Tonya exceeded my expectations! From prior to birth, during labor and delivery, and during the post partum phase she has been very helpful. Without her, I think I would have needed additional interventions during labor and would not have had a positive experience.
prior to birth: As part of the doula package, Tonya made one home visit where she stayed for at least 2 hours and patiently answered my long list of questions. During my last 1-2 weeks of pregnancy, I had several days of false labor and could not sleep well. This was both emotionally and physically draining. Tonya was there for me during this time by providing emotional support, as well as guidance on what signs to look for that may indicate true labor.
labor and delivery: My labor was 36 hours long, including 4.5 hours of pushing. Tonya stayed with me and my partner the entire time. She alternated with my husband in providing relief during contractions, by providing back massage or the double hip squeeze. Decisions I had to consider during labor included breaking my water bag, when to get the epidural, to get narcotics, to get induced, etc. Tonya helped me weigh the pros and cons of all decisions and made both my partner and I feel more informed during the process. She is very intuitive and stepped away if I asked for space and readily jumped in when needed. She encouraged my husband to take breaks and sleep, as he tends to push himself even when fatigued.
post partum: Tonya made a home visit which was very helpful and has been available by text. She is a great resource to have, is kind, and has great people skills!
Both my husband and I believe that we would have been more stressed without her and things would not have gone as well. Although my labor and pushing phase were long, I successfully had a vaginal birth without needing instrument assistance. I highly recommend Tonya and would book her again in a heartbeat!
-Amena
February 17, 2024
Dawn Doula Services LLC
Birth Fee: $1400 to $2000
Postpartum Rate: $30 to $40