Arlene was such a wonderful blessing to our birth experience for our first baby! I gave birth at a birthing center with a team of midwives and Arlene as my doula, and we also signed up for her prenatal birthing classes.
I wasn’t completely sold on the idea of having a doula, but since Arlene offered prenatal classes as well we decided to hop on a call with her and connected instantly! She is so knowledgeable about all things pregnancy, labor, and birth and we loved how much information she offers just in the course of a normal conversation. Up until meeting Arlene, we felt like we always had to ask specific questions to get more information about what to expect, but Arlene is such a natural teacher that she is able to answer questions we didn’t even know we had! She was able to coax out our hidden concerns and anxieties and help me articulate my expectations and preferences for the birth. She always made a point to keep my husband involved in the conversation because his role as my birthing partner was so important.
When I went into labor, Arlene came right over and helped me labor at home until it was time to go to the birthing center and stayed until well after the baby was born to be an extra set of hands and help with latching. Having a doula during labor helped above and beyond what the midwives provided because she didn’t leave my side and she was able to read my body language and help me into new positions when I started getting tired. In her words, I would be in “Laborland” and wouldn’t be super aware of my surroundings, making decisions, or thinking of new positions to try. She was absolutely right!!
On top of everything, she took incredible photos of the labor and birth! She picked up my camera and snapped away and the photos were an absolute gift to look back through as we were recovering at home with our perfect baby girl. It was also great to have her over for our 2-week postpartum visit to think back on the labor and discuss recovery and all the new things that come with parenthood.
Would absolutely recommend Arlene for birthing classes and doula services, she was wonderful!!