Testimonial for Ires Wilbanks CD(DONA)
With our first baby on the way, my husband and I were eager to take a birthing class. We wanted to know what to expect--not only in terms of highlights, but also in terms of obstacles that could arise. We took Ires' labor & delivery class, as well as a prenatal yoga class, and a self-hypnosis for class for birthing. Her presence was calming and we loved how honestly she shared about her experiences with the birthing process. We also read some of the labor & delivery books she recommended, which were really helpful in preparing ourselves.
As we learned more about the birthing process and the different delivery options available, we started looking into a home birth. A home birth felt comfortable to us, and when I reached out to Ires for recommendations on midwives, she was incredibly helpful and always quick to reply to emails (which is exactly what I needed, as a 7 mo. pregnant woman trying to make a plan!). But our fetal cardiologist made the recommendation against a home birth, so it was a no-brainer that we wanted to have Ires on our team for the hospital birth. We hired her to be our doula and my only regret is that we should have done it sooner!
I was expecting to have a textbook scenario (water breaks, contractions start, go to hospital, etc), but instead, I had PROM (premature rupture of membrane): my water broke, but there were minimal contractions. My husband was away and Ires was my first phone call! I was panicked and she was supportive and reassuring. When we arrived at the hospital to be induced, we were prepared with our "birthing plan" (thanks to Ires). She coached me through breathing, did a hypnosis reading that--amazingly--eased the contractions for a bit, and most importantly she advocated for me when the on-call doc kept insisting on a cervical check (which I didn't want b/c it increases the risk of infection once your water has broken). She was at our side the whole night, and we couldn't have done it without her!
-Crystal S.
February 15, 2021
Ires Wilbanks CD(DONA)
Shakti Yoga & Living Arts
Birth Fee: Not specified
