Testimonial for Meredith Matheson, ICBD, ICCE, NCS
Meredith was my doula for the unmedicated birth of my second child. She helped me prepare by letting me know how this second birth would differ from my first. It would be more challenging with no pain medications but she assured me that I was absolutely capable and she had a tool belt full of ways to help me through labor.
I told her about my history of sexual abuse and how I was afraid it was going to affect this birth more than the other since I would be feeling more without the pain medications. She listened and we talked about how we would navigate that during birth. I felt I could be honest with her about all my fears and concerns. I remember getting annoyed with my husband because he wasn't pushing on my back as hard as she was! About 10 minutes before my son was born I was adamant that I needed an epidural. She encouraged me to try a different position or a different tool. But when I kept insisting she kept calm and asked the nurses to call the gurney to take me to get an epidural even though she knew I would give birth before they would get there.
The fact that she listened to me helped me feel safe and like everyone was doing what they could to help me through the pain. I was able to relax a little knowing that she was taking care of me and my request. And sure enough, right after she asked the nurses to call the gurney, I started pushing and my son was born with no pain medications! I think she had winked at the nurses who probably thought she was crazy for telling them to call down a transport with how far along I was. I told Meredith a few minutes after my son was born "I did it, Meredith!".
I'm so grateful to Meredith for helping me through labor to have the birth I really wanted. She knew I would have been so disappointed with myself if I had pain medication right before birth, yet she didn't trap me into that choice. I had the meaningful birth I had hoped for because of her knowledge and experience.
-Brilynn
July 17, 2024
Meredith Matheson, ICBD, ICCE, NCS
Baby & Belly
Birth Fee: $2000
Postpartum Rate: $50 to $65
