My husband and I had a considered a doula from the start of our pregnancy but only firmly decided we needed one after finding ourselves frustrated and underwhelmed by the childbirth education classes offered by our health system. Once we met with Audrea, there was no competition: her knowledge and experience is unparalleled.
Physically, our pregnancy was uncomplicated, but emotionally, what pregnancy isn’t complicated? From the get-go, I knew that my anxiety was going to play a decisive role in my birth experience, and I needed someone with whom I could be as open and honest as a therapist. Audrea was that person. She listened, and when we were finished talking, she knew exactly what issues I needed to address with my healthcare team and what book I needed to read to help me understand and articulate what I wanted and needed for myself and my birth.
In the end, our son was in a great hurry to be born, for which reason, Audrea was only physically present with us in the delivery room for the very end. But she was never more than a text away, answering questions and projecting cheerful confidence into a stressful situation. I don’t remember her being there when my son was born, but I will forever remember afterwards, when she offered me the peanut butter crackers and water that I was too tired to know I needed.
Given that her time in the delivery room with us was so short, she kindly compensated us with an extra post-partum session.
We don’t know yet if we’re having more children, but if we do, we look forward to Audrea’s being there.
-Alison Loucks
November 08, 2018
Born For This Doula Services
Birth Fee: $1150 to $1225
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $40