We interviewed a number of doulas, many, like Rebecca, were knowledgeable and kind. Neither my husband nor I have family in the area and this is where Rebecca stood out to us both, she felt comfortable like family to us. During my first birth it was only my husband and me so when our OB changed our entire birth plan, at the last minute, we felt we no longer had any say in what was happening. With Rebecca with us this birth, we knew we'd have an advocate. I ended up hospitalized with preeclampsia. I had known something was off but my OB wasn't seeing many alarming symptoms so he didn't do further testing. Rebecca strongly encouraged me to follow my gut and change OBs, had I not done so I don't know that my preeclampsia would heen caught and this could have been detrimental to me and my twin babies.
Rebecca helped me come up with a plan that my OB was on board with. The preeclampsia had cause significant swelling throughout my body. After over 24 hours of labor and not quite being dilated to 5 centimeters my spirits began to drop and I was emotionally at an extreme low. Rebecca helped me and helped my husband help me rally and continue through almost another 24 hours of labor. Finally, after all interventions were used, I was still at 5 centimeters. It was time for a C-section. I distinctly remember this moment and think I always will. I had worked so hard for a VBAC, my eyes filled with tears, my OB gently patted my leg and Rebecca and my husband held me as I sobbed.
Because I had to have a second epidural I was numb up to my lungs, between that and the swelling from the preeclampsia throughout my body, including the back of my tongue I was left gasping for air on the operating table. After my beautiful babies were delivered I was shaking uncontrollably and more depleted than I've ever been. What a relief it was to have Rebecca, stay by our side during this tough transition. Again, it was like having family with us.
-Sariah Goetz
February 15, 2024
REBECCA TURRIGIANO
Birth Fee: $1700