She was able to maintain the calm that she had cultivated throughout the labor process, even during this anxious moment. Once my baby was back in my arms, Blake gave my husband and I the perfect amount of space to gaze into our son's eyes and love on him. She stayed with us and made sure we were fed and comfortable, including caring for me while I took a bath and processed my birth experience. I am so grateful that Blake was a part of our birth team. Though labor and delivery were challenging, my overall experience was positive thanks to the support that Blake gave to our family.
-Melissa Smith
October 18, 2018
Birthing Babies VA LLC
Birth Fee: $1500 to $2400