I'm the daughter of a high-risk OBGYN, and grew up hearing about everything that could go horribly wrong during pregnancy and childbirth as normal dinner table conversation. Needless to say, I was a bit anxious about both. I also knew that I wanted to give birth at a hospital, and that I probably wanted an epidural (perhaps not the traditional doula clientele).
Emily was great in both the lead up to the birth talking through preferences, support techniques, breastfeeding prep, etc., and was invaluable during the birth and afterwards.
Emily knew her way around IHC Murray and helped get peanut balls, get me into good positions to continue progressing after my epidural, helped me with nausea, and stayed and helped me after my son and husband ended up unexpectedly going to the NICU. I'd describe her as a calming presence that fit seamlessly into the birth process. She would intuitively know the right thing to do, and was immensely helpful (e.g. I thought I was going to throw up, and the next thing I knew there was an ice cold cloth on my head and peppermint essential oils on a vomit bag).
Emily also came to our house several times after the birth to help with breastfeeding, and helped make my son's transition out of the NICU and to breastfeeding seamless. She also had good advice on how to combine occassional bottles of breastmilk with breastfeeding so I could get a bit more rest.
I'd definitely recommend Emily and Birth Learning!
-Mackenzie H
September 10, 2022
Salt City Doula
Birth Fee: $1200 to $1700
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $40