Testimonials

It takes a village to raise a child. I’ve learned the truth of that saying over the last 4 weeks with my newborn. But what they don’t tell you is that it also takes a village to get through each trimester. I have such gratitude for my husband, family, church community, midwives and my doula. All of which loved and supported me through my pregnancy, labor and delivery as well as current postpartum. In particular, I’d like to highlight my doula, Gwendy. Throughout my pregnancy, the prenatal care I received from Gwendy made a huge difference. When we needed to make an informed decision, we knew we could reach out to her for the facts. When I had lingering fear about some pregnancy symptoms or fear of labor, she helped me work through it. When I had ideas about my birth plan, she listened intently and then provided great insights. When my husband or I needed an advocate, we called Gwendy and she advocated for us. During my laboring, the care, encouragement, and love that Gwendy gave helped make the experience all that I had hoped for. At one point, she even let me  labor in her tub at her home! A unique privilege I had as her neighbor, but shows how much she cares! That time laboring in her home was one of our favorite moments of the labor process. Working through contractions in the tub was exactly what I needed in that moment. Gwendy provided Godly comfort measures, encouraging both my husband and I through scripture cards, prayer and worship music. Through the rest of my birth, she was a great support partner to both my husband and I. Anything I needed, she did. From the beginning to the time we were bringing our newborn home, Gwendy loved on us so well! Her very presence welcomed the Holy Spirit and peace into the room. When I needed physical touch and support through my contractions, she provided that. When I needed emotional support through laboring, she encouraged me with her words. She spoke truth and life over my God given ability to give birth. Even in postpartum, she has been just as much a support. From baking lactation cookies, to checking in, helping with breastfeeding and even some household errands, Gwendy has dedicated herself to our family! Because of this, we are forever grateful and full of such love for her. I’m so glad we decided to have a doula and I’m beyond blessed that it was Gwendy. I wouldn’t want to give birth without her and I’m thrilled to have her as our forever doula!

Hiring a doula was a great decision and hiring Gwendy as our doula an even better one. She was instrumental throughout the entire pregnancy, labor and postpartum time. She provided us with many great resources, knowledge, advice (when asked), prayers, peace and love at every stage. She also was one of the few professional we talked to during pregnancy that asked how I was doing and tried to include me in the discussions. A nice change as it seemed most of the time I, as the husband and father, was often overlooked or even dismissed, as though I was not an equally important part of this process. We also made a great time during the labor process, working together to help support my wife. She didn't just take over the role of main birth partner but rather filled in the gas when and where I needed help, just as we planned. But the main thing that made Gwendy so vital to us was her faith. Having chosen to give birth as a birthing center that was not necessarily Christian-based, having her and her father there to help usher in the Holy Spirit through her prayers, the music she played, scripture cards she made and put up and words she spoke was invaluable. She brought so much peace and joy to us during the process and we are forever grateful that was a part of our birthing story!