Birth is Birth
My husband and I had our baby in the middle of a pandemic. It was quite the experience and something I wouldn’t have wanted to go through without Leila. We originally hired a doula because I had a lot of anxiety about giving birth. At 5ft 1, 90lbs pre-pregnancy I was told by numerous people I would need a c-section and there was no way my little body could handle a vaginal birth. Leila beat it in my head those were lies and I was more than capable of giving a natural birth. She is one of the most knowledgeable and professional people I have ever met. I felt comfort in knowing I would have my husband there to hold my hand and Leila as an advocate and coach. She supported me throughout my entire pregnancy and answered any questions my husband or I had.
A month before my due date Leila called to let me know Doula’s we’re no longer allowed in the hospital. I was devastated. I contemplated a home birth or a birth center so she could be there but my little one didn’t feel like coming on her own. Before my induction, Leila came over and spent the entire day with me doing exercises to help induce labor naturally. She made sure my husband knew all of the spinning baby moves and I was mentally and physically prepared for my birth. Although we didn’t have Leila there in person, we did have her on FaceTime and I’m so glad that was an option. It felt like she was in the room with us! On May 23rd at 4:01am I avoided the C-section and gave birth to my daughter with my husband by my side and Leila on the phone watching and coaching me every step of the way. I’m convinced that woman is an angel sent straight from heaven. If you are wondering whether or not it’s worth getting a doula during this pandemic, it absolutely is.
Leila was there for us during my pregnancy, labor and delivery, AND postpartum. After the birth I was struggling with breastfeeding and almost gave up. She came over for the first visit and changed everything. I don’t know what kind of magical powers that woman has but while she was still there I was able to breastfeed without crying. I’m happy to say we are still breastfeeding and going strong!
Leila’s services are worth every cent and more. She has become a friend and I will absolutely be hiring her again for our next birth. Even if that means having her on FaceTime.