Testimonial for Christa Joy Kirtland, CD(DONA), C-CBE
Since this was my first pregnancy, my husband and I had taken a 5-week birth class with other parents-to-be. One of the topics discussed was a doula. I had never heard of that before, so we did some research. I wasn’t sure I wanted a stranger in the delivery room with me during such a personal experience. In hindsight, that was a silly thought. All the nurses and midwife are basically strangers too, so I’m so glad we decided to hire a doula and that we chose Christa.
Like most women who probably seek the help from a doula, I wanted a natural pregnancy. I truly believe Christa was a major part of me achieving that goal. She was the expert on helping me work through contractions at home and knowing when it was the right time to head to the hospital to avoid wanting pain medications. Her pain techniques were very helpful with each increasing contraction. Her calm nature to try different things fit very well with my similar way of handling pain and stress. Even in those last few moments before deciding to head to the hospital, she made me feel so calm and in control. I arrived at the hospital fully dilated and less than an hour later my daughter was born. My husband and I know we definitely would have given in sooner and headed to the hospital prematurely.
Christa has a list of sayings where you can choose the one that best fits your mindset. I chose the one “each contraction is getting you closer to meeting your new baby” and when asked how I achieved my goal of a natural pregnancy, I just keep going back to that motivational phrase. Each time a contraction came on, I focused on that mindset. I knew it would end and the pain would go away. Continuing to think that was very helpful and our daughter arrived without any interventions. My husband and I are very frugal-minded people, but Christa was worth every penny!
-Megan S
April 22, 2019
Christa Joy Kirtland, CD(DONA), C-CBE
Christa Joy Birth Doula LLC
Birth Fee: $2000
