Testimonial for Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro
It's so hard to adequately articulate how vital Joyce was during my pregnancy, at birth and following.
Joyce brings the vital information about childbirth, your body and access to so many resources through her tried and true recommendations (ex: prenatal massages, lactation consultants, apps to download, gestational diabetes resources). But it doesn't stop there, Joyce hosts mom groups, CPR classes and will always make time for any question and concern.
During my labor Joyce knew everything to do to keep me comfortable and confident. I had a hospital birth and Joyce and made sure my wishes were followed. She remembered the things (like taking home my placenta) that I would have forgotten about. She stayed up all night and never waivered. When I was EXHAUSTED after 30+ hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing she helped me get through those final pushes when I thought I couldn't, (and when the doctor and nurses kept sharing anxiety invoking time checks). I truly believe I wouldn't have had the birth I wanted (natural, unmedicated) without Joyce.
And while I have an amazing support system, the support, knowledge and expertise Joyce brings to the table are things my very amazing support system would not have known to do/suggest.
Her support doesn't end right after birth. She showed me how to bathe my baby and instilled confidence in me as a first time mom that my intuitions were to be trusted. She answered my panicked calls from the hospital five weeks following my (normal, healthy, natural) birth when I had to have leftover debris removed from my uterus.
I wouldn't have been as prepared or had my birth the way I wanted without Joyce. Having her support and advice, (when it sometimes feels your instincts tell you one thing and doctors tell you another) is PRICELESS.
-Simone Arena
November 26, 2022
Joyce Havinga-Droop CD(DONA), CLC, SpBCPE, BRM Pro
BirthAmbassador
Birth Fee: $3250 to $4500
