Testimonial for CJ Guzman
Carissa is extremely passionate about her role as a doula. She's personable, friendly, professional and very knowledgable in the realm of childbirth. She made me feel comfortable and supported throughout the end of my pregnancy and during labor and delivery. My birthing experience didn't fully go as I envisioned since my water broke first and I didn't go into labor on my own. The midwife wanted me to use pitocin 6 hours after my water broke since I hadn't started contractions. Although I did end up doing this because I was concerned about infection, Carissa gently reminded me that I didn't have to do that at that point if I didn't want to, that there was still time to wait safely to see if I'd go into labor on my own. The pitocin was way more intense and painful than I anticipated and while I really wanted to have my birthing experiece be intervention-free like with my first, I also felt so overwhelmed by the pain. I felt stressed being hooked up to all the machines and felt guilty for wanting (and eventually choosing) an epidural, and while Carissa reminded me that I was strong enough to go without one, she also made sure I knew I did not need to feel guilty. I was concerned about side effects and she assured me that plenty of women choose epidurals and their deliveries go safely and their babies are healthy. She helped me see that it is ok to change your mind when things don't go as planned. It was comforting to have her presence and help during the pain of the pitocin and contractions, and her reassurance and support when I chose an epidural. All in all, I'm grateful I was still able to deliver vaginally and that everything else went mostly smoothly for me and my baby girl. And I'm thankful to have had Carissa there by our side during the hiccups and amidst the unexpected.
-Ashley Latham
May 03, 2020
CJ Guzman
P.I.E. Doula Services
Birth Fee: $750 to $2000
