Testimonial for Bellwether Doulas
Bellwether Doulas taught my husband and I so much about birth and preparations for labor, delivery, postpartum, breastfeeding, baby wearing, and much more. Susie helped with both of my births and my husband and I are so very grateful. In September 2018 I had a planned C section because my son was breech. Bellwether Doulas helped me try to flip my son, and they educated me about a gentle C section. I learned how to advocate for myself and my baby. I was so afraid but they really helped me cope. Susie attended my C section and helped comfort and support both me and my husband. She also took pictures during the surgery and I believe these photos really helped me connect with the birth. One of my fears was not bonding with the baby immediately due to the surgery. But I was able to do skin-to-skin right away and they even tried to get my son to latch while I was laying on the OR table getting sewn up. I kept my son with me the entire time only because I learned to advocate for that. Looking at the pictures of him being delivered and my husband trimming the cord helped me feel more connected to the delivery. Susie also encapsulated my placenta and I believe that really helped aid in my milk supply and managing my moods and hormones.
In November 2020 I had my second son naturally with a VBAC. Bellwether doulas again helped us prepare for the birth and Susie attended the very long labor and even stayed a few hours after because I needed surgery to repair some tearing. I labored without any medication and I truly don't believe I could have done it without Susie. She coached my husband on how to support me physcially and emotionally, ensured I was drinking enough, applied hip squeezes throughout my contractions to give my husband a break, and much more. I borrowed the TENS unit which I also feel helped me labor and she made the room a quiet, calm space. My husband and I both know whole-heartedly we could never have had an unmedicated birth without Susie.
-Stephanie Perches
November 15, 2020
Bellwether Doulas
Rachelle & Hailey
Birth Fee: $1500
