After posting on Facebook in search of a doula, Elise reached out to me. She was the first one I interviewed and I hired her immediately. It was just a natural click and I knew I’d be comfortable with her by my side during labor. Since I was planning a VBAC, this was very early in my pregnancy, and even so Elise would still check in with me until we started our prenatal visits to see how everything was going. She had really great information and reminders to give during my pregnancy. Especially in that last week when I knew labor would come at any point and I still had all these questions. She truly was the only support person I had other than the hospital staff and was amazing at the role. From the time we met at the hospital, she was on top of everything, making sure everyone knew what I wanted . I was kind of stuck not progressing for awhile so she made sure I would move around, do anything to make baby come and speed things along. I would never have been able to focus on asking for the items she was asking the staff to provide for me and informing me of why they were doing certain things that I was weary about. Reminding me I could say no to anything I didn't want, to stay hydrated and eat. Once my water was broken and labor really hit, everything went so quick I didn’t need much from anyone, but the reminders to stay relaxed and breath. Just knowing I had someone so supportive and on my side was enough to get me through it. Elise was a big factor in me having my unmedicated vbac that welcomed my beautiful baby girl earthside. I can’t thank her enough, the whole experience healed me from the deep sadness I had surrounding my first birth experience . She also, in a very timely manner, encapsulated my placenta for me. I would recommend that to everyone, it helped me get through those first couple months feeling great. Even 5 months down the road, I still feel way better than I did with my first postpartum recovery.
-Taylor Hardy
May 07, 2019
Elise Benoit Doula Services, A Brighter Birth
Birth Fee: $1600
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $40