Testimonial for Lauralee Lightwood-Mater, CD(DONA)
I can't say enough good things about Lauralee's doula services. From the getgo, she was very respectful of our desired birthing experience and took it upon herself to schedule Facetime chats at time-appropriate intervals in the months leading up to labor. These meetings typically flew by as we discussed our vision and she posed many questions for me and my wife to get a firm understanding of what we wanted and how she could best help facilitate a meaningful and smooth birthing experience. She also educated us on many anatomical and experiential points of which we were either unaware or lacked a firm understanding, all while maintaining warmth and good humor.
When labor came, she was immediately responsive and coached us through the beginning contractions while urging us to wait to go to the hospital. We were extremely grateful for this, as its all too common for people to panic and head to the hospital before its necessary and have long, unpleasant labors in that environment. She calmed our worries and when contractions were picking up enough, she calmly recommended that we leave for the hospital. Once there, she met us quickly, even persuading staff to let her into triage where she technically wasn't allowed. We were grateful for her tenactiy and insistence, and once she got to our room she immediately helped ease the pain of contractions with counter-pressure techniques that she trained me to apply, as well.
Lauralee was amazing during the 18 hours of labor, offering unceasing encouragement and strength throughout the whole process. The experience would have been so much harder without her there. She worked with us tirelessly the whole time, only breaking for a few minutes here and there. Her calming words of strength helped Kaitlin get through to the end when she didn't think she could push anymore. When the baby finally came, we shared tears of joy together. We love Lauralee and can't thank her enough!!
-Dan Kassel
February 26, 2023
Lauralee Lightwood-Mater, CD(DONA)
Lightwood Maternity
Birth Fee: $2100
