Testimonial for Laura DePasquale, CD(DONA)
We hired Laura for our second birth, after using a different doula for our first. We found her to be skilled in both physical (positioning, moving locations, massage, etc.) AND emotional support, which was exactly what we were looking for. She put us at ease from the first time we spoke. She was the first person in three years to make me feel proud of my first birth story (somehow! without her even having been there!). I felt understood and knew she would be a good fit. We hired her in my second trimester, and she spent quality time in her initial visits getting to know us and our needs. As I entered my third trimester, the pandemic hit. The peak of the surge was expected right around my due date, and doulas were no longer allowed in the delivery room. There was A LOT of fear in the face of being pregant and delivering with all of the unknowns. She was extremely helpful in navigating this unprecendented situation, and helped keep us calm throughout my last trimester and delivery. She created options to support us virtually or in person, depending on what was possible when the time came. We ended up delivering with her in-person support at Our Birthing Center, where we felt safe and cared for. When I found myself starting to panic during a shift in early labor, she came to our home right away and immediately put me at ease and got me back on track. Her coaching to focus on the "pain free" times between contracts was so deeply helpful that I literally was questioning how far I had progressed because I didn't believe that I could be progressing quickly or so close to delivery and not feel constant pain (ALL THE WAY THROUGH TRANSITION!!). When I was ready to push she got me the right support I needed from my midwifery team. Her support and the environment of the birth center set us up to successfully achieve an unmedicated birth. I really have no regrets about my birth, and appreciate all she did to help make that possible. I would highly recommend her!!
-Diana
September 08, 2020
Laura DePasquale, CD(DONA)
Holistic Beginnings,LLC
Birth Fee: $1200 to $2400
Postpartum Rate: $50 to $60
