High Risk and in Control

Warning- long review ahead. I cannot begin to express what an important part of our birth story Leila was, but I'll try.

My husband and I had planned an unmedicated, low-intervention birth in a hospital setting early in my pregnancy. But we didn't pull the trigger on hiring a Doula until 37 weeks! I look back and I have no idea why we waited so long. We thought we could do it ourselves!

Even though we were late to hire Leila, she took the best care of us and made up for all the time we would have missed in just 2 weeks! Our first prenatal appointment was so thorough and hands on. We learned more in that visit than in the three prenatal courses we took. She showed us daily exercises, reenacted different stages of labor, and showed my husband different ways to help me during labor. A few days later Winnie started allowing Doulas again- what a relief!

At our 39 week appointment, I learned I had late onset pre-e. Our entire birth plan took a sudden turn and I was so defeated. Leila was so reassuring. She talked us through the entire induction process and was constantly texting us throughout the different steps. With every update we gave her, she gave us more information and questions to ask the doctors and nurses.

My induction moved quicker than expected and Leila got to the hospital as we were being moved to L&D. She turned that room into the serene birth place we would have had at home and it no longer felt like a hospital room. Leila continued to have me change positions and location - you will listen to her! Little did I know she was turning my son into the right position and it worked. I think I would have given up without her.

My son was in distress at birth and Leila helped us through that traumatic moment. She talked me through what was happening while consoling me like a friend I've known for years. I would have been so much more scared without her. Once I could hold my son, she immediately taught us how to latch.

After Leila left, the nurses and midwife kept singing her praises and talking about how amazing she was. I don't think they'd had such a great Doula before.

Her service doesn't end after your baby is born. She continually checked up on me and my husband postpartum. Our postpartum visits were so valuable as well. Leila takes the time to debrief, prepare a sitz bath, check on breastfeeding, explains postpartum care, and more.

I was apprehensive about hiring a Doula at first. But I can say without a doubt, hiring Leila was the best investment I have made. She changed the entire experience for us and for that our family is truly grateful. If we have a second child, I want her to be there.