Testimonial for Candace Mensik, CD(DONA), SpBCPE
The moment I met Candace, as I rushed into our place of meeting hot of the latest conference call, her tranquil energy immediately put me at ease. I could tell she was the right person to calmly usher me from maiden to mother. As a single-mom-by-choice, I knew I would want + need the extra support come labor + delivery. What I didn't know, was how much support I would need entering the final phase of my pregnancy. The ensuing two home visits, one of which my mother attended as she would be in the hospital delivery room with us, not only helped put my fears of a natural birth aside but served to educate me on the beauty of labor. Candace walked us through the entire process, with the help of a checklist for my priorities, fears, etc. We then sat + talked, talked about what to expect, how to be open to the possibilities, how to lean on her for extra support when the time comes. As it happened, my little boy was so comfortable in the womb that by 39w1d I had been walking around 4cm dilated. The doctor decided it was best to induce + when Candace arrived it was as if the air around us softened. My mom was able to relax more, the labor + delivery nurse was so happy to see Candace (they had worked together before) + I had my person to calmly guide me through the labor pains. Using the exercises we worked on prior, within an hour of her arrival, the baby dropped. I had transitioned smoothly into phase two of labor + the real work began. Candace brought all the things needed to help me labor in a way that worked for my body, calmly suggesting any pivots that may help Simon usher forth into this world. Her soft voice, constant vigilance, intuitive guidance + collaboration with each of us present made for the perfect teammate. I am truly thankful for Candace + credit her for much of my labor success. During our post-partum visit it was as if I was speaking with an old friend, simply popping by to check in. She is a gem of a human and I'm deeply honored to know her.
-Ginny Hightower
June 18, 2024
Candace Mensik, CD(DONA), SpBCPE
Transcendent Birth LLC
Birth Fee: $1800 to $2250
