Testimonial for Julie Pichon
To be concise, I highly recommend the services of a doula, and Julie in particular. Julie provided my family and I with professional expertise and protection, calm support and service, and nurturing care. With over twenty years of experience, Julie has served many mothers in my community. She also knew most of the staff at the hospital where I delivered. My obstetrician father told me that doulas decrease the rate of unnecessary interference, but I still felt vulnerable and afraid going into labor because I had had a prior c-section. Sure enough, my labor began with the doctors recommending an induction. Julie’s calm perspective tempered the fear and pressure to make a quick decision. When I did decide to induce, which was a derivation from the original all-natural plan, it was a decision that I made with Julie’s helpful input. This type of interaction was typical of the whole experience. The weight of decision-making was not only on my or my husband's shoulders, or in the hands of a rotating staff of doctors and nurses; I had a calm, experienced advocate. I was induced, then in labor, for about 48 hours, so having a consistent expert in the room took away the tone change that can happen between even the best doctors and nurses. Julie was able to focus, take notes, and ask questions in a way that allowed my husband and I to focus on the labor, which was very intense!! Then, she was invaluable for the physical part of giving birth. She guided me through a series of stretches that ended in my water breaking, then she coached me through positions all night while I labored. Julie told me that the goal of a doula was to be a “mother to the mother,” and this was what she did for me. Even in the following weeks after the birth, she checked in regarding nursing, sleep, and recovery. Julie provided something you can’t pay for; she joyfully helped my family when we were vulnerable. She served us with excellence.
-Kayla Helmer
July 29, 2019
Julie Pichon
Birth by Design
Birth Fee: $1200 to $1400
Postpartum Rate: $25
