Testimonial for Joyce Dykema, MS, CD(DONA), HCHD
We hired Joyce as our doula for the birth of our second child because it was very important to us that I try for a VBAC. I was quickly impressed by Joyce’s professional and comprehensive website. She was always very diligent about returning phone calls/emails/text messages in a timely manner. She met with us on various occasions before the birth and went over our “wish list”. She is very knowledgeable about the birth process, the medical interventions, and birthing techniques/exercises.
During my labor, we were thrown a huge curve-ball that prompted my doctor to want to skip the VBAC attempt and jump to a C-section. Needless to say, I was in tears! Joyce was able to calm me down, evaluate the situation, and we proceeded with the VBAC. Joyce met me at the hospital within an hour of my call. I cannot describe how priceless it was to have Joyce there to assist us during my first labor experience! She knew how to massage me, kept me changing positions, drinking water, and encouraging me through the process. Ironically, my husband just couldn’t get it right and Joyce just KNEW what to do and had great stamina doing it! She kept an accurate log of my labor experience, acted professional with the medical staff, and was even our impromptu photographer! I didn’t realize how “intimate” labor could be and really appreciated Joyce helping me during the WHOLE process (like helping adjust the fetal monitors that kept moving around).
Even though I ended up with a repeat C-section, I consider my labor experience a success because Joyce helped me find the strength to attempt a VBAC when the odds were against me and helped make my labor as bearable as labor can be. I am grateful that Joyce encouraged me to VBAC so that, as she puts it, my son was able to pick his own birthday! I highly recommend Joyce as a doula!!!
-Beatriz B
January 21, 2013
Joyce Dykema, MS, CD(DONA), HCHD
Doula Joyce Enterprises, LLC
Birth Fee: $2400
Postpartum Rate: $35
