TESTIMONIALS
I had a very short labor for my second birth using HypnoBirthing. I had been in contact with Renelle prior to the birth as my EDD was Decemeber 18th, 2010. She was very calm and understanding to my needs for this birth as the first one (June 2007) was 32 hours, though with a different doula. I wanted to have an unmedicated birth free of intereventions again this time. On Monday, December 14th, I felt very "crampy" and it was hard to get comfortable to sleep. I remember waking up around 2am feeling uncomfortable. Around 5:30 am I had to use the bathroom with loose stools followed by increasing cramps that seemed to hold a pattern. I decided to time them and then woke my husband telling him I was in labor. Thinking I had more time, I called my mother around 6am who lived about 45 minutes away to start getting ready to come and take care of our 2.5 year old son. my husband starting timing the surges and noticed they were 3 minutes apart. He wanted to hurry to the hospital; but I wanted to take a shower and get everything ready. He called his sister as he was unsure if my parents would make in time to pick up my son. My husband then called Renelle who lived about 40 minutes away to meet us at the hospital.
My parents arrived at my house around 7:15 am. We left our house shortly thereafter and headed to the hospital arriving around 8am. I was placed in my birthing room right away feeling a lot of pressure all the while. Renelle quickly got to the hospital just in time as the nurses wanted to start my IV; though I respectfully declined any IV prep. I continued to labor with the help of Renelle and my husband. The nurse nicely left us alone. I did ask to be taken off the monitors to use the toilet and to labor on the birth ball. I labored a little on the birth ball with Renelle doing counter pressure on my lower back and talking about each surge ass a wave, which soooooo helped as that is what helped in my first birth to visualize. Then, I felt it was time to use the bathroom. While on the toilet, I continued to feel the surges and then all of sudden lots of pressure and a pop sound followed by water; my membranes released. Renelle sensing that I may be getting closer to birthing, asked if I wanted to move to the bed. Thinking about it, I did decide that would be a good idea. Upon crawling onto the bed, I looked at the clock and noted that it was 9:20am when my membranes released. I was kneeling in the bed while supporting myself up on the side railing when I began to get the natural urges to bare down. Noting this sound and my body not letting up, Renelle quietly left the room and came back followed by the Dr and nurse. just as they were coming around the corner I said, "It's coming!!!!!!!" I felt my baby's head reaching the perineum and the Dr helping to adjust the shoulders. Mariah was born at 9:26am!!!!!! It was quick and calm. I can look back and say I had a fantastic birth experience!!!!! Renelle knew my birthing method and was a very calm and supporting presence. She was so quick to be at my side with no questions asked.
I want to note, that Renelle is very professional and understanding. At the time of my birth, I had almost no income and she was very supportive of me!!! Also, as a doula and childbirth educator myself, I feel compete trust in having Renelle as my back-up doula; she is always willing to help and her response time is incredible. I could go on forever!!!!!!
-Robin Ross
Bolingbrook, IL
My husband and I decided near the end of my pregnancy to hire a doula as I felt I needed additional support to be successful with having a natural child birth. My midwives referred me to Renelle and I was very grateful to say the least, to of had her help. I could not imagine having done it without her. Her ability to use guided imagery, a calming voice, massage and pressure application and emotional support were all greatly valued beyond words. She also, was very helpful with providing resources and relevant information during my pregnancy and post pardum. I was in labor for a lengthy amount of time, in which, unfortunately, ended in a C-section. Renelle was with me until well after the whole ordeal, without a complaint. She was professional, knowledgeable, caring and compassionate and I firmly believe is a priceless resource to any couple preparing for childbirth and breastfeeding.
Tracey Pardo
Chicago, Il
I decided to have an all natural birth for my second child after having a horrendous experience with pitocin and an epidural with my first birth. It was an extremely scary time because my baby's heart rate kept decelerating so often that I spent the entire labor and delivery worrying that something would go horribly wrong, even that I might lose my son. I did not want to go through that type of emotional trauma again so I wanted as little medical intervention as possible. I knew that I would need support in reaching this goal so I chose Renelle as my doula. Not only was Renelle there for me before the birth to answer any questions I had and to collaborate with me in developing a birth plan, but she referred me to a doctor who would support that plan. She was always available when I needed her and quick to get back to me with helpful and useful information on the different options I had available for my baby's birth. When I finally did go into labor Renelle was at my house as soon as I was ready for her. She listened to everything I wanted and took initiative when I could no longer communicate my needs! I felt safe and at peace through my labor knowing that she was there for me and my husband while I went through the worst pain of my life. She never once lost her cool and was a steady, fore-bearing presence through it all, offering things I didn't even know I needed! At the hospital Renelle was my mouth-piece communicating to the doctors and nurses on my behalf and standing by me as I delivered my precious baby girl. She also took pictures, which I am so grateful for since my husband forgot in all the excitement! I highly recommend a natural delivery with Renelle. Even though it is very physically painful process, it is easier when you have someone on your side to offer guidance and support. The peace of mind that came with knowing I was doing the very best I could for my baby was worth every bit of the pain. My baby girl was born healthy, alert, and ready to nurse! I highly recommend Renelle and will definitely have her there for any more children I deliver!
Emily Koch
Joliet, Il