Testimonial for Gabrielle Wade
If you read nothing but this first sentence, hire Gabrielle. My pregnancy was surrounded by fear and anxiety due to my age (almost 40) and because it would be my first child to survive to delivery, closely following the loss of our first pregnancy at 16 weeks. As a trauma nurse, I have sufficient knowledge of labor and delivery, but also knew just enough to add to my existing fears of every potential complication that could occur. Despite all my concerns (valid, or not), I spent the majority of my pregnancy debating whether or not I wanted to hire a doula. Was it worth the expense? Did I really need another support person? I mean, women have been doing this for years, right? After our interview with Gabrielle, we found her to be knowledgeable, confident and supportive - not to mention, very sweet. I still wasn't sure if I "needed" her, but figured it couldn't hurt.
If I have any regrets, it's waiting until 31 weeks to hire her. She checked in on me routinely, provided education, and sent affirmations and encouragement. As my due date neared, she was readily available for me to ask (so many) questions and never made me feel like I was bothersome. When my water broke at 4am, she calmly coached me over the phone on breathing and next steps. At the hospital, I continued to labor for 25 more hours. Eight hours in, I decided to get an epidural. Knowing my birth plan, she gently challenged me, and then supported me 100% when I insisted I wanted to move forward with it. She helped me with so many positions before and after my epidural. She collaborated with my nurse and confidently advocated for me when necessary. She tended to all my needs, as well as those of my husband. She empowered me when it was time to push and took the most beautiful photos once our precious girl arrived. Following the delivery, she continued to provide me postpartum and nursing support. We were grateful to have Gabrielle on our team and would hire her again!
-Kiya Thompson
April 29, 2021
Birth Fee: $1500 to $1700
