Testimonial for Jolene Smith, CD(DONA), LMT
My husband and I were hesitant to hire a doula for the birth of our first child. We thought it would feel like an unnecessary expense with our plan being to deliver at a hospital. We finally decided to go for it because we honestly had no idea how either of us would cope during the labor process and we thought the more support the first go around the better. We are so so thankful we hired a doula, especially Jolene. I went into labor on a Wednesday morning, and I texted Jolene throughout the day to keep her in the loop. She was available to come to our house during this time and help, but I felt fine and wanted to wait on her coming over because I thought this wasn't the real thing. At 1am we went to the hospital because the contractions kept getting stronger and more frequent. In triage, I wasn't quite ready to be admitted but the doctor said they would recheck my cervix for changes in two hours and make a decision. For the next two hours I worked with Jolene to progress my labor and pain in a controlled manner through numerous different interventions. Right away, I wished I had had Jolene come to the house that day and start working with me sooner. I did end up getting admitted after the two hour mark after working with Jolene. My plan there was to get an epidural when I reached my limit on pain tolerance, but because of Jolene, I accidentally ended up going natural because she always had me distracted and trying different pain relief interventions/positions. By the time I wanted the epidural, it was time to push. I was so shocked. I remember thinking during labor how different this all would have looked without her. The nurses did not offer or have much time at the bedside during labor. I knew without Jolene, I would have felt out of control, alone, and scared even with my husband there for support. And so, long story short, hire the doula. Specifically Jolene. She is worth every penny?
-Kelly DeWoody
October 14, 2021
Jolene Smith, CD(DONA), LMT
Lil' Sprout Doula Services
Birth Fee: $2000
