In March, I had my first baby with Taryn as my doula and I could not have asked for a better experience! In our prenatal meetings, the tips and education that she gave me increased my confidence for labor, and when an ultrasound showed that my baby was breached at 35 weeks, she pointed me toward multiple useful resources in order to turn my baby - including exercises and a chiropractor. At 38 weeks, my baby was still breached. My provider, husband, and I decided to schedule a c-section. Taryn helped me make a new birth plan for a gentle cesarean. The care she provided helped me feel at peace with the change of plan. However, the day that I was supposed to have a C-section, the ultrasound showed that my baby had turned head down! Taryn celebrated with me and was able to join me in labor just a few days later. I give credit to Taryn for my being able to make it through labor and delivery without an epidural even though I was on Pitocin the entire time. In between contractions, she made it feel like I was at a spa - diffusing essential oils, putting a cool towel around my neck, and massaging my legs. During contractions, she helped me to keep my focus on my breathing, provided counter pressure, and helped me to ride each one out like a wave. I am convinced that the position changes that she had me do during labor decreased the length of my labor significantly. She worked extremely well with my midwife and nurse and I really did feel like we were all on the same team.
-Margaret P.
