Testimonial for Renée Ahmadi MA CD (DONA) from Josie

Testimonial for Renée Ahmadi MA CD (DONA)

My husband and I were lucky to have Renée as our doula. Renée brings a grounded, calm energy to the room. Her Zoom yoga classes are a lovely bonus too and so convenient since you don't have to leave the house to get some exercise when you're very pregnant. I'll never forget the support Renee provided during the hardest parts of my labour. While my husband parked the car I was 8 or 9 cms dilated and had to make my way alone up to the labour ward. Renée met me at the entrance with a chair (which I didnt use but having it ready was appreciated) and she then guided me to the labour ward and into my room. I can't imagine having done that by myself. I think I would have froze in the hospital entrance, overwhelmed. When I thought I couldn't keep walking and I started getting overwhelmed, Renée held me and brought me back into my head so I could get through that contraction and keep going. Later, I was around 9 or 10 cm dilated and the midwife, Renée and my husband were gently encouraging me to move from where I was sitting over to the bed. Renée knew exactly how to hold me to let me rest. With the crown of my head pressed into her belly (and soft sweater) and my arms held by her I could completely relax into the contractions. Renee didn't rush me. I didn't ever want to move from that safe cocoon she created! I still feel emotional thinking of that moment. Internally I was doing everything I could to wrap my head around what was happening. Renée gave me the space and time to get to where I needed to be mentally to push my baby out.

After labour was over Renée stayed with us to help me get colostrum into our very small newborn and I believe Renée teaching me how to harvest colostrum and bringing the baby colostrum in a syringe immediately after she was born kept the baby's bloodsugar up and kept her out of the NICU. I'd love to write more but 2000 characters isn't enough!

-Josie

June 09, 2023