Testimonials

Giving birth to my first daughter is when I realized how important doula support can be. My family and I are forever grateful for the enthusiastic teamwork S&D showed us, the undivided attention when I needed it the most, and the incredible support combined with informed midwifery knowledge and homeopathic practice. All of this combined made my birthing experience the best it could have been.

A few days after my due date, I began to wonder if my water broke. I preferred to call S&D first to get their opinions and advice. Sarah reassured me that if I had, it was perfectly safe to stay at home and rest until contractions began. That Sunday evening I had slight contractions and couldn’t sleep at all because of the excitement. I suspected Monday would be the day I would get to meet my baby! On Monday I walked, napped, and ate to keep my mind off the growing contractions and to gain my strength for the birth. By 10pm Monday night, I was sure my water had now broke as it came rushing out. Contractions continued to increase for several hours, but when I consulted with the midwife, she didn’t think I was ready to come into the birthing center yet. I paced the house all night with contractions strong enough that could not allow me to sleep. By the morning I was exhausted and decided to take S&D up on their offer to labor at their office space which was within close proximity to the birthing center.

My contractions dropped off early Tuesday morning and I was able to get some sleep. A visit to the midwife later in the day confirmed I was only 3 cm dilated. Because my water had already broke, I was required to be in active labor by midnight that night or Best Start would have to release me from their care. The idea of giving birth at the hospital made me extremely determined to make my 1200 deadline. Sarah immediately made me an appointment for acupuncture services with another midwife in efforts to stimulate stronger contractions. I had less than 7 hours left so we decided to additionally kick start things with a castor oil juice cocktail.

My stomach began to rumble and contractions started to come back. As they began to increase in intensity, I rolled around on the birthing ball in the shower. S&D then supported me over the next several hours through a series of different positions that increased the intensity and frequency of my labor contractions.

By midnight they estimated I as ready to go to Best Start as requested by the midwife. In the car ride over, I already felt like pushing. Upon arrival, I made my way back to the only available room at the center and requested to get into the tub. When Roberta finally got a chance to examine my progress, I was relieved to hear I was 9 cm dilated and could begin to push momentarily. After less than an hour, my daughter was born at 1:41am.

There were a total of 4 different women laboring that night overseen by one midwife. I was grateful for S&D to fill in the gaps where the midwife couldn’t be. Not to mention I was the last person in to the center, the first to leave and the second to give birth. These dedicated ladies continued to stay by my side through the rest of the night while I adjusted to breastfeeding and gaining my strength back.

The teamwork of S&D were instrumental in my experience with a safe natural birth. They exceeded above all expectations I had and it was obvious to me they have passion and dedication to midwifery that allowed for a trusting collaboration that led us to make good decisions when necessary. I enjoyed our after birth visits and still call occasionally when I have questions regarding my babies health. I look forward to a homebirth with S&D in the near future!