Testimonial for Raya Sagdejeva
Raya worked as my doula for my first baby, born April 9, 2020. She is attentive, and caring. She always put my values first as she helped me prepare for my birth and postpartum. She worked with both me and my partner to reduce anxiety.
We started with an interview to get to know each other and then had a couple of prenatal meetings to prepare for labor. Raya provided resources for all sorts of things--pain management, positioning, anxiety relief, the role of a partner, how to advocate for yourself during labor, and much more.
I had a special case, giving birth at Duke University Hospital during the COVID 19 pandemic at the height of stay-at-home orders and visitor restrictions at the hospital. Raya did everything she could to advocate for us to have her with us at the hospital. She wrote letters, reached out to experts, and showed up at the hospital with us. Unfortunately, the hospital would but budge on visitor restrictions and only allowed one visitor, so I chose my partner. However, Raya was available by phone, text, and video call whenever we needed her throughout the delivery. She was vital in helping us think through our choices and coaching us through the most difficult parts of labor. When labor gets stressful, you want someone who's calm and focused to keep you grounded, and Raya did a great job of that for us.
After I delivered, Raya continued to support my family. She checked in with us while I was in recovery at the hospital, encouraging us to speak with lactation consultants, get as much rest as we could, and keep ourselves fed and hydrated. When we got home she checked in regularly and provided resources for postpartum care, pain relief, and stress management. (Sleep deprivation is not something you want to tackle alone!)
Raya is more supportive and present than I could have expected, and was an essential member of my support team.
-Alex
May 31, 2020
Raya Sagdejeva
The Durham Doula
Birth Fee: $700 to $1250
Postpartum Rate: $25 to $40
