Testimonial for Elise Benoit
I hired Elise as my doula for my second pregnancy and birth. Even though my first child was only 20 months old and I thought I remembered everything there was to know about delivery and birth, there ended up being numerous things that I remembered incorrectly or had blocked out after birth. Elise walked me through my second pregnancy, gently reminding me of the things I had forgotten, but not treating me like a first-time mom either. She was there when I needed her throughout, and gently prompted me for updates after doctor's appointments when I got busy and forgot to update her. She met me at the hospital the (early) morning of my induction, making my room comfortable with little things to make labor feel easier. She left and then returned when the doctor broke my water, and was an advocate for me as the pain became more intense. When my epidural half-failed, she communicated with the nursing staff and helped advocate for different positions to try to move the baby farther down and ease transition. Elise was a huge help as my transition and delivery became fast and furious, and my body wanted to push before the doctor arrived. She helped calm me and provided counter pressure through my nearly-constant contractions near the end. She stayed after birth and made sure I was stable and comfortable, fed me crackers and juice while I held my new baby and worked on breastfeeding. She gave me some additional pointers (other things I had forgotten) and then checked on me in the days and weeks after birth.
I originally thought that hiring a doula for a second child would be overkill since I had given birth so recently, but Elise was crucial in the success of my pregnancy and delivery and I'm so glad she was there and part of my team! Thank you, Elise!
-Allison
November 13, 2019
Elise Benoit
Elise Benoit Doula Services, A Brighter Birth
Birth Fee: $1600
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $40
