“A Doula recommendation from a dad who 9 months ago didn’t know what a Doula was”
When our first child was born we did all the right things! We had a doctor, we went to the appointments, we read, we researched and we crafted the perfect birth plan! We were all set! We did not know what we did not know. Our first birth experience was an absolute train-wreck. Our rights were not respected, we weren’t listened to and it was clear to us that we were simply a cog in a much larger hospital business. I wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone! When we found our selves pregnant a second time we doubled down to be prepared to never repeat an experience like our first. My wife found East Raleigh Doula Co and told me about them. Let me tell you initially I was skeptical to say the least! We went through their program and I played along for the most part.
That all changed on game day!

My wife went into labor and we were both facing stress and flash backs to our first birth experience. We were in contact with our Doulas (they have 2 assigned for redundancy) and with a simple text Lindsay dropped everything and was on her way. Lindsay showed up at our house and brought with her a calming confidence that she had been here before and I knew then everything was going to be okay. Lindsay knew what to look for, what to say and what to recommend. She was the quiet calm in the room. I for the first time in this process felt a sense of peace. We labored at home until it was time to convoy to the hospital. She offered to ride in the car to offer support but we let her know that wasn’t necessary. At the hospital she knew what was happening, knew the details of our birth plan, our desires around the experience and amplified our voices to the medical professionals. I was concerned that this may create friction, it didnt! The hospital was very supportive of her being there. Lindsay, who was pregnant her self watched every detail….for get this 23 hours!!! She gave us her full undivided attention for 23 hours! I didn’t know that was humanly possible. She wasn’t reading a book she wasn’t on her phone she was there for us!!! There were points in labor where we were discouraged and concerned. With her experience and professionalism she would tell me no this is a good sign! This is exactly what should be happening. She created a sense of quiet and calm in what is normally a hectic hospital room. Our Doula was the quarterback of the team, she would ask us questions and relay them to the team. Her efforts during our labor were nothing short of heroic. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of our life. Our baby was safely delivered, my wife is recovering well and our family couldn’t be more grateful. My one concern is that they should be charging 5 times more for what you get. Its rare in life that your path crosses with someone who is such a positive influence. If you are on the fence about hiring a doula don’t be. I think it is one of the best decisions of my adult life!