Testimonial for Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA) CLC, CBE from Emily Kunkel

Testimonial for Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA) CLC, CBE

I cannot recommend Denise highly enough. She was my doula for the birth of my second child in October of 2020. After a pregnancy during COVID I was especially anxious about my birth. During our phone intro I explained all the ways I felt left behind with my previous birth experience and was met with so much understanding and empathy. I needed to be induced because of gestational diabetes and Denise walked us through every step of what to expect. My birth with Denise was so so so different from my first. From the moment she entered the room I felt so safe and supported. She was there for ME. She got me up on a peanut ball and shifting positions. She explained each and every step to me as it happened. She worked with my husband and the nurses to be my constant support as my labor ramped up. Reflecting back, she was the perfect coach for each shifting stage of labor. I felt so SAFE when I looked to her and saw that she was locked in on what was going on. As I entered transition it was harder and harder to locate the baby's heartbeat. Denise suggested I get on my hands and knees-- I couldn't wrap my head around doing that but she coaxed me just to try it--my labor progressed so much faster from there. She was right by me the whole time and I know for sure she was setting the tone for the whole room of doctors--all of them followed her calm, commanding, professionally warm energy. Truly, my postpartum experience has been so much more positive after this birth and I know it's because I'm not running through the experience in my head over and over- Denise's support helped me heal from my first birth and feel triumphant after my second. She also encapsulated my placenta and gave me a lactation consult at my postpartum visit- she also brought diapers and a gift for my 2 year old! I am so lucky to have found her and if I have another baby I am calling her FIRST!

-Emily Kunkel

October 21, 2020