Testimonial for Leslie Cuffee

(continued from above)I let Leslie know it was time and she told me she would meet me at the hospital. My husband had worked night shift that night, so he got home at 6am, just in time to get me to the hospital. By the time we got into the car I was in transistion. It was pouring rain and of course being in the car during transistion isn't fun for anyone!!! We got to the hospital safely and after we checked in, we went up to the room where Leslie was ready for us! During every contraction, she was behind me squeezing my hips...which was the BEST feeling ever!!! She kept my husband calm and even helped him help me! We weren't at the hospital long before it was time to start pushing. This is where I had some difficulty, but also where Leslie came in and helped me the most. It was difficult, because as I was being told that my son was struggling by the nurse, I would start to panic. And as I was being told to "use the pain" and "ignore the ring of fire" (by the RN) I wasn't feeling those things, though antisipating it, which was throwing me off. Leslie had calmly said, use the word pressure, not pain. She was there helping to hold my leg and even asked if I wanted her to count for me, which I did (even though in my original birth plan I didn't want, but things change)! She remained calm, positive and was on top of things the entire time! I was so impressed! Gabriel Aiden was born at 9:12am (my entire labor and birth was 4 hours, 12 minues long). He was very healthy and very alert. He latched onto my breast within the first few minutes of being born. Leslie sat by my side during these precious moments and went over everything that had transpired that morning. We gave our hugs and thank yous and she left to give us time as a family. She was the perfect Doula in my eyes! She stayed by my side, she helped me and motivated me.

-Lauren Adams

March 27, 2012