Testimonial for Marcia Mattern, CD (DONA)
2/2 They helped get me into a different positions, which gave the baby the room he needed to readjust and come out smoothly on the very next contraction! No hospital nurse or doctor would have done that… They would’ve just been so quick to cut me open. In retrospect, I can recognize that the same exact situation is what happened with my traumatic first baby experience in the hospital. Her head was cocked to the side and she presented ear facing. But I had been on my back all labor and delivery with the epidural, and couldn’t change positions even if I had known to (which I didn’t). When the doctor was unable to use forceps to pull her out, he opted for a vacuum. When that still was not completely effective, he then cut me with an episiotomy. The very next contraction, I ripped open with a fourth-degree tear. I still have painful scar tissue. The first baby was only 6 lbs. 9 oz., while that fifth baby that was a whopping 8 lbs. 8 oz. To me, this just perfectly illustrates the difference between having a traditional birth worker vs modern western med surgical training. And the quality of support we mamas received is fully dependent on the type of care and practitioners we choose to surround ourselves with during such a vunerable journey. Younger me was nervous about spending the money on a doula, wondering whether it would really be worth it. My husband also didn't want to spend the money and thought he could do what Marcia offers, but he doesn't have that training. I was so disappointed in how those births went. Knowing what I know now, I can see just how much Marcia would have helped and her expertise most certainly would have improved those outcomes. I have had a lot of people in the room with me while I give birth over the years, but Marcia is one of my favorite people to have near. I can relax knowing I am in good hands with my birth team. Her knowledge and expertise is worth it’s weights in gold.
-Jessica C
December 15, 2023
Marcia Mattern, CD (DONA)
Your Doula Marcia Mattern
Birth Fee: $1700
