Testimonial for Racquel Pogge, ICCE-BD, CVD(TVL)
Part 1:
Truthfully, I don't know that I can accurately describe or if the words even exist to share our experience with Rocky. But I will try!
I am a planner and decided early on in my pregnancy that I wanted a doula. Maybe I'll explain how I came to that decision, in case anyone else is on the fence or unsure whether they "need" one or if it's "worth it". I live away from family so I don't have my mother, mother in law, or other female family members that were an obvious chose for who I wanted to be with me during my labor. Even if I did though, I didn't see the role I thought I would want that person to play, possible with a family member. Whether it be because they love you so much and can't bare to see you in pain, or overwhelm you with what they think is support and ideas to help. See, they may have experience with birth (their own and possibly some family members) but their knowledge is limited to what they have lived/seen.
I knew my husband was going to be amazing but a female energy was necessary to me. Someone to offer guidance and support (physically and mentally) to me and my husband both. A intermediary, an advocate for me and my wishes, someone who was comfortable speaking to medical staff and knowledgeable of the entire birth process. That is how I decided a doula was what I needed.
Continued in Part 2...
-Melanie
July 14, 2020
Racquel Pogge, ICCE-BD, CVD(TVL)
Tallahassee Birth Services
Birth Fee: $800 to $2000
