Testimonial for Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro

We are so thankful for having Joyce as our birth doula. Even though I had two sons already when we met, I had no experience with a birth doula, or a doula of any kind for that matter, so I did not know at all what to expect, or what role she would play in my delivery. Joyce asked to meet with me, and so we did, and aside from making me feel completely at home (and making the most delicious tea), she talked to me about so many things I was not aware. She informed me about the options I have and that I can have control and make the birth of my baby my own, that I can personalize it, and that I do have options and should make all decisions and not just go along naively with the normal and typical hospital routine. Joyce gave me so much rich information, and she listened and respected my thoughts and feelings about such an incredible, private, and special event that was about to occur. My birth was quite short, my water broke in the middle of the night, and within three hours, the baby was born. Joyce made it to the hospital immediately after we got there, and she was very professional, very prepared, and very sweet, and stayed with us until we were all comfortable with our new baby boy, and ready for her to leave. Joyce is an excellent listener, and she catered very well to what we wanted and needed. She is also a wonderful resource, and because of her, we were able to learn things that helped us to have a much more positive experience. We felt that someone was there to answer any questions, or help us find answers to our questions, and also to support us to be strong and follow through with the birth plan that she helped us

-Elyse Ptak

September 14, 2012