vdoula, doula services

"Victoria was truly a blessing to have at the birth of my son. She had the amazing ability to anticipate my needs when I was unable to properly vocalize them and to be my voice against unnecessary medical intervention. She also told me it was OKAY if I wanted pain medication and because of that, I was able to handle the pain. She used counterpressure, massage, aromatherapy and whatever else I asked for to help me through the discomfort. She also played a part in the decision we had to make of whether or not to administer the vitamin K injection for my son, because of his traumatic birth. Overall, I wholeheartedly believe I would not have been able to handle staying drug free without Victoria. "

-Loving Mom of Riley

"Victoria’s help in our labor, and before and after, was fantastic.  I could not have hoped for a better doula.  She made my husband and I very comfortable, she knew how to help me ease my pain and used many massage, yoga and other techniques.  Her support made it possible for me to have an unmedicated birth.  I decided to do hypno-birthing, and she re-read the book for me so she would have it fresh on her mind, which was so nice!  She also was very supportive of me trying to have a water birth, and when I had to get out of the tub due to my baby’s irregular heart rate, she made me feel so comfortable about it.  I don’t even remember feeling concerned when this happened, she was so calm, and it actually turned out better, as I had baby J very soon after getting out of the tub.  Victoria made this small glitch in my birth plan a positive.  She also was very helpful in mediating my husband’s and mine interaction with the hospital staff, especially when they were offering me the epidural after I had been pushing in the tub!  Like I was going to get it after all that, and so close to the end!  She also was great with my midwife.  I just can’t say how happy my husband and I both were to have her involved in our child’s birth, she made the experience a calm, soothing and as comfortable as possible, and I believe allowed my husband and I to stay in our home until I was fully dialated and effaced enabling me to have the unmedicated birth that I wanted!"

-Loving Mom of baby girl J

Victoria's presence at the birth of my daughter, Sylvie, was invaluable.  It was my second full-term pregnancy and I was attempting a VBAC, and Victoria supported me unconditionally.  I had an extremely emotional and frustrating bout of prodromal labor, and I don't know what I would have done without Victoria to talk me off the ledge.  She went above and beyond in supporting me that day, even though I wasn't even in "true" labor.  Eventually, I had to be induced, and Victoria was there through the entire 17 hours from admitting to delivery.  One of my main goals for my second birth was to find my own voice and let it be heard amongst all the medical machinery - I felt very passive and alone with my first birth and just allowed things to happen to me. Victoria not only helped me go farther than I ever thought I could take my own body through labor, but her collaborative and gentle spirit allowed me to trust my instincts and communicate them effectively to my caregivers.  I did have to have another cesarean, but I have absolutely no regrets because thanks to Victoria, I was able to be an active participant in the process.  When I had an extreme reaction to the anesthesia (uncontrollable shaking), Victoria held Sylvie to my breast in the recovery room so that our nursing relationship could start off strong...and it sure did!! I cannot recommend Victoria's services highly enough.

-loving Mom of Sylvie Grace