Testimonial for Ildi Sebestyén & Samantha Harris from Helen

Testimonial for Ildi Sebestyén & Samantha Harris

As anxious first time parents, we knew we wanted to work with an experienced doula to counter our lack of experience. With Sam and Ildi, we got two! Individually and together they provided the perfect balance of practical guidance and emotional support. I had a lot of fear around childbirth, and they listened with empathy and zero condescension while giving me and my husband tools to demystify the process and focus our anxieties. When we went in for our ultrasound at 39 weeks and the doctors recommended induction that very day because of low amniotic fluid, I was extremely scared and upset. Sam and Ildi helped me weigh the risks and know what questions to ask and also allowed me to grieve the birth experience I had been hoping for. Luckily for me, the induction progressed so quickly and efficiently that Sam was able to arrive just in time for me to start pushing. She seamlessly integrated herself with the medical staff and supported my head through the pushing. Then, she was invaluable in those first moments with our son Grae, helping us achieve our first latch and skin to skin. As Sam and Ildi had mentioned before the birth, new parents focus so much on the birth event itself, but the first weeks postpartum are often the more challenging time. SO TRUE. We clung to the advice we received from Sam and Ildi during those first weeks, texting them constantly with every random question or concern. Sam was such a vital and calming presence in her postpartum visits, helping us with everything from nursing and bathing to mastering the solly wrap and how to massage our constipated baby’s belly. On one visit, I was particularly emotional and frustrated with breastfeeding, and Sam helped us give Grae a bath. In soothing him, she soothed me too! I cannot recommend Sam and Ildi enough. They are the most expert and wonderful guides on this EPIC transition into parenthood.

-Helen

January 07, 2023