At Family Center Massage Therapy we love what we do, and it shows. Keep reading to learn how our clients found their FCMT experience.
October 8, 2002
To Whom It May Concern:
The moment Andrew and I met Paula, we knew she was the Doula for us. When we told her we were excited about having a baby, but also a little bit nervous, she immediately set our minds at ease by explaining that childbirth is the beginning of a wonderful adventure called parenthood. She reassured us that as our Doula she would do her best to manage our fears and make the birth process as enjoyable as possible for both of us. It was this positive and energetic outlook that immediately drew us to Paula. We felt completely comfortable with Paula and just knowing she was going to be with us gave Andrew and I much confidence as we awaited my labour to begin.
Paula was excellent through my long and often difficult labour. During the early stages she was in constant telephone contact with us and when we wanted her to come over, she was there immediately. We laboured at home for much of my labour, where Paula proved to be an energetic and fun labour coach, teaching us on the spot how to manage the pain of each contraction. She encouraged us to use gravity to our advantage and we spent a lot of time walking in a park near our home. Paula was particularly wonderful at guiding Andrew how to best help and support me, thus allowing him to take an active part in my labour. I really enjoyed the early part of my labour, which was spent walking, talking, laughing and fantasising about the baby we would soon meet.
Paula encouraged me to trust my body, so when I felt it was time to go to the hospital, no time was wasted. Paula was well mannered and co-operative with our first nurse who seemed a little hesitant about her presence in the labour and delivery room. As my labour and pain intensified, Paula provided constant physical and emotional support, allowing Andrew and I to stay well focussed throughout each painful contraction. When it came time to push, Paula was a true team player and worked tirelessly with Andrew, Nuri (the second nurse), and Dr. P to help me through this extremely difficult part of childbirth. Paula kept telling me how great my breathing was and how well I was doing. When Sera was finally born, Paula praised me on a job well done and really made me feel good about myself and the birth of my daughter. Paula treated Sera’s arrival into the world as the same kind of miracle it was for Andrew and I. Paula also did a fantastic job taking pictures and videotaping for us and keeping our families in the waiting room well informed of my progress.
We can’t express in words how grateful we our to have had Paula present for the birth of our daughter. Paula never left our side for 18 hours. Just having someone with her nature and touch beside us made all the difference. There was a tremendous feeling of security with Paula’s presence. Paula’s wonderful personality and all the great qualities she has to offer made this challenging and rewarding experience easier. Paula, we honestly could not have done it without you.
The next morning when Dr. P came to check on us, she complimented Paula as being some of the best labour support she has ever seen during childbirth. Andrew and I couldn’t agree more. We really feel that Paula has a heart for being a Doula and we can not recommend her highly enough to parents-to-be who want to be in excellent hands.
Sincerely,
Kari K and Andrew W