Testimonial for Devon Handel
Devon came highly recommended, and after interviewing her and other doula's, I realized why. She was more attentive and experienced than most. Prior to labor, we met a couple of times. She recommends supplements and foods for me to take to prepare for labor. She also taught me and my husband the wonderful Spinning Babies technique to prepare us for labor.
I labored for 46 hours. Devon met us at 3 a.m., after I'd been laboring for a day, and didn't leave my side until 3 a.m. the next day. During labor, she made sure I was eating the nutrient-dense smoothies she had me prepare for labor. She recommended various techniques to help me manage pain and move labor along including labor poses, the tens unit, laboring in water, and walking. At times when labor wasn’t progressing, I felt disillusioned, but she remained positive and made me believe I was strong and capable.
I received an episiotomy that I didn't consent to with my first pregnancy, so I was nervous about pushing this time around. However, Devon coached me through each push and even suggested the pose that I eventually delivered in. I successfully delivered tear-free! Afterwards, Devon stayed with us to make sure that baby was latching, we had skin to skin, and I was doing good. After being discharged later that day, my husband and I both turned to each other and said simultaneously, "She was worth every penny!”
Days later, Devon visited us to record our birth story and make sure breastfeeding was going well. As I nursed baby, Devon propped up more pillows around me than I was used to, but it immediately allowed me to relax and feel more supported while nursing. Devon is a lot like those pillows: she supports you in every way possible to allow you to relax and feel supported during the natural, spontaneous process of labor and delivery. She was a treasure to have on our birthing team and I would not hesitate to hire her again.
-Edith and Mati
February 28, 2024
Devon Handel
Birth and Breath
Birth Fee: $1250 to $2000
