![]() I knew I could count on Erika to be by my side, helping me through one of the most difficult things I have ever been through mentally and emotionally. That was hard but I knew I needed calming energy. I remember having to tell people I love, like my mom and my mother-in-law, that I didn’t want them in the delivery room. I choose to have the people I had because of their energy. I only had three people in the delivery room with me: my husband, my best friend, and Erika. I would describe Erika’s presence at the birth as calming, reassuring, and supportive. Erika possesses this really relaxing quality which makes you feel at ease during what can feel like a very overwhelming experience. She knew and supported our decision to have an epidural. ![]() We had talked about what I wanted beforehand, so when I really couldn’t concentrate on advocating for myself, she was there ready and willing. I knew I had someone there to advocate for me. Once I got to the hospital and Erika was there with me, I felt more relaxed. I remember going into labor and feeling excited that it was finally here and still nervous. I was prepared and felt comfortable when the time came. I had time to ask questions and she helped me with so much important information. That’s where meeting with Erika really helped me out. I had a lot of questions that I just needed more time to talk about with someone, but I wasn’t getting that at the doctor’s office. I remember waiting for what seemed like hours at the OB/ GYN office and only getting maybe 5 or 10 minutes with the actual doctor. Jennifer Sicotte, mother of 3, Holyoke, MAīeing only 21 when I first became pregnant, I was excited, nervous, and a little scared of the whole pregnancy and labor process. I only wish we had hired a doula for the first two births! Thanks to her, my labor experience and the birth of my third child went well and my daughter was born healthy and happy with high apgar scores and no complications. I don’t think I would have had such a beautiful and embracing experience without Erika there. When I was having a hard time focusing in the strong parts of labor she really knew how to help me refocus and calmly breathe through it. … Erika worked along with the midwives at Holyoke Hospital as part of the team. It was like having your best friend there to help. The day of my labor Erika showed up prepared physically, emotionally and professionally. Erika understood our beliefs about no blood transfusion. Because we are Jehovah’s Witnesses, we had full and frank discussions about our beliefs. We left open the possible use of an epidural. ![]() As a childbirth educator and doula, Erika helped us draw up a birthing plan that completely suited our needs. I have to say we were MORE than satisfied with the outcome of our decision. However, my husband and I wanted doula services this time – whatever it would take to make labor as smooth as possible at the age of 36. It may not be so common to have a doula when you’ve already birthed two children.
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