Exceed my expectations!

Shaniece from Bellview, FL

2215 days ago

Anyone who knows anything about me knows I have always been terrified of child birth. Once my husband and I found out we were expecting states away from family; we decided to create our own support system. Due to the astonishing numbers of maternal mortality in women of color I felt the need to enlist the help of a trained doula. To help me better advocate and educate myself during the pregnancy and birthing process. To say to say I was met with skepticism from my husband and others is an understatement. However once we met Holly all doubt from his mind was erased. Holly was so warm and knowledgeable. Definitely felt like a kindred spirit! Holly provided great nutrition and supplemental support to help carry me throughout the pregnancy. She explained my options to naturally prepare my body to give birth verses medically invasive procedures. I know for a fact had she not been there I would have had an unnecessary cesarean for no reason other than time management. Cesareans although helpful when needed, are starting to become a very common or even preferred method of delivery if things aren’t processing quickly. I personally experienced pressure from my care providers to speed things up although I was in labor for less than 8 hours at the time. Holly helped me find my voice and advocate my rights as a patient and a mother. She stood up for me and gave me a sense of hope and will power when I felt pressured and outnumbered. She was quick on her feet and always offered a solution to the problem. After my daughter was born during my home visit she helped evaluate my daughters latch and advised on ways to make our breastfeeding journey easier. Six months later she is a wealth of knowledge. If you are near the Pensacola area I highly suggest the Birthing Tree!