Testimonial for Jennifer Michel-Wilson
My partner wasn't fully sold on the need for a Doula, so we set up interviews to meet a few 12 weeks into my pregnancy. We knew Jennifer was the person we wanted to work with immediately after our meeting, but we still continued to meet with others to be certain. We knew right away because after talking to Jennifer, my partner became so much more at ease and relaxed. He was impressed by how Jennifer answered so many questions without him having to ask, and any reservations about why we might need a Doula went away. It became clear that having a wealth of knowledge and experience by our side, especially as first-time parents was something that we both wanted.
As a full-time worker balancing multiple jobs, it could be hard for me to ask for things, but Jennifer gave me gentle reminders throughout my pregnancy, check-ins, and anticipated my needs. This intuitive approach remained true all the way through to the delivery room.
When the big day came, we felt ready. The examples of things we did to prepare that proved useful under the guidance and support of Jennifer seem endless. Everything from what was in our hospital bag to what we had at home postpartum. The exercises we did in preparation for labor at home and then continued in the hospital supported my steady dilation. As an advocate, she felt like my superhero. While I was sweating and bleeding and in pain, she was helping me breathe, massaging and relieving pain where it hurt, and being a rock to my partner. Her presence allowed him to be his best and most present. Truly a gift!
To sum it all up, without Jennifer my birth experience was likely to be a 3 or less, but with her, it was certainly a 10. Her intuitive style, the way she anticipated my needs, and her ability to be present allowed me to have an incredible and informed birth. Having her as a Doula was the best investment in our family's health and well-being that we could have made.
-Scarlet M RIvera
October 27, 2022
Jennifer Michel-Wilson
La Belle Doula
Birth Fee: $0
Postpartum Rate: $60 to $75
