Testimonial for Leona Starnes
When my husband and I started planning for labor and delivery, we weren't sure we needed a doula, but we decided to meet with a few candidates because my due date was coming up. When we met Leona, we liked her calm, easy-going personality. I planned to have an unmedicated birth, so we decided it would be nice to have someone in the room with knowledge and experience who could help with pain management and keep us calm.
During the prenatal visits, we were impressed with Leona’s level of knowledge, and we felt comfortable talking with her about sensitive topics. As my due date approached, I was scheduled for an induction because of hypertension. When the day arrived, Leona met us at the hospital. For the first several hours not much was happening, but Leona stayed with us the whole time. She helped explain things, kept us calm, and even got food for my husband. We were very grateful to have her there.
Around 2am I began active labor, and Leona and my husband worked as a team to get me through each contraction. In this intense part of labor, I didn’t want to move, but Leona knew that laying in the hospital bed was not the best position for managing the contractions. She encouraged me to move and gave suggestions for different positions that would help manage the pain and move things along. I would not have made it through an unmedicated delivery without her help and support. She helped keep me going and stay in control of myself. I gave birth to my daughter after 20 minutes of pushing, during which time Leona and my husband stood on either side of me, supporting me the whole time.
A few days after we got home from the hospital, Leona came to check in and talk about the birth. It was very helpful to have this "debriefing session" after having a few days to process. Hiring Leona was the single best decision we made in preparing for labor and birth. We cannot thank her enough; she was an invaluable part of our care team.
-Grace Malecha
March 27, 2020
Leona Starnes
Leona Starnes Doula
Birth Fee: $1500 to $2000
