Testimonial for Ryah Jo (she/her) Silver CD (PALS) CBE, OMP trained from Marie

Testimonial for Ryah Jo (she/her) Silver CD (PALS) CBE, OMP trained

I knew that I wanted a doula present for the birth of my daughter, but I had no idea how much having Ryah by my side would mean to me. It made all the difference. The first time we met in person was the night I went into labor, and as soon as she walked through the door, I felt as though she was an old friend.

She immediately crawled into bed with me and started monitoring my contractions, allowing my husband to get some rest before the long night ahead. My labor progressed quickly, and it wasn’t long before she recommended that we head for the hospital. I wanted to labor at home as long as possible, and Ryah timed our arrival perfectly.

Although Ryah had been integral in helping me create my original birth plan, she also offered much needed guidance when that plan had to change. When I ultimately made the decision to have an epidural, I was told I'd have to wait at least thirty minutes. Ryah advocated on my behalf, something neither my husband nor I would have had the capacity to do at that point, and they agreed to expedite the process. Because of her knowledge and experience, Ryah was able to be assertive yet diplomatic. She was the best advocate I could have imagined. Having Ryah by my side gave me the confidence I needed and allowed my husband and I to take a deep breath and enjoy the process.

Ryah continued to support us long after we left the hospital. She checked in on us periodically over the following weeks, and counseled me virtually as I worked through breastfeeding issues. Given how isolated we were due to Covid-19, this postpartum care turned out to be a lifesaver at a time when my husband and I needed it most.

Ryah embodies everything that you look for in a doula: she’s calm, compassionate, encouraging, comforting, and extremely knowledgeable. I couldn’t imagine having given birth without her by my side.

-Marie

October 10, 2020