Last night I was talking with a client and she was telling me that she and another one of my clients were talking me up to a couple pregnant ladies recently. She shared lots of the nice things she said, told me how much it meant that I was at her birth, how much I helped, etc....and said "Seriously, if I had $1000, I would have given it to you...no matter what your rate was!" (I charged her $275.)
Hearing those praises really makes this job a dream, you know?
I also got some great evaluations in the mail last week from other clients. I this job!!!
Yeah, those positive comments makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it?
From the doctor at my first client's birth: The best doula I've ever worked with. Involved husband more than I've seen any doula do.
From L&D nurse at the same birth: I wanted to go drug-free with my own birth a few months ago, but I couldn't do it. If I would have had someone like you there, I know I could have done it.
From client: I will never give birth without a doula again!
I have a scrapbook where I put the cards, emails, etc. from clients, along with a few pics from their birth...I bring that to show potential clients. (all used with permission from my former clients, of course!) It is desparately in need of being updated though...
Some of my favorite quotes:
“Dorothy Haines is my hero. She is the reason the birth of my third child was PERFECT. She created an atmosphere of control and calm as soon as she entered my home. She helped my husband to help me and helped him feel important and valued. Everything she did was to make sure I was as comfortable as possible and in control. She helped give me a sense of power and confidence. This confidence is the main reason little Nora had a perfect BirthDay. This confidence came because Dorothy was my doula.”
“A mother and father deserve to be able to look back on their memories of the child’s birth, shed a tear and think, “Wow, that was perfect!”. I’m not sure how I can ever thank you for helping facilitate that except to keep you in my heart forever and send you a bit of gratitude every time I remember. When people asked why did I “need” a doula and midwife, I would just answer something like “Oh, well, I think I need all of the support I can get”…especially after my first birth was so arduous. But now my eyes pop open and I exclaim, “Oh, let me count the ways!”…and then I do. "
“Thank you so very much for making our labor and delivery such an amazing and natural experience. We are so pleased with our experience with you. Thanks to you and your support and expertise we were able to have the type of birth and labor that we so passionately desired. We cannot say enough wonderful things about you and your instrumental role in our birth process! There is NO way that we would have been able to have a natural birth without you. We cannot thank you enough!”
“You are amazing and truly someone we will never forget. If your ears were ringing these past days it's because we have been praising what you have done for us. As Sean and I tell everyone, we could not have done this without you. You’re an angel sent from heaven to do what you do so well.”
Your wisdom, experience and practical advice during my pregnancy were invaluable. You encouraged me to be aware of the strength that I had, and how my body was created to do this. This second birth was night and day different from the first time around... shorter, calmer and more natural. With my first birth, we felt scared. With this one, we felt empowered. We owe so much of that to you.
And this note from a mom who delivered a preemie by c-section:
Thank you for all your support during this beautiful, emotional, challenging process of bringing Z into our world. We have been fortunate in receiving your gifts of time, kind words, informed advice and gentle presence. Please know your strength and assistance has helped both M and I remain centered and grounded.
Those both make me teary, they totally sum up why I am a doula. I have permission to share those on my web site, there's another one I received recently that I'm hoping to add as well. It is powerful work we are doing!
__________________
CD(DONA), LCCE, BDT(DONA)
Doula and natural childbirth instructor
Birth doula trainer
I received the most lovely card from my last client yesterday. you can see it here: http://www.1000praisesdoulas.com/html/gallery.html (if you right click on the image and choose "view image" you can actually read the card)- I'm so thrilled that she took the time and the effort to do this!
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Char Haas, CD (DONA)
1000 Praises: Doulas for Birth and Beyond.
It was something I heard in class that struck me as profound:"It takes a thousand praises to birth a baby"
Mom to Neill (10) and puppy Rocket (2)
Married to wascally Wabbit- 14 years, and still going strong.
These are so wonderful to read
These are my favourites...
"We have 3 very different birth stories to share, the best of all had Sara there with us.”
"Sara has an aura about her that insights calmness and reassurance, in a time when it is most needed."
__________________
Birth Addict
(Formerly known as "Doula Sara")
Two weeks ago a client's DH called my house when I was out. He told my DH that they thought I was wonderful and didn't feel scared or nervous the whole birth (C-sect) until I left them several hours afterward. That made me feel amazing.
Another client told me that there wasn't a price too high for the support I gave her. She credited my continuous help for her painless birth. I feel that is too much because it was her mind that creater her experience... but it feels good to know that I made a difference!
Another client was FTP and when I got there and started her moving she got to 10 really fast. She and her DH told me that they believe they would have had a c-sect without my suggestions.
Location: U.S.A.~Somewhere Out There Beneath The Pale Moon Light...
Posts: 8,511
Thanks: 4,168
Thanked 3,076 Times in 1,733 Posts
Yes, the Thank You cards and all the baby pictures & letters that come later on are nothing short of thrilling.
I just had a nice compliment, too, in the form of a hiring! I have just been hired by a repeat repeat client (4th baby, but 3rd consecutive birth with this mom after she had no doula for her first baby). I can't wait to work with this couple again. After my first birth with her, she gave a testimonial that mentioned, "Lori was a wonderful doula. Not only would I recommend her to friends and family, but I hope that she will be available for future births of my own." She must have meant it since this is the third time!
I feel very blessed to be part of any birth but M & J's was extra special to me. I can't explain why but we had a bond right away and I'm so happy that we've since become friends. When I went to visit them after the birth of their baby, they gave me a thank you card, a beautiful photo album they had engraved, and made a onesie special for me that baby was wearing. They also wrote a testimonial for my website and it means the world to me-
"We hired Michelle 10 minutes after our interview ended, because she seemed so knowledgeable and supportive. Michelle learned all of my Hypnobabies scripts and tools to help with pain management. When my water broke early and I had to go to the hospital because of GBS, Michelle met us right away, and proceeded to help get my labor started. She walked every step and did every lunge with me. When I ended up needing Pitocin she was there to support and comfort me and my husband. When I felt like I was losing it, Michelle read my scripts to me and helped me stay in control. She was in the front lines when I needed her and in the background when I needed my husband. Our baby was born 36 hours after we got to the hospital, Michelle was there the entire time. We don't know what we would have done without her. Because of her help, knowledge and support we were able to have a wonderful birth. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect birth and doula."
I just got a thank you from a client whom I had several issues with the husband. First time i had not clicked with the dad and everything he said or did that day rubbed me the wrong way. He contradicted every thing i said. I almost left crying that night. Anyway, in the card, she said she asked her husband what they would do differently with the next one and he said, "i don't know what we would do differently but i know what we would do again-hire Enza!" I was shocked and pleased as punch! I knew i made an good impact on her but never in a million years did i think I had with him. Very good feeling and i am glad that in the end i held my tongue!
Compliments from Clients
this job!!! 
,Seth
,Caleb
,Lily
,& Olivia
