Testimonial for Carissa Douglas
With my second pregnancy, I was initially with an OB and wanted to attempted a VBAC. OB mentioned scheduling a c section at every appointment, therefore I wanted a doula that could provide emotional and physical support during the labour. I really liked when carrisa said her role was to remind me to listen to my body, my wisdom and to help me remember what my values/important qualities for the birth was vs. Her telling me what I should/shouldn't be doing. I liked that she seemed like she would facilitate and support me and guide me. We spoke about birth plan, she discussed medicial procedures that are a choice but aren't typically presented like that and helped prep me that birth can be long and that's okay!
when I went into early labour, It was intense from the beginning. Carissa offered to bring round the TENs machine and showed us how to use it. We were then in touch over message and she joined at the hospital. Once in the birth room, She did ask me again how did I want her to support. For me I wanted her to draw my attention to any signs I was holding tension in my body. She applied amazing counter pressure on my back. She helped me keep focus by reminding me 'I can do anything for a minute'. She had to leave part way through the birth due to another call, but she didn't leave until a replacement doula had arrived. She was very nice and helpful too. In the end, my son was born via c section. The labour wasn't pretty, or nice but it was such an experience working with my body and I know 100% I wouldn't have gotten fully dilated without doula support.
I still had things to work through after the birth with having the c section. It isn't what I wanted due to the recovery and having a toddler at home but Carissa on her home visits helped me work through some of this. She also brought round yummy soup and bread for us ! Would definitely recommend, helped make birth process enjoyable even with c section result.
-Nicola Mccorquodale
August 31, 2021
Carissa Douglas
Home Body Holistic Birth
Birth Fee: $1900
Postpartum Rate: $45 to $55
