Testimonial for Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro
Joyce was my birth doula for my second child and was integral to my successful VBAC. After a traumatic emergency c-section with my first child, I was hoping to have a more positive experience with my second child. To that end, I interviewed many doulas and was extremely impressed by Joyce--she has vast knowledge of prenatal care and how to navigate the medical system, she has a wealth of experience with pregnancies and labors of all kinds, she offered just the right balance of practicality and compassion, and she maintained a level of professionalism throughout--always pointing me towards evidence-based care and quality research. I chose her and I have been grateful for that choice every day since.
As soon as she began to guide me, she put me on a path of self-empowerment and holistic health. She offered me many practical tools to be in the right physical shape, as well as a strong mental state for the labor that I hoped to achieve. As I got closer to my due date, I experienced polyhydramnios and I was pressured by my doctor to schedule another cesarean. Joyce helped me navigate every conversation and choice so that I was informed and empowered, while keeping me and my baby safe. (During this time, my family reached out to another doula for a second opinion and once she found out that I was in the care of Joyce, she said I was in very good hands--this anecdote shows how well respected she is in the doula community.)
In the end, Joyce held my hand--both figuratively and literally--through an induction, my waters being broken, contractions, and the vaginal birth of my baby girl. Joyce came through for me in every way. She gave me the knowledge and courage to change my birthing story from one of trauma to one of empowerment and pride I also know that even if I would have needed a cesarean again, Joyce would have helped me mentally and physically process it all and transform it into a much more positive experience. I highly recommend her.
-Nathalie
June 09, 2021
Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro
BirthAmbassador
Birth Fee: $3250 to $4500
