Testimonial for Olivia Erickson, Doula, CLC, SM
Olivia is approachable, knowledgeable, and warm and spent so many hours getting to know me (and my partner) in the months before my birth. I had so many questions and she patiently answered them all. I felt way better about going into labor knowing that Olivia would be there by my side throughout. As a trauma survivor, I fully trusted Olivia to advocate for me if the need arose.
I was diagnosed with preeclampsia at 40+4 and had to be induced. When labor finally really started, my baby was wedged in an unideal position that triggered an overwhelming urge to push when I was only 4cm dilated. Ultimately, it was Olivia who saved me from needing a C-section. Over the course of 3-4 hours she did spinning babies techniques with me to get the baby correctly positioned and allow me to fully dilate.
I ended up pushing for a very long time. For hours, Olivia physically supported me so I could continue to make progress even as I got tired, once again averting a possible C-section.
Then there was the breastfeeding support. Olivia came over a few days after the birth when we were still struggling with latching. She offered validation and support and stayed with us for hours until we were latching better. Olivia was back at one month and once again helped fine-tune our nursing technique. It's now been 4.5 months and we're still EBF, bb is growing like a weed, and my breasts are (basically) pain-free.
I cannot recommend Olivia enough. In my case, there were a series of situations where her support and expertise made a huge physical difference in the outcomes for both me and my baby. But even if everything had been as smooth as possible, I would have wanted Olivia there. I knew she was in my corner and that she would provide the physical and emotional support I needed. The little twinkly candles that she brought to create a peaceful atmosphere in the delivery room was just a lovely bonus.
-Kaya
June 18, 2024
Birth Fee: $1700
