Testimonial for Tatiana Ponomar from Shivani

Testimonial for Tatiana Ponomar

I read somewhere that if you want to take only one decision for a smooth pregnancy and labor - it would be to hire a doula. I am someone who does a lot of research and I did read multiple books and was part of various online forums to prepare myself for challenges of pregnancy and especially birth. But nothing does prepare you for it.

Tatiana was a strong support system both in pregnancy and labor. I wanted minimal interventions and she respected all my decisions including choice of OB and birth plan. She gave us all the info but at the same time did not push for a decision and encouraged us to make our own choice.

I wanted a birth without epidural and given that I was past my due date - I had my induction scheduled and was worried that pitocin would lead to cascade of interventions. She helped me stay calm and to trust my body (I needed that..!!). She also guided me on various things I could try to naturally induce and I was finally able to go into labor on my own :).

On the D day, she prioritized my needs over everything else. When we reached hospital there were no rooms and I was in the lobby moaning and crying with pain. Tatiana never left my side and helped me cope and breathe through the pain. She advocated for my choices in front of hospital staff and encouraged me to stick with my decisions even when hospital staff thought otherwise. And voila - I had a birth I dreamed of which would have been impossible without Tatiana.

I have a very loving and caring husband who was ready to support me in any which way during labor. But you have to know where and how you should provide support. Tatiana guided my partner in ways which we would have never thought of - inspite of reading all the material and attending classes.

She also regularly checked in with us post delivery and as a first time mom answered a lot of my concerns.

We would highly recommend going with Tatiana as your birth doula.

-Shivani

December 31, 2022