Testimonial for Grace Lape CD(DONA)
"I'll just get an epidural and not worry about the whole labor thing", I told my husband after finding out we were pregnant with our first. I thought I would just keep it as simple and pain free as possible. It wasn't until our appointment at 32 weeks that our doctor informed us that my platelet count was low and there was a good chance I would not be able to get an epidural. Talk about a game changer! Fast forward to 36 hours of labor, an epidural, and an emergency C-section our little man was born. While most women shudder when I tell them my birth story, I smile. I smile because I was actually extremely peaceful throughout the entire process (well, most of it). I laughed, I cried, I breathed, I sat in the shower for far too long, I prayed a rosary with my husband, and I watched The Never Ending Story, ha. I accredit ALL of my sanity during the process to Grace. She taught me things about labor I never would have known. She empowered me. She arranged my bed in ways I never knew possible. She held my hips during contractions in a way my husband never quite could (God bless him for trying). Most importantly, she made my inner PEACE a priority.
You will probably read all of the statistics about how using a doula decreases the risk for a cesarean, or the need for an epidural etc, etc, etc, (and it's all true). That didn't happen for me. What did happen for me was confidence and therefore great peace. Grace knew everything there was to know about labor and even the hospital I was at. Having her as my advocate was a GAME CHANGER and paramount for my confidence. She really was the glue that held me together for those 40 hours. I know God directed me to Grace and I'm just so glad I was obedient. If you are on the fence about hiring a doula--DO IT. In fact, hire Grace. You won't regret it!
-Mallory Smith
February 17, 2020
Grace Lape CD(DONA)
Doula by Grace LLC
Birth Fee: $1500
Postpartum Rate: $30
