Seeking Doula Referals

My first two births I was with an OB and had a c/s. My third time, I wanted a completely different experience. I used Ursula as my doula as I was going for a VBA2C and was 40 when I delivered (so considered pretty high risk for a VBAC). She was able to help me decipher what was safe and realistic for me. I had a complicated labor (only 1cm after more than 24 hours of labor) and I can honestly tell you that had it not been for Ursula (and the relationship she had with my midwife) that I would have absolutely ended up with another c/s. She is direct and loving all at the same time. She is knowledgeable. She goes above and beyond for her clients. Even my husband, who is super money conscious and wasn't sure a doula was necessary, raved about Ursula at the end of our 36 hour labor....he knew that HE needed her there. That says A LOT!

Even if you don’t use a doula, TAKE HER CLASS. You’d think I’d know a lot by the time my 3rd pregnancy rolled around, but I learned a ton. Plus, I’m getting together with the other Moms now that we’ve had our babies, so that is an added bonus.

I really like Ursula Sabia Sukinik. She taught my Bradley class and was excellent. She is also a doula. I didn't use her because I had a home birth with a midwife who had her own assistant and I couldn't afford a doula on top of that. But if I were to deliver anywhere else I would have definitely had her be my doula. Here is her info:

Ursula Sabia Sukinik, AAHCC

Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula

BirthYouDesire.com

###-###-####

Congratulations on your pregnancy and welcome to the area!

Congratulations on your pregnancy and your decision to use a doula! I delivered at Shady Grove Hospital eight months ago today and had an AWESOME doula. Her name is Sheila Rose Patton. She was fantastic. She met with me and my husband twice before the birth and we kept in touch after every midwife appointment. She came to my home and labored with me before we went to the hospital. Throughout the birth experience, she was my advocate, making sure that we stayed on track based on what I had told her I wanted from my birth experience. She fed me sips of tea between each contraction because I didn't want an IV (or an IV port) and she kept me very well hydrated. She made suggestions about positions and activities. She gave me things to focus on mentally. She used pain relief strategies and helped my husband stay as involved as he wanted. I felt comfortable laboring at home as long as I wanted to. She simply supported my decisions. I can't say enough about her. You can reach her at ____@____.com or ###-###-####. Tell her LJ referred you! By the way, she is also a Bradley instructor. We did not take Bradley classes, but were happy to know she had that background.

Hi A.,

Shayla Boyd-Gill from Birth Divas was our amazing doula for our first child. She originally was our Bradley method instructor and we were so glad that we decided to hire her to be at the birth. She was wonderful support while we were at home before the birth and was invaluable at the hospital. She's extremely good at relaxation techniques yet she worked almost invisibly - allowing my husband to take the lead coaching role (as we had planned). We also were confident that she'd work with the hospital staff to ensure that everything was done to make sure our birth went smoothly. Here is her site: http://www.birthdiva.com/mainpage.htm

Best wishes for your second birth!

E.

I've used Nurtured Beginnings (www.nurtured-beginnings.com) for all 3 of my births. They are a practice of 3 - you neet with all of them and get whoever is on call that day. I had a differernt doula for each birth and each birth was great. I delivered each at Fairfax Hospital - a hospital that every doula I interviewed the first time around said was not a doula-friendly hospital and at least 1/2 didn't practice there because of this. N-B technically doesn't go there, but they did go back 2 more times for me, which I appreciated a lot!

Hi A. H,
Try contacting Birth Options Alliance. They meet monthly in Takoma Park. It's a great forum where expectant moms can ask questions and meet prospective doulas and midwives. I suggest you contact the moderator and ask to join the group. (http://www.birthoptionsalliance.org/).
You'll get access to the meeting schedule as well as receive posts about doula recommendations.

Best of health,

V. C. Merriweather