Testimonial for Elise Benoit
I’m an anxious person and was nervous about the unknowns of pregnancy and childbirth before my husband and I even started trying to conceive, so choosing a doula who would be patient with my (many) concerns was very important to me. From the day we hired her, Elise was more than reassuring. (And to boot, she continues to be, as we’re now a little more than a month into parenthood.)
Overall, my pregnancy, labor, and delivery experiences were healthy. However, my daughter did make quite a speedy debut, which was far from my expectations as a first-time mom. Even still, when it became very clear that my contractions were moving along at an unexpectedly fast pace and that my husband and I were much closer to becoming parents than we realized, Elise remained calm and quickly got us to the hospital. I am sure if we hadn’t had her clear-headed judgment on our side, we may have second-guessed ourselves and inadvertently welcomed our baby into this world at home.
Because things quickly took a wild turn, I didn’t get the benefit of the peaceful birthing atmosphere that Elise encourages with things like her twinkle lights and warm compresses (although, she very sweetly set up the lights after my daughter’s birth anyway), but those are all icing on the cake. It’s Elise’s patience, understanding, and composure that you want in your corner on the big day. Do yourself a favor and add her to your team. She’s experienced in guiding precipitous labor now — you’re truly in good hands no matter what.
-Kelsey H.
November 30, 2020
Elise Benoit
Elise Benoit Doula Services, A Brighter Birth
Birth Fee: $1800
Postpartum Rate: $40 to $45
