Comments from Doulas Care Clients

 “This is a vital service.  My birth memories are of a joyful, powerful, and gentle experience…. This has much to do with my DOULAS CARE Doulas’s support and assistance throughout.  The confidence and joy I felt during labor and delivery spilled over into a blissful postpartum period, which has in turn given me a tremendous boost as a new mom and also strengthened my marriage.”

“What I found to be most helpful was my DOULAS CARE Doula’s unconditional positive regard for my ability to make good choices for myself.  I felt very stressed out in the last two months of my pregnancy because I was trying for a VBAC but then found out my baby was in breech and then in a transverse lie position…I worried about having a C-section at 38 weeks and waited until 41 weeks instead.  Throughout my decision-making process, my DOULAS CARE Doula was highly professional, supportive and kind, which was exactly what I needed from her.  She also had lots of information for me, but most helpful was her consistent, positive support.”

 ”It was an early delivery that took everyone by surprise.  My DOULAS CARE Doula showed up at the hospital with a large bag of healthy drinks and snacks.  She provided heat packs and massages during labor, and she was really helpful during the pushing phase by supporting me physically and emotionally.  She stayed awake with me all night.  She also brought a camera and took our first pictures.”

“I had to be induced at 39 weeks because they thought it was a big baby.  My DOULAS CARE Doula and I talked all night, and I told her I would call her when I was dilated past two centimeters.  We talked and texted all morning and at about 1PM when we talked she said she would come; I was so tired and I needed her.  She helped me make the choice to have a C-section, and then she went back and forth between me, my baby and my husband to tell me how my baby was.  I was so grateful she was with me.”

“My DOULAS CARE Doula never left my side.  She really helped me breathe and encouraged and motivated me to move around.  She listened to my desires and empathized with my pain.  She kept me going when I wanted to give up.”

Testimony from Doulas Care Clients:

 

Charlie’s Angels: The Aroma of a Doula

By Charlie Long Graham

The doulas’ role in my life after giving birth has become like treasured memories. With a willing spirit, the doulas’ embrace was warm and their compassionate acts of gentle and genuine service helped to maintain a safe and uplifting atmosphere while my body healed. Their personal and sincere touch, wrapped with sensitivity and a nurturing spirit, made the definition of doula come alive in my presence.

Today, I pay tribute to doulas across the globe, especially the doulas in Ann Arbor and Plymouth, Michigan. These doulas were chosen and trained for action and help set the tone for my healthy postpartum recovery — mentally, emotionally, and physically. The mission statement that represents agencies can often become words with little success, lacking little impact. I am a witness to the statement the doulas made. The doulas bring their mission statement to life, by their works. The Center for the Childbearing Year is reaching women like me within the community and decreasing high levels of stress that often characterize post-birth experiences. Women are overall the caregivers for the families. When you help a woman maintain her mental and physical health, you help a nation.

I represent one of the women within Washtenaw County who was in great need of support after delivery. It is evident that the doulas are being chosen and hand picked to provide this service. Women are able to overcome any obstacles when surrounded with a positive empowering team. The Doulas Care community-based program was in the position to send my family help in the form of professional, non-judgmental, caring doulas. I was encouraged and motivated, while the doulas provided assistance. Without the doulas caring for my newborn and supporting me with my three- and four-year-old sons while I learned to walk again, my road to recovery would have been consumed with discouragement and stress. The doulas added to my hope and lifted my confidence tremendously.

There were many people wondering how I could make it without becoming completely depressed. Those people underestimated my level of faith and the mission statement behind the doulas. I was fortunate to have a caring agency that provided me with assistance. The “aroma of doulas,” their dedication and commitment to this much needed volunteer and support service was like a scent of inspiration. They created an environment where I could heal with confidence and hope. It’s an honor to send words of thanks and appreciation to all the employees and volunteers for developing and maintaining an agency that helps mothers overcome the challenges of childbirth. I salute you for your commitment to women.

A Doula to the Rescue of a Breastfeeding Mom

by Charlie Long Graham

Kiki Farrow is a doula from the inside out, with tender-loving care
spreading her gift of compassion and kindness to women everywhere.

Kiki received a call about a mother in need;
I was hospitalized and unable to walk after giving birth.
I’m the mother who was determined to continue to breastfeed.

I had a breastfeeding dilemma and the only way I could
continue to nurse my three-month-old son with pride,
was to have 24-hour help by my side.

Kiki entered my hospital room with an aroma so sweet;
I will never forget the day she set my spirit at rest.
Kiki was a gift to our family and stands out as one of the best.

My breastfeeding dilemma was about to come to an end;
The day I received my doula, Kiki, I received a mentor, a nurturer, and a friend.

Kiki’s smile was like a rainbow full of promise and cheers;
she embraced you with her presence, while eliminating all your doubts and fears.

A stranger no more after five minutes of her special touch,
her doula expertise and inner beauty rose to an A+.

I was wheelchair bound with three children, four and under;
I had a high need for committed assistance.
Kiki’s dedication prepared me for my independence.

Kiki remained committed after my month-long hospital stay;
she was so devoted to my family, with rich and kind words to say,
I said to myself, “this doula deserves pay.”

My doula helped organize my home, putting things at arms reach,
in order for me to care for my children and breastfeed with peace.
This is what I call doulas in action delivering a service to your satisfaction.

“Compassion in action” – my doula made those words come alive.
Through her service, I breastfed my son for 18 months with pride.

Transportation to therapy, housework, child-care, you name it!
My doula was determined before she left me alone,
that I could handle things on my own.

I honor Kiki Farrow for being my doula sent with grace,
always on time with a spirit of excellence,
embracing me with her sincere and loyal presence.

I will always cherish and honor the Center for the Childbearing Year.
I am thankful for your labor of love and for choosing women like Kiki Farrow:
Pleasant, Patient, Positive, and Powerful.

 

About

• Our Mission, Values and Vision
• Meet the Staff
• Board of Directors
• What is a doula?
  • Birth Doulas
  • Postpartum Doulas
  • Doula Training and Education
  • Comments from Doulas Care Clients
• Our Funders