Testimonial for Jessica Brandes BSN-RN CLD HCHD Hypnodoula (CAPPA)
I looked for a doula late in my pregnancy (3rd tri) and chose Jessica because I believed she'd advocate for me if situations arose during l&d and I didn't know what my options were or needed to be heard. She graciously accepted me despite it being so late, and helped my husband and me create a birth plan according to our hopes and preferences. She checked in regularly through the end of the pregnancy, encouraged/empowered me in my decisions, and provided tips to help baby arrive as due date came and went. Of course baby was on her own timeline, but I appreciated how Jessica provided data and research to inform my decisions. At 41w5d I got my membranes stripped, that evening contractions picked up andI was admitted to the hospital. Jessica met us there. She proceeded to work with me for HOURS, tried everything. While contractions picked up and became constant, dilation progressed very slowly. Around the 24-hour mark at the hospital, after Jessica talked me through/recommended getting Pitocin and an epidural to hopefully move things along, she informed me she'd be leaving.Due to the long labor, she was exhausted and felt she wouldn't be of much use going further, and wanted to return to her family. I was stunned, confused, disappointed. Before she left I quickly tried to ask as many questions as I could think of-how to labor/push with an epidural, what pushing felt like, what to expect (since this was unexpected in so many ways). I also wondered if she'd return or what would happen. She did not return. There was no backup doula either. Ultimately my labor was over 40 hrs, resulted in an unplanned c-section, I hemorrhaged and lost quite a bit of blood. I texted the birth info to Jessica in the days following the birth. It was very strange, and so disappointing how things evolved.She visited that week and spoke openly of what happened, but it's still difficult knowing how things transpired so drastically different from what I'd hoped, including with my doula.
-Brittany
November 14, 2024
Jessica Brandes BSN-RN CLD HCHD Hypnodoula (CAPPA)
Holistic Hands Doula LLC
Birth Fee: $825 to $1500
