Testimonial for Leona Starnes
I met Leona in my childbirth education class. I was struck by her empowering optimism, it was the perfect match for my anxiety. Leona helped me prepare for labor and when it finally started, I spent 2 1/2 days texting Leona until my husband couldn't stay awake and we called Leona to join us. I developed a hot spot of terrible pain that would plague the remaining 40 hours of labor at home, the birth center, and the hospital. Leona worked through her own exhaustion to help me relieve the pain and keep labor progressing.
Eventually, I decided to go to the hospital for pitocin. Luckily, Leona had helped me prepare. In September of 2020 hospitals were separating babies from their mothers if COVID was suspected. Leona helped me find an Informed Refusal document just in case. She also helped me write a birth plan that I was able to give to the new team that would be attending my birth since my midwife couldn't come due to COVID. Most important to me was having procedures clearly explained and explicit consent given. There's no way I could have articulated that in labor, but it was in my birth plan so my new team knew exactly how to communicate with me.
In the hospital it was another 17 hours. Leona brought us groceries; the honey sticks and coconut water really hit the spot. Eventually, the baby showed signs of distress and we decided to have a c-section. Leona helped us kick everyone out so we could have a moment alone. And in the weeks after she followed up with postpartum tips.
Leona couldn't make Covid go away or make my body respond to labor any certain way, but she helped me navigate some truly scary decisions at a time when I was very vulnerable and during a global pandemic. So, if you're looking for someone who will empower you to make decisions, who will help you find peace and grace in your birth story, and who can help provide you with strength when you feel you're running out, then Leona is the doula for you.
-Rita
December 08, 2020
Leona Starnes
Leona Starnes Doula
Birth Fee: $1500 to $2000
