Rayna was my doula for my first birth. I can't recommend her highly enough, and I can't imagine there is a better doula out there. I tell everyone that I consider Rayna to really be an angel from heaven who made my mostly natural birth possible. When I first went into labor, and was waiting (a short time) for Rayna to arrive, my husband was trying to help me with my contractions and pain management. In that first hour, I thought there was no way I would have the natural birth I wanted, and I told my husband I didn't think I could do it. The pain seemed to be unmanageable, and this was only the very first hour! After Rayna arrived, everything changed. She helped me get into the rhythm- with my breathing, posture, relaxation, and massage techniques. From that moment I was able to labor for more than 40 hours with Rayna by my side almost every second- with no pain relief! Rayna has a talent that I imagine only few people could possess. She was my pillar of strength. When I look back at my birth experience, I have no doubt that I would have ended up with an epidural and likely a C Section if not for Rayna. She will always have a special place in my heart because of the role she played in the birth of my son.
Rayna is likely the strongest person I have ever met. Noone in my family can even understand how she did what she did for 40 hours straight! During every contraction she was behind me- massaging me and applying pressure to my back that helped so much with the pain. Noone in my family, not even my husband, was able to apply the same kind of pressure- even once! Rayna applied that pressure to my back for every contraction for 40 hours straight! In between contractions she massaged me- without pause. She allowed me to lean my entire weight on her and talked me through every minute of these two days- breathing with me, and taking my weight and stress from me. I can't even begin to describe the support she gave to me. It was little short of miraculous. I've never had another person do so much to support me- both physically and mentally, in such a short period of time. Rayna was such a support for me, that the few times she went to the bathroom, I am embarrassed to admit that I was begging my family to get her out of the bathroom as quick as possible!
On top of all this, Rayna had the solution for every problem that arose during my labor and birth. When I vomited, she had the cure. When I wasn't progressing, she had the solutions. When I stopped dilating in the last hours and had a "lip" in my cervix that wouldn't dilate further, she (not the doctors or midwife) had the solution. She is so knowledgeable, that even the doctors and midwife took her advice. Because of her technical advice at the hospital, we were able to get past the problem, and I was able to give birth vaginally!
Rayna was there for me without reservation or pause during my pregnancy, my entire labor, and even afterwards. She spent two days with us laboring at home, rode with us in the car two times to UCLA hospital, stayed with us through our entire birth at the hospital, and she was there afterwards as well. She also gives amazing massages, which are included in her doula package.
Whatever plans you have for your birth, I recommend Rayna without any reservation. She is the best gift you can give yourself during this special time, and you and your family will be able to rest knowing that you are in such experienced hands. I know I couldn't have done what I did without her! read more