Testimonial for Donna Rigert

I became interested in having a doula after doing research while pregnant with my second child. I decided to go for a VBAC and learned having a doula would greatly increase my chances. My husband and I interviewed Donna and knew immediately we wanted her to help us. She was like a best friend and mom to me during the entire experience. Donna visited me several times during my pregnancy and offered many tips to help me be more comfortable. She encouraged and believed in me, we were both determined I would get my wish of a vaginal birth. After several false labors the real thing began on my due date. I called Donna to give her the heads up that I thought I was in labor, she called me an hour later and said she would be right over. I labored at home with her rubbing my back and encouraging me until she said we needed to go to the hospital, I was reluctant but she knew it was time. She was so right, I was 7-8 cm when I got there! Within an hour I was at 10 cm, we were all excited and slightly surprised since I wasn't planning a natural birth. With Donna and my husband's encouragement, I went for it and an hour later my beautiful 9 lb 3 oz son was born naturally! I was beyond thrilled. The two birth experiences I have had were completely different, there is no question in my mind that Donna was a big reason for my successful VBAC. It was the best experience of my life. Donna will always be a friend to me and a special person to my family.

-Heather Gorny

January 13, 2013