Testimonial for Claudia Parris CD(DONA)
TL;DR - If you're on the fence about hiring a doula, or if you wonder (like I did) if it's just a fad, get off the fence and hire Claudia! She is worth every penny.
Before she was my doula, Claudia was my counselor, and her counselor's heart and listening ears are a big part of what make her so good. But besides her counselor's approach, Claudia is also extremely knowledgeable about the birthing process. She helped me feel so much more relaxed and prepared than I had felt with my first birth. At our prenatal meetings Claudia asked detailed questions and helped me envision what I hoped my labor and delivery would be like. She explained the stages of labor, as well as what I could do and how she could help me in each stage. She checked in regularly as my due date approached and suggested stretches and other things I could do to help my body prepare for labor and get the baby properly positioned. When I started showing signs of labor at 37 weeks, she helped me slow it down to keep the baby from coming unnecessarily early. And when labor did start in earnest at 38 weeks, Claudia was the one I called at 4am to ask if this was really labor and what to do next! Her guidance throughout labor (including when to go to the birth center!) was invaluable; it allowed me to focus on relaxing and working through contractions because I knew she was looking out for the details. Even with a team of supportive midwives and nurses attending the birth, having Claudia's dedicated attention was exactly what I needed to keep labor progressing smoothly. She also helped direct my husband on how to support me, which helped us both. After my son was born, Claudia stayed until we were all settled in and she continued to check on us in the days and weeks following. She even came by my house a few days later to help me with some breastfeeding questions. I am so thankful for all of Claudia's help and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula in the central New Jersey area.
-Christa
April 14, 2024
Claudia Parris CD(DONA)
Meaningful Beginnings LLC
Birth Fee: $1800
Postpartum Rate: $45
