Testimonial for Martha Girard
After having an unplanned c-section with my first birth, I felt very strongly that hiring a doula would be critical if I wanted my second to be a VBAC. I'm so glad we found Martha. I loved our prenatal home visits when she came to talk to my husband and me about our past experience, what our goals were this time, etc. The home visits were just so much more comprehensive and personalized as compared with my brief OB visits. I felt so heard, validated, and supported. Martha had lots of great experience, knowledge, and wisdom to share, but was first and foremost focused on my views and preferences.
I felt very well-prepared for my birth, and Martha was an essential part of that. Whereas last time we’d gone to the hospital very early on, this time I was content to stay at home, well into active labor. When Martha arrived she didn’t take over, but took cues (whether verbal or nonverbal) from me and my husband for when we needed some support. I’ll never forget how, when the contractions were getting really intense, and I was struggling to breathe through them, I heard Martha say quietly from across the room, “Ahhhh.” And somehow it just clicked that that was the sound my body needed me to make, to keep moving through this labor and to allow my body to relax and open. Another crystal clear moment I remember was when I was on the home stretch, getting ready to push. Martha looked at me and said, "You know this is really happening, right? You're going to get a VBAC!" I'm not sure I really did believe it until just then.
I’m also so glad we hired her for the postpartum period. It was so wonderful to have her come to our home during that tremendously overwhelming time! She did everything from offering breastfeeding support to playing with our toddler (which was usually what we needed the most!) They even baked cookies one time. :) Martha was definitely the right choice for our family!
-Johanna
February 17, 2020
Martha Girard
Birthkeeper Martha
Birth Fee: $2700 to $3000
Postpartum Rate: Not specified
