Testimonial for Lauralee Lightwood-Mater, CD(DONA)
It's difficult to put words to Lauralee's gifts as a doula. Of course, she is extremely passionate and knowledgable about birth. Her positivity was infectious during our prenatal appointments, wherein she offered childbirth education and talked to my fiance and I about our feelings and wishes surrounding the birth. She didn't foist any expectations on us about decisions we should make or how birth should look. That said, her candid and informed perspective helped us to better articulate our own beliefs and plans. I ended up having a very long early labor. Lauralee checked in often and offered lots of helpful advice and encouragement... including a recipe for a delcious and fortifying "laborade" drink! Before the "5-1-1" point when support people are generally called in, she even offered to stop by our house (late at night, I might add) to provide us with a TENS unit as well as some practical tips for handling contractions. It was a great relief to see her after so many hours spent in labor. She returned promptly as soon as things were picking up and her support was needed. Lauralee's warm, attentive presence was deeply comforting. I felt as if my needs were being anticipated without any sense of pestering or intrusion. She remained quiet and calm, but also ready to crack a joke just when I needed some levity in the room. She offered gentle suggestions on movements to help labor progress. There were multiple instances when I'd communicate a fear to Lauralee, she'd offer words of wisdom, and I'd progress dramatically just minutes later (lost mucus plug, broken waters, etc.). I felt truly cared for as a first time mom journeying into the unknown. Oh, and somehow in the midst of this she was capturing pricless photos + videos and taking notes. She was a "teammate" in every sense of the word--trustworthy, friendly, and truly present. I can't speak highly enough about Lauralee!
-Carrley H
March 16, 2024
Lauralee Lightwood-Mater, CD(DONA)
Lightwood Maternity
Birth Fee: $2100
