Testimonial for Autumn Duckworth
I have an unusual background to my pregnancy and I knew that I would benefit from the support of a doula. My husband and I had been going through IVF before I lost him to cancer. I was able to get pregnant 9 months after he died, but as a now single and still grieving Mom, I wanted to find the right doula(s) to help me both emotionally and physically through my first birthing experience. After interviewing several doulas who all seemed wonderful, I settled on Autumn and Lisa. They each spoke with me one-on-one before my due date (via zoom due to Covid-19) and both were very helpful. Autumn was the one who ended up attending my daughter's birth (and supporting us after). She is compassionate and calm. She knew what actions to suggest to help me ride out the contractions and achieve my goal of avoiding an epidural. She was also very supportive of me changing my mind if I had decided to accept the epidural at any point (which we had discussed beforehand and I considered at a couple points during labor). There were little things she did during active labor that really seemed to make a difference in my pain tolerance. She was also wonderful at supporting my Mom and putting her at ease. They were the ones texting during early labor keeping in touch so that Autumn knew when to show up. She came prepared. She was professional and appeared to work well as a team with the Swedish First Hill midwives and nurses (at least I definitely didn't notice any issues). In addition, she offered considerable support and advice in home after the birth of my daughter when I was struggling to breastfeed. I can't imagine going through that experience without Autumn. I would definitely recommend her and I would hire her again if I were to ever have another child.
-S.A.
February 18, 2021
Autumn Duckworth
Seattle Doula Partners
Birth Fee: $2000 to $2500
