We decided on Stephanie as our doula pre-COVID. I remember my husband questioning me regarding this investment for our pregnancy. His view ended up being a complete 180 after our son was born and I will never forget him telling me that having Stephanie’s support during labor was totally worth it and that we should have her again as our doula for our second child. Stephanie met with us twice during our pregnancy, outdoors, and with a mask – mindful of our Covid concerns. These visits included answering questions, desire for labor, coping, birth plan, spinning babies/optimizing fetal positioning, and postpartum. Our labor ended up going rather quickly, so instead of coming to our home during the early stages, she met us at the birth center.
She guided me through various positions, provided comfort with cool towels to my head and neck, helped my husband feel involved and part of my team, and was his advocate because he wanted to help "catch" our son.
She was there for a couple hours post-delivery to ensure breastfeeding was off to a good start, heat up our breakfast and voluntarily ran across the street to get us coffee and hot chocolate. Stephanie came to our house 1 week postpartum to reminisce on the delivery, answer any postpartum questions and check in. She was professional as well as easy going, like a best friend.
