Testimonial for Meredith Coronato, IBCLC, LCCE, CLC, NCS, PMA-CPT
My wife and I hired Meredith as our birth doula. Our son ended up being breech and required a scheduled c-section. Meredith therefore came for an overnight shift the first night back from the hospital—I can’t say how valuable this was. We were both exhausted and I was recovering from the surgery and trying to breastfeed. I was having challenges with my milk coming in and my son was jaundiced. I was so tired I couldn’t make rational decisions about how best to keep him healthy. Meredith helped us get started on a triple feed schedule that made sure he was improving by the pediatrician appointment the next day and that supported my breastfeeding goals.
Through several subsequent postpartum visits, Meredith helped me navigate my breastfeeding challenges. It can be easy to get overfocused in the early days of parenthood on the problems. Meredith helped guide me in making choices that allowed me to enjoy this special time with my son.
Her advice both before birth and after was absolutely invaluable. Before birth, she coached me in what questions to ask my obstetrician to address my concerns and how to plan for the hospital, including changing that plan when we learned it would be a c-section. After birth, in helping my wife and I figure out a rhythm for caring for our son, and in helping me to navigate a difficult breastfeeding situation so that I could still bond with my son through breastfeeding, make sure he was getting as much breast milk as I could produce, and getting enough to eat. I think my wife and I had far fewer arguments in those early days because we could always reach out when we needed advice!
Meredith was also very sensitive to our concerns as LGBT+ parents, including coaching us on how to advocate for ourselves with hospital staff.
I am very grateful to Meredith for all her help in guiding us through the biggest transition of our lives.
-Jen Crawford
March 20, 2024
Meredith Coronato, IBCLC, LCCE, CLC, NCS, PMA-CPT
Motherling Birth & Postpartum Support, LLC
Birth Fee: $5000
Postpartum Rate: $70 to $85
