Testimonial for Maria Elena Baez-Dominguez
Part 2 of 3
I am one of those 20% of women whose water broke before any sort of contractions started. Though it was late at night, Maria Elena was there to answer our call right away and help guide me through making the right decision for us and for our baby. After arriving at the hospital, the doctors and nurses were quite negative, I was feeling incredibly anxious because of some issues with my IV. By the time Maria Elena arrived, I was a mess. When she arrived, she immediately comforted me. When I describe this moment to others, I say that she came in “Doula guns blazing.” She had essential oils ready for me, whispered affirmations in a calming voice to me, breathed with me, massaged me and encouraged me to “let it out.” In that moment and in so many moments that followed, she knew EXACTLY what I needed.
As labor started to pick up, Maria Elena knew exactly what to do, what to say, what tricks to pull out of her Doula bag to make each wave manageable and to empower me through each one. She helped offer her advice, helped advocate for me (as she had helped me craft my birth wishes) and ensured that I had every support I needed.
When it came time to push, she was right there beside me and gave specific, clear instructions on how to best bring my baby boy into the world. It’s hard to know what you’re doing well you’ve never done it before but Maria Elena empowers you to feel like you could do anything with her by your side. During this time, Maria Elena helped capture pictures I will cherish forever: the precious moments in which our son was brought into this world and in which both a mother and a father were born as well.
-Naomi Avadanei
August 24, 2022
Maria Elena Baez-Dominguez
mariaelenadoula.com
Birth Fee: $2100 to $2500
Postpartum Rate: $55 to $65
