Testimonial for Claudia Parris CD(DONA) from Daria Pizzuto, PhD

Testimonial for Claudia Parris CD(DONA)

Dear fellow mom, expecting a child (whether it's your first, second or sixth) is a difficult time no matter what. We go through 9 months of pregnancy that terminates in something special and often scary. It's called labor.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have support (emotional, physical, mental, social) during labor, and doulas provide that support. Having said that, please remember that not all doulas are created equal. Claudia is an incredible example of what goes into being a doula. She works with tremendous dedication, empathy, self-awareness, humility, and creativity. Not everyone can be (or should be) a doula. Yet Claudia personifies what a great doula is.

Claudia listens. She advocates for you. She supports you. No job is too small or too big. In all honesty, if you need help using the bathroom during labor-no problem. Need help breathing through pain? Claudia's got strategies for you that were created in collaboration with you. She encourages yet never pushes. Claudia's presence, her knowledge of human nature and compassion will make your labor enjoyable. My second child was born on January 14th, 2020 and Claudia was with me from the beginning till the end. Although I did experience pain, my labor was quick and manageable. With Claudia’s labor exercises, my labor progressed so well that I did not have time to get an Epidural and gave birth naturally. I was in the “zone” and Claudia helped me get there.

Hiring a doula is an investment in yourself: into your mental and physical wellbeing. There are ways to afford a doula. Buy less stuff for baby. Buy less stuff for the nursery. Think about it: how much stuff do newborns really need? Instead of adding baby clothes to your registry, ask friends and family to contribute to “mommy fund” then use that money to hire Claudia. I assure you - your body and your mind will thank you.

Warmly,

Daria Pizzuto

-Daria Pizzuto, PhD

February 05, 2020