Testimonial for Adrienne Bergthold
My prenatal yoga instructor recommended Adrienne for her skills as a prenatal massage therapist. At the time I was about 8 months pregnant with my second child and already had a doula lined up. But after the massage, I told my husband that if we ever decided to have a third baby, I wanted Adrienne to be our doula--there was just something about her! Fast forward to the day I went into labor: the doula we planned to have could not be with us. My husband immediately called Adrienne, who came to our rescue.
As I labored at home, she intermittently checked in with me via phone until it was go time. Once we were all together at the hospital, Adrienne gently supported my husband in his role supporting me, which meant so much to our family. It was amazing to watch how seamlessly she worked with the midwife and hospital staff. Adrienne’s ability to balance respecting my wishes (as far as how I wanted to labor) and encouraging me to try something different ultimately helped me to have a quicker labor while feeling safe and supported. She also coached me in using a special breathing/pushing technique (I think we dubbed it “toothpaste tube” breathing). This technique helped immensely to reduce my pain and anxiety, made me feel really efficient during the pushing stage, and prevented any tearing. I swear it was this breathing/pushing technique and the encouragement to push instinctually that made for such a quick postpartum recovery. My midwife still remarks on this technique and how she wishes more women knew about it for preventing injury alone. She also taught us the lullaby that has become the favorite of both our daughters. Every time we sing it to them I am reminded how calm, fun and empowering my birth experience was….qualities for which I wasn’t necessarily looking, but am SO grateful for. And we are forever grateful to Adrienne for facilitating such a dreamy birth experience.
-Lexy Martinez
February 03, 2019
Adrienne Bergthold
Baltimore Birth and Massage
Birth Fee: $1200 to $2000
