Testimonial for Laurie Craft, MA
We interviewed several doulas before choosing Laurie. While nearly all of them had excellent credentials and experience, Laurie was the one we felt most comfortable with. She has a cool, laid-back style paired with a compassionate, listening presence. Considering the vulnerable position she would see us in, this felt like the most important criteria in making our decision. Laurie met with us 3 times before the birth. We talked extensively about our previous birth experience, my reactions to pain, medical interventions, basically every scenario we could dream up. I really think that preparation was the key. When I finally went into labor, I felt like a marathoner who had trained perfectly. I was ready to face the contractions and, unlike in my first labor, handle them without pain meds. Laurie provided support by phone throughout and then came to the hospital when we asked her to. Her calm demeanor was very much appreciated when my labor picked up VERY fast and I felt out of control. She did not make me feel bad when I asked for pain meds (which I ended up not getting, due to time) and helped smooth over personality issues with the hospital staff. I think her joy at seeing our little boy emerge was genuine. She really treasures and enjoys being present at a birth. Later, Laurie came by for two post-partum visits. She held my son and listened to my sleep-deprived rambling. Again, she was calm, sympathetic, and kind. She helped us talk to our 3 yo daughter, who was having some adjustment isssues, and work on our relationship with each other. Laurie's background as a therapist is clearly evident in her doula work. She really helped our family have the ideal birth experience and transition into life as a family of 4.
-Alexandra Fleming
January 11, 2013
Laurie Craft, MA
Calm
Birth Fee: $2000
Postpartum Rate: $60 to $100
