Testimonial for Dara DeSoto ,CD(DONA), CLEC, Licensed Midwife
My husband and I hired Dara and Joy as our Doulas several months before our daughter was born. I was nervous to bring someone new into our very special birth preparations, but hiring Dara and Joy was one of the best decisions we made leading up to the birth. If you are able to hire a doula, having Dara and Joy by your side no matter what comes up during pregnancy, the birth itself, or postpartum, is an invaluable resource.
A few specifics where Dara saved the day: as thoughtful people, we wanted to have a birth plan that truly reflected our wishes but that would also make sense and not offend the team delivering our baby. We were overwhelmed by the process! Dara swooped into our home and took over the birth plan process for us. Her working knowledge of what is standard at hospitals and birth centers across San Diego allowed her to know what to include and what to leave out, because it is already a best practice. That combined with her knowledge of each procedure or decision and her kind and nonjudgmental approach, made her the perfect guide for the process. In addition to being present for our birth, I I felt connected and supported by my doulas after birth. In the first few weeks after birth, breastfeeding was really hard. It was such a blessing to know and love Dara already and be able to invite her into our home for lactation support.
Before I had a baby, I always thought of doulas as people who supported you during your birth, but Joy and Dara provide so much more than that. They have the capacity and knowledge to support you before, during and after birth, depending on your needs and desires. Birth is so much more than one moment. It's a whole experience. I feel so lucky to have had their support in my birth experience, and I hope to have them by my side again in the future.
-Michelle A.
October 17, 2019
Dara DeSoto ,CD(DONA), CLEC, Licensed Midwife
Dara The Midwife
Birth Fee: Not specified
Postpartum Rate: Not specified
