Goodness, I don't even know where to start! First time momma here! Somewhere along our pregnancy…read morejourney, we felt led to switch from OB care/hospital birth to Midwifery + doula care / home birth. My husband and I began searching and interviewing multiple doulas until Elizabeth, owner of Anointed Births contacted me to let me know she was in the process of adding Veronica into their mix and had only good things to say about her. We hopped on a FT with her and it was as if we were FTing a friend! It felt so easy, comfortable, she asked us questions, took notes, listened to our wants/concerns/plan/etc, and felt already supported from the first interview phone call. On that phone call we found out that our midwife was also hers-- it felt like everything was aligning! We knew we wanted to move forward with her and from then on she kept up constant communication with us, would answer any questions we had, addressed every concern, would give me all kinds of tips and tricks, encouraged us along the way, and then the birthing day! That girl put in WORK!!! She stayed with us for 12-13 hours and on a holiday! She never left my side, every time I looked at her during my labor and delivery, I was met with such a sweet smile, graceful encouragement, and continual guidance and support. She was helping me in every position, massaging my back, tennis ball to the back, gave a comb to squeeze, reminding and encouraging me to breathe and push the air down and out, to work with every contraction, to completely relax and rest in between surges, placing cold towels over my head and neck, making sure I was snacking and hydrating, pouring water over my back, whatever doula trick you can think of-- she did it and then some! AND she would check in with my husband and make sure he also had the energy to keep going, would asked if he drank water, if she could get him anything as he also held me every moment and stayed so strong for me. Even after birth she stayed to take care of me, help clean up our home, made me placenta ice cubes, made me my first ever super yummy placenta smoothie, did a beautiful placenta print, and just stayed by my side and held my hand stroking my leg making me feel so seen, so heard, so at home. It's like she knew I was holding back and told me it was ok to let it go. She always reminded me that what I just had to do whether it was carry and create our beautiful baby girl, labor for hours, push for hours, deliver a whole human, etc was a lottttt and that it was ok to feel the feelings and let it out. And THAT really helped. Somehow she also documented my labor and delivery, whilst still being fully present with us, and sent it to us at our postpartum appointment and I just about cried all over again viewing and watching what she captured. At every at-home visit, whether before or after the birth, she educated us with a wealth of knowledge, taught and showed us so many things, respected and supported all we felt led to do, and was just so excited for us! She not only helped physically, but she helped mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When I would encounter not so great things during pregnancy, she would encourage and pray for us. And during the birth day, she was right there with us praying out loud in agreement with my husband, and singing along to the worship music playing. I highly doubt I could've lasted the way I did without her by my side and most likely would've had to transfer to the hospital due to exhaustion or giving up. She, Rowan Midwifery, my husband, and God were THE perfect birth team; I couldn't have asked/prayed for better. Love you girl