Testimonial for Lynzi Blacker CD/PCD(DONA)Lactation Consultant
My husband and I hired Lynzi to be our birth doula. I knew I wanted to minimize the number of interventions used during childbirth (but was not closed off to them if needed), but I was terrified of childbirth. I wasn't sure how I, or my husband who doesn't do well with blood, would get through the birth. I ended up with no interventions other than an episiotomy at the very end because my baby's head was 99th percentile.
Lynzi helped prepare us for bith and for working with Cottage Hospital with her book of resources and prenatal sessions. Via text message, she guided us through two early labor false alarms and a "is my water broken?" hospital visit false alarm. This guidance was incredibly helpful both for our anxiety, since she responds much faster than the OB office, and also in helping us advocate for the outcomes we wanted. We had a long time to wait because our baby was twelve days late, but her resources and reminders I think helped us (narrowly) avoid induction (running 14+ days late is very common in my family).
My husband and I don't know how we would have gotten through the labor without her. With her TENS device, I was able to labor for several hours in bed, while going out to breakfast, and even making a quick run to Target (yes, contractions in the store). She met us at our home while I was in the bathtub and helped me cope while giving instructions to husband. We were able to minimize the time in the hospital, which I desired due to COVID and wanting to limit interventions. She made sure I got water and supported/advocated for me when I wanted different positions than the on-call OB. My husband greatly appreciated her instructions, so that he could be (confidently) helpful and totally involved.
Lynzi's postpartum visits (included + paid) have been critical in helping us clueless new parents survive the first couple of weeks.
If we have another child in this area, we hope to work with Lynzi again.
-Sarah
September 01, 2021
Birth Fee: $2200
Postpartum Rate: $50 to $70
