Testimonial for Barbie French, CD(DONA), CPD(RI)
When I learned I couldn’t have a home birth due to my chronic illnesses, I was determined to make my birthing experience as close to what I had envisioned, and hiring a doula was my first step. I read a ton of reviews of different area doulas, but after reading Barbie’s and then speaking with her on the phone, I knew she was the best person for our family's needs.
Barbie was 100% behind my birth plan of doing early labor at home and natural vaginal delivery and helped us to write said birth plan, but during my labor and delivery, nothing went as planned. I ended up needing to be induced due to high blood pressure with various methods, including an epidural after two days of labor and a Cesarean section when labor was on the third day, not progressing. We later learned that baby was head down but ear up, and my pelvis was narrow, so baby wouldn’t have been able to come vaginally despite what I had envisioned. During these twists and turns, Barbie was there for us when we didn’t understand what the nurses, midwives, or doctors had told us, she advocated when it was necessary, and most importantly for me, was that she was a gentle support for my spouse and baby after the C-section. I couldn’t breathe, resulting in the rapid response team of 20 medical professionals coming into my room. I also spiked a fever (something Barbie had been concerned about since they broke my waters), and my blood pressure got excessively high.
Even though it had been a traumatic experience, I felt supported and cared for by Barbie before, during, and after the birth. I’d highly recommend her for any birth plan you may have. I’m so very grateful she was there during the worst and best of times. We were so impressed that we plan on hiring her for extra postpartum care. I hope whatever birthing experience you want, you get, but even if you don’t, Barbie will be able to gently guide you through anything that comes your way.
-Brittney Marie
August 17, 2022
Barbie French, CD(DONA), CPD(RI)
Nature's Om Doula
Birth Fee: $1300 to $1500
Postpartum Rate: $45
