They say hindsight is 20/20 and as I embarked on my pregnancy journey I had no idea how invaluable one simple phone call could be. While I knew I would go the route of a hospital birth, I felt as though I wanted to expand my birthing team to include a doula. This being our first child, we didn't know what to expect and felt like having the added support would help us better advocate for the labor we wanted. I can say it was exactly what we needed and more. Never would I have imagine what an incredible asset Ildi would be when the big day finally arrived. While my pregnancy flew by without any hiccups, my intended natural unmedicated birth plan was met with considerable challenges. In the process of weighing my desires and the health of my child and myself, Ildi was instrumental in helping us make informed decisions during what became 42 hours of labor. Her gentle bedside manner calmed my fears, and her plethora of knowledge and experience allowed us to surrender to the moments with confidence. Chid birth is such a vulnerable time for both partners and having Ildi as our doula was a gift to both myself and my husband. In the scariest of moments, she was a steady constant. Her dedication to our family from start to finish was beyond what I would have ever expected and for that I am forever thankful. If you're looking for a team of doula's that help prepare you for childbirth, be the support you need in advocating for yourself during labor, and offer you guidance on lactation, and post-partum self care, The Budding Belly is a phone call you should make.
-Bree Hudson-Nill
July 31, 2022
The Budding Belly
Birth Fee: $3750 to $4000
Postpartum Rate: $65