Testimonial for Leslie Cuffee
Leslie's calm and comforting spirit greeted me immediately when she reached for a hug the very first time we met. Throughout my pregnancy, she was always very thorough about helping me to find information and explore the options available to me.
Leslie was perfectly comfortable with the fact that I didn't have my husband to help support me during labor this time around because we were recently separated. She was willing to take on the lead in helping me through my labor and never made me feel awkward about not having a spouse there.
When it came time to go to the Midwifery Center, Leslie was my rock in the room. At first, things were going slow and, even though I had already dilated to 6cm, I wasn't progressing as I should. Leslie helped to walk me through different techniques to get things going again and eventually the midwife made everyone in the room leave except us. She sat with me for hours while I labored in the shower, helping me to remember how to breathe, calming and comforting me, and even anticipating my needs before I did. During the most taxing part of my labor, Leslie was in the bed with me holding my hand, and helping me to adjust as I needed to. I was not a pleasant laboring mother. But she stayed calm and constantly assured me that everything was okay and that I had the strength the deliver my son when I seriously doubted it.
Eventually, I did deliver my son and while the midwife was focused on things downstairs, Leslie was still right there in the bed, helping me to bond with and nurse my son for the very first time.
For me, having a successful biological birth took an entire team of women and that team wouldn't have been complete without Leslie. I will forever be indebted to her for the beautiful gift she gave me of her love and support during one of the most difficult yet magical nights of my life.
-Shay Bocks
April 27, 2013
Leslie Cuffee
Leslie C. Cuffee, Doula
Birth Fee: $1300
