Testimonial for Stephanie Sauer Pasternak, CD(DONA), CLC
Being a first time parent, everything was new and overwhelming. My biggest fear about birth that led us to hiring a doula was all the unknowns as first time parents. After a pregnancy loss, I had so much fear and anxiety. I was focused on pain, doubting myself, fear of a c-section, fear of so many things possibly going wrong. I knew I wanted a doula to help my husband and I prepare for childbirth + during postpartum. Having Stephanie as a doula exposed my husband and I to so much information + eased our fears. Stephanie helped us work through our fears + worries by shifting our mindset from a fear-based one to an empowered one. She helped me realize I had to believe I was capable of a vaginal birth. She asked us questions in preparation for the birth. Her guidance was crucial in helping us feel more prepared. She took time to get to know us, to learn our preferences, + empowered us to know our options.
Thanks to Stephanie, I had an amazing + quick vaginal birth. She was there every step of the way. She was the 1st person I called when my water broke. During early labor, she texted to check in + kept in touch with my husband via text + FT. When she arrived, she advocated for me with the nurses, helped me get comfortable, guided with breathing + pushing, took photos(as requested), + stayed to assist with breastfeeding. It was such a beautiful experience. When our baby had feeding issues, she recommended specialists. Thankfully, we learned our baby had lip + tongue ties. Our daughter thrived after her revisions. Her wealth of knowledge re: pregnancy, birth, + postpartum was most valuable. She provided evidence based information. We were most impressed that she was known by our hospital, by our midwife, + her vast experience. We felt very comfortable with her. We highly recommend Stephanie as a doula. Her energy was reassuring, caring, humorous, + fun! We still keep in touch! I’m so grateful we found one another!
-Mayra
December 11, 2023
Stephanie Sauer Pasternak, CD(DONA), CLC
Bergen Doula - Birth Doula & Lactation Counseling
Birth Fee: $1950 to $3500
