Baton Rouge's Choice For The Most Experienced In Childbirth Education And Doula Services

Enjoy these birth stories and testimonials from Birth Help doula clients, class members, labor and delivery nurses,and doulas who have attended doula skills workshops.

If you have participated in Birth Help services and would like to add your experience, thoughts, or birth story, submit your testimonial to René via email.

Email René

Visit our New Additions to the Birth Stories

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After experiencing both an epidural birth and a natural birth, my husband and I decided to hire Rene’ for the birth of our third child.  During the un-medicated birth of our second child, we underestimated the intensity of a natural birthing experience and found ourselves unprepared and unsupported by the hospital staff.   When we learned that I was pregnant with our third child, we knew we wanted to have another natural experience: however, we wanted to be better prepared and have more support this time around.

This is when we began our search to find a reputable doula in our area. After our initial meeting with Rene’ we felt very comfortable and confident that she could provide the support that we needed.  We arranged for private birthing classes which greatly enhanced our knowledge base from the natural perspective.  In addition, we learned an array of techniques that could make this birth go more smoothly.

Several weeks before the birth of our daughter, we met with Rene’ and Karen for a very in depth  visit to ensure that everything was in place prior to the birth.  Rene’s knowledge, experience, professionalism and support were a great asset before, during and after the birth of our daughter.

Having Rene’ present at our birth put both me and my husband at ease and allowed us to have a beautiful birthing experience. Sophia was born April 9, 2007.

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My water broke over three weeks before my due date, just days before I was supposed to get a bellycast done.  Throughout my pregnancy, my husband had been deployed in Afghanistan. I was completely caught off guard by my early labor; I felt very alone and scared.

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Karen and Rene',

Caroline is three today.  On this day, July 13th, I had the privilege of having both of you support me at my birth. I wanted to write to both of you and and tell you how much I appreciated it. Your kindness, your comforting touch and your soft words meant so much to me. Both of you helped me more then I think you know.

As more time passes and I reflect on that birth, I remember more and more things which both of you did. As you know after Caroline I gave birth to Thomas without a doula. So many people that I now have contact with because of my doula work think my homebirth must have been better since it wasn't in a hospital. However, that isn't the case. Caroline's birth is the one which I remember with the most fondness. I felt the most supported and cared about with hers and that was because of both of you.

Now that I am working as a doula,  I value your support even more. I know this is hard work and realize how much time and effort it takes away from your family. I appreciate your giving up that time to be with me and providing your undivided continuous support just to me.

I know that birth was full of compromises with my doctor, but overall it was a good birth. I feel that is because I had both of you to help answer my questions, offer me suggestions and also just knowing you were there and willing to support me in anything I decided of the options presented.

I think what I remember most about that birth is when I got into my ritual. There is no doubt about it I needed both of you (and Jeff and Claire) for the ritual I enjoyed. Speaking of that, Rene', my feet have never been softer than after that hour foot massage!   

Thank you!

Annie

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My wife and I were very nervous about our first birthing experience.  Karen and Rene' equipped us with loads of useful information about the process and how to prepare for it.  They also helped me find out where I fit in and how I could be an integral part of the process as well.  Because of their help, we were able to have the type of birth we wanted and make it a very happy one.  When our son, Elijah, was finally born, Jessica acted like nothing had just happened and was capable of caring for him right away.  The advice and support from Karen helped us reach that point.  We are very grateful for their help and would never trade it for anything else.

Eric Kehn

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When Shannon expressed interest in a natural childbirth I pledged my unwavering support. My sister and Shannon’s mother had given birth naturally to seven healthy babies, so the idea was one that we were both familiar and comfortable with. Shannon set up a consultation with Rene’, which was informal and reassuring. We had lots of questions about the whole process and exactly what services a doula provided.

Rene’ answered all of our questions very honestly and forthright. There never was a hint that this process was going to be easy. However, our excitement grew at the prospect that Shannon’s birth plan could be achieved.

We stayed busy reading and discussing our options until the Birth Help classes began. They were invaluable even after all that reading we had done. There was something special about personal instruction from experienced doulas, and our confidence increased.

When Shannon’s water broke, I was across town watching the LSU-Arizona game. On the drive back to the house, the exhilaration and emotion was overwhelming. I was about to be a father.Rene’ met us at the hospital and we settled in. Shannon’s exam told us that she was 2 cm. This was a surprise since she was 3 cm the day before at Dr. Huyhn’s office, but I reminded Shannon that it was just a number, and subjective at that.

I was excited about assembling the water birth tub because I could definitely contribute. Rene’ helped me with the details and we got it assembled and filled, waiting for Shannon’s use.

Shannon’s contractions had all but stopped, so at Rene’s suggestion we made several laps around the postpartum unit to encourage contractions. There we were encouraged by a nurse who shared her experience of having five children naturally.

We decided it would be best to rest.  Later, when contractions intensified, Shannon was ready for something to help ease her pain, and Rene’ suggested we try the shower. I held the shower attachment over Shannon’s back, but she had a hard time standing, so she decided to sit on the ledge in the shower and began to direct the water herself. Rene’ suggested that I get some food at this point before labor was more challenging.

When I got back, Shannon was in the tub as her contractions were very strong and close together. Dr. Huyhn arrived and performed an examination and Shannon was 9cm. She went from 4cm - 9cm in less than three hours!

Rene’ suggested that it was time to get into the tub and help support Shannon, so I put on my swim suit and joked about suiting up in full scuba gear and watching the birth from underwater. I supported her from outside of the tub in various positions, then Shannon tried several suggested positions except with me in the tub with her this time. The most effective position seemed to be her lying on top of me with both of us face-up. I was like a human birthing tub chair. When she pushed, I would hold her thighs from underneath and pull back toward our heads. Shannon got serious about pushing and the baby’s head started to be visible.

When it seemed we stopped making progress, Rene’ suggested that Shannon try the toilet for a while. While Shannon was on the toilet pushing, Rene’ and the nurse were coaching while I watched and relaxed in the tub. I could see the baby’s head as it appeared and disappeared while I slammed a Red Bull energy drink and savored the moment.

Shannon got back into the tub and immediately wanted me beneath her again, the most comforting position for her. She began really hard pushing and made quick progress, and I was amazed at her determination and strength. I knew that the birth was close when Dr. Huyhn began to roll up her sleeves and put on what looked like some type of sleeved apron. I was observing over Shannon’s shoulder from underneath her, trying to keep my head out of the water. During the next contraction, Shannon pushed the crown of the head through and then the baby smoothly slid out into the water and into Dr. Huyhn’s hands. She did some doctor stuff and then placed a big boy on Shannon’s chest.

I was so overwhelmed with joy and some other emotions that I had never felt that I cried. I kept saying, “You did it!” We laid there in the tub looking at him and each other as we listened to his cries. I realized how special this point in time was and savored it. I was the luckiest man in the world to be able to experience his birth in such an intimately involved way.

Benjamin Daniel Gugich was 9lbs., .03ozs., and 21 inches, healthy and loved by his family.

The services offered by Birth Help proved invaluable and allowed Shannon to experience the birth of her choice and so much more. I wouldn’t change a thing. I hope that your birth experience, whatever choices you make, is as enjoyable and satisfying.

John Gugich

Emily and Jon's birth at Baton Rouge General Hospital

  I had everything planned for the birth of my first baby in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina rearranged every bit. My husband Jon and I relocated to Baton Rouge and I found myself starting again - touring hospitals, interviewing doctors, and stressing out.

It wasn't until we met the Birth Help doulas that I started to feel things coming together. Knowing that we would have their experience and strength to draw from had an enormous calming effect as we anticipated our birth.

When the big day finally came, it turned out to not be the big day, but before that was clear René gladly met us at the hospital at 10:30 p.m. and walked through the admission process with us. She was a valuable source of counsel that night, helping us weigh the pros and cons of staying at the hospital. Eventually we decided to check out and wait a little longer at home.

After a great night's sleep, labor kicked in again the next morning, and this was the real thing. With René's support I was able to spend early labor at home where the weather was balmy and being at home meant I could open the windows and feel the warm breeze surround me.

As labor intensified, René was a constant source of help. She suggested positions and helped us try new things if we got in a rut. Having René's support meant that Jon could update friends and family in the waiting room and take care of himself without leaving me alone.

After several hours of intense active labor we reached the pushing phase, and I was exhausted from hours of tough labor. René's guidance at this time was invaluable as she helped me work through the intense pain. When I felt like giving up, she guided me to open my tightly closed eyes and draw strength from my husband. Locking eyes with him reminded me that I wasn't alone and energy seemed to transfer from him into my tired muscles. René also paid close attention to my body language during the pushing phase and guided me to push more productively. After a long, hard labor our little Gavin was born. All the pain and struggle was instantly replaced by the exhilaration of welcoming our angel.

After the birth my nurse confirmed the cause of the overwhelming pain. Gavin had been positioned occiput posterior (OP), and he was born 'sunny side up.' I wouldn't have made it through birth unmedicated without René's support. I know now that OP births are much more painful and difficult. If we had not had our doula's help, I know I would have panicked. I was afraid of the pain and very nervous in hospitals, and the combination would have overwhelmed me. René wasn't intimidated by either; she was a calm, steady presence. I know I wouldn't have fulfilled my hopes of a vaginal, unmedicated birth without her.

One final note of praise. My labor was long and intense, and René supported my husband and me for more than 12 hours. She never once let fatigue interfere with her work. She maintained a steady and attentive presence every hour - the same at 2:30 in the afternoon and at 2:30 in the morning.

Emily and Jon

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Jessica and Mitch's birth at St. Tammany Parish Hospital

  "I can't say enough about our birth experience with René and Karen. My husband and I agree that their fee was the best money we ever spent!

We very much wanted a calm, natural birth and, with their help, that's exactly what happened. René and Karen got to know us through a home visit, attending a doctor's appointment, emails, and time spent in their excellent childbirth classes. In preparation for the birth, we also took a hypnobirthing class, but that seemed like a refresher course in comparison since Birth Help's classes offer so much valuable information. After taking those classes, we realistically knew what to expect and felt confident about making decisions.

René and Karen were truly there for us in moments of panic, denial, and frustration. Having their wealth of knowledge available during labor was very reassuring and comforting. I was worried about my husband's ability to handle the stress of watching me labor, but having Karen with us in the beginning, and later René empowered him to be a great labor coach throughout the duration. All of our friends and family were impressed with his skills and our doulas.

I think that our loved ones probably questioned our decision to hire a doula because they didn't know what to expect. Following Emma's birth everyone, including hospital staff, was very complimentary of our doulas and their friendliness, professionalism, and overall contribution to our (and our family's) experience.

One of the best perks was receiving our doulas' written timeline and labor notes. It's difficult to remember the series of events and having someone objective there to document the events fills those gaps.

I would not even consider giving birth without a doula! My husband says that if he ever needs a medical procedure, even a root canal, he wants a doula!

Thank you Birth Help for helping make our dreams come true!"

Jessica and Mitch are the parents of Emma, born in July 2006 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, Louisiana.

Email Jessica or Mitch

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Dee Dee and James

"At first we worried if a doula would come between us at a precious time in our lives. However, Karen was a great source of comfort and encouragement. She helped make our desire for a natural birth experience possible which we think made the event more memorable. We were truly blessed to have Karen as a part of our daughter's birth."

james and dee dee

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Catherine and Charlie's birth at Woman's Hospital

  My experience with René and Birth Help began quite by accident in the spring of 2005. I wasn't even pregnant at the time, but looking for a good obstetrician. What I found first was Birth Help.

René suggested that I attend the May 2005 Baby Grand at Woman's Hospital where I could get valuable information on pregnancy, hospital policies and procedures, and get answers to my questions. I could also meet her and see what Birth Help and doulas were all about. I took that advice, and my entire outlook on labor and birth changed.

In October 2005 I found that I was already two months pregnant, and I now knew I wanted a natural childbirth. I immersed myself in even more research and registered for Birth Help's childbirth classes and a Hypnobirthing class.

The Birth Help classes were great, very informative and non-threatening. They gave us practical information including hospital procedures, what to expect of labor and birth, comfort measures, laboring positions, partner support, and more. If we had not decided to use Birth Help's doula service, the classes alone would have been invaluable!

I continued regular correspondence with René throughout my pregnancy, and she helped me with my birth plan. She had suggestions whenever I asked, and she inquired often about my mindset. When my due date came and went, she helped me get beyond feeling upset, worried, and a little scared. My doctor was talking about induction, but I was afraid of the 'snowball' effect regarding other medical interventions.

At nearly 42 weeks I gave in to the induction because of my doctor's concern that waiting any longer could jeopardize the health of the baby and me. We checked into the hospital at 4:30 a.m. and René was there at my side not long after.

I don't know how long it took, but I finally got fully dilated and effaced. The pitocin contractions were so close together that I got no rest between, and I looked to René as my maternal figure. I looked into her eyes as she held my hand, and I nearly started crying. Just then my water broke, and the pitocin was stopped in hopes that I could finish on my own. Unfortunately, after a while my progress started to regress, and we discussed my remaining options - having a cesarean, restarting the pitocin (a thought that terrified me), or having an epidural to regain enough progress to birth vaginally.

With tears in my eyes, I looked to my husband and René. I knew I couldn't take pitocin again, and I was starting to get scared. I still didn't want a cesarean, and I started to cry, thinking I was weak for giving in to an epidural (even after being induced for 12 hours). René softly told me that there was no shame in accepting an epidural, and it was the best option to try for a vaginal birth.

I started to feel better, although I was terrified of getting the epidural without my husband and René present. After the epidural, the pitocin was restarted when suddenly the baby's heart rate dropped, and the doctor said it was time to take the baby by cesarean.

My husband and René were in the OR with me and stayed by my head, giving me a running commentary on what was happening. At 8:30 p.m. on May 30, 2006 Thomas Charles Denny joined the world at 8 pounds and 21 inches tall.

I had planned on natural childbirth, but I had no regrets, due largely to the tremendous support I received from René and my dear husband.

I wish you the best of luck with your own adventure!"

Catherine Denny on behalf of Charlie, Thomas, and myself

Email Catherine or Charlie

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Lindsey and Beau Bennett's birth at Lafayette General

Dear René,
Joseph Elijah Bennett was born on Sunday, August 6th, at 1:37 am!!! He was 8lbs 9oz, 21 3/4 inches and he is the cutest baby in the world!!! The birth could not have gone better. Lindsey did so great, and when we finally arrived at the hospital in Lafayette around 9:30 pm she was having hard contractions every 3 minutes. When the nurse did the first exam she was 80% effaced and 5 cm dilated. The nurse was really surprised because of how cool and composed Lindsey was at the time. She figured she was 1 or 2 cm!

We were so blessed that our nurse was a midwife for the past 6 years but she came to work as a nurse because she needed more time to spend with her sick dad. She was such a big help and totally on board with everything we wanted. We had 0 interventions during labor, needed only 2 small stitches for a little tear and overall it was such an awesome, joyful experience. Now, Lindsey and Joseph are both doing well Thank you for the classes, I hope that all of the other participants have as a great a birthing experience as we did!

Sincerely,
Beau, Lindsey and Joseph Bennett

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Woman's Hospital Labor and Delivery Nurses

Woman's Hospital's labor and delivery nurses after attending Birth Help's October 2006 class about working with natural childbirth patients:

"I loved the class. Very informative. It will better help us care for our natural patients."

"The class was very helpful. I feel like I will be much more comfortable with my natural patients and better prepared to take care of them."

"This class really helped me to see all of the options that are available to promote comfort in the laboring mother."

"The best part of the class was practicing the breathing and relaxation techniques and hands-on comfort measures. I feel more confident helping all of my patients now!"

"Thank you, René and Karen for your knowledge! Thanks for encouraging us nurses and helping us feel appreciated."

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Amy and David Alexander's birth at Baton Rouge General

 "When I found out I was pregnant, I wasn't sure if I would be able to handle natural childbirth. I had a lot of fears of feeling out of control and thought it might be nice to just tune out the birth and let the medical staff decide the course of my birth. Lunch with a friend of mine who had birthed naturally made me change my mind. She talked about how wonderful she felt holding her new baby in her arms, knowing she'd been completely present for its birth, and how nice it was to be able to walk around after her birth and to feel her whole body throughout this life changing event. Even though she had a long, long labor, she seemed so proud of her accomplishment. She recommended René. By the end of our talk, I was sure that I could have a natural birth. At the very least, I knew that with the help of a doula, I would be able to have as close to the birth I dreamed of as possible. I prepared for my birth by reading a lot of books, creating birth art, and journaling. I also enrolled in a hypnobirthing class. Two weeks before my due date, my husband, David, and I met with René and her associate Karen. He was comforted by their calm, confident knowledge of the birthing process. René and Karen made it possible for me to apply all of that preparation by helping me keep my mind focused on the task at hand. Like many women, I went to the hospital thinking I was in labor, only to find out that I was only a centimeter dilated. Renés calm, gentle presence helped me forgive myself. When the "real thing" happened, I labored at home for 24 hours before visiting my doctor, who confirmed that I was in labor.

Karen, and later René, met me and David at the hospital. They had a lot of practical hints to offer, including how David could help me in the shower without getting wet himself by using a bedsheet, different positions, how to use a birthing ball and how to sit on a small utility stool I'd bought at Wal-mart to help open my pelvis. 95% of my labor was truly ecstatic in nature. As I applied all of the teachings I had learned from René, Karen and my hypnobirthing class, I felt wonderful. René and Karen knew exactly how to help me imagine what my body was doing.

When I was nearly 10 cm dilated, I stopped progressing. This was a bit frightening, and I leaned on Karen and René more heavily than I ever thought I would. They helped David help me through that dark time. After a lot of deliberation, René suggested I be given a bit of Pitocin. This was difficult for her, because she knew how much I wanted an absolutely unmedicated birth. In the end, though, I truly think that bit of Pitocin helped me reach my goal of having a vaginal birth with minimal intervention. I believe I would have ended up with a C-section had I not been given that little medical help. René helped me make the decision to accept some medication, but she did not, in any way, press me. It was always my decision. Ryan Sebastian was born early in the morning after a very grueling, but also joyous, 36-hour long labor. When I remember it, it is a happy memory and I am so proud of what I did. I know for sure that David and I would not have held up without the guidance of René and Karen. I have them to thank for my empowering birth story."

Amy Alexander gave birth to Ryan in October 2005

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Lollie and C.J.'s birth at Woman's Hospital

"After having two induced births with many interventions and epidurals, I knew I wanted this third birth to be different. I had done a lot of reading on natural childbirth and all of the resources spoke of the benefits of having a doula. The idea of having an experienced labor support person made me feel much more comfortable as I took the uncertain step into very new territory of natural childbirth. Living in a city where few women labor without pain medication, I did not think it likely to find a doula in town. I was so pleased to find Birth Help on the DONA (Doulas of North America) website. I cannot speak highly enough of Renés and Karen's professionalism. René and I spoke on the phone the first time for over an hour and I instantly felt a connection. I felt cared for as a pregnant mom, even though we'd never met before.

My husband was unsure of why, for our third child, I would want to change course and have a natural labor, much less, why we would need a labor support person. After all, that was his job. But, he saw my conviction and as always, wanted to be supportive. We chose to have a private birth class at our home that was tailored to our needs. My husband was then more fully able to understand the benefits of natural childbirth and was assured that his role as my number one support person was not going to be replaced. Our labor would remain about the two of us bringing our third child into the world. We would just now have the added benefit of another person there; one with years of experience helping moms labor and who had a well-established rapport with the hospital. She would be an advocate for our personal birth goals and desired experience. The birth class was an instant preparation for our labor and allowed us to get to know René. After their first meeting, my husband and René really hit it off as well.

We met again two weeks before my due date with both doulas to discuss anything and everything that needed to be addressed before the big event. This meeting was crucial in establishing what my husband and I wanted our experience to be. It made sure everyone was on the same page.

It was so comforting during those last days leading up to my due date to have René to email and talk to regarding my progress and pre-labor questions and concerns. My doctor was wonderful and supportive, but it was comforting to know René was available anytime.

A week before my due date, I was experiencing an intense bout of pre-labor which dilated me to 4 cm and had me in enough pain to head to the hospital. However, while waiting in the assessment center, I did not progress any farther. Karen was there to help us through that phase. She was able to offer her advice and experience as we made the decision whether to be admitted in spite of a lack of progress or go home and continue to labor on my own terms. Ultimately, we decided to go home, but it was very clear that the decision was ours to make, and not the doula's agenda. Had we chosen to stay in the hospital, Karen would have too, and been our support for the duration.

I am thankful to have made the decision to go home (truly at my husband's better judgment), since I continued to labor in one form or another for the next five days. Again, being able to call René during that emotionally draining time was so helpful. Her supportive, encouraging words meant so much. When my contractions finally became true active labor at 60 seconds long, five minutes apart, and very intense, we headed to the hospital. René met us there and when examined by the nurse, I was already at six cm. The next four hours at the hospital leading up to our son's birth were incredible. It was intense at times, painful at others... like nothing I'd ever been through. I was so pleased when René was recognized by the nursing staff. The already established good rapport helped smooth my admission process.

Those four hours really flew by. The entire time my husband was there taking care of me, and René was anticipating my every need. Her 26 years of experience were obvious. I remember telling her afterward that I was amazed at how she knew what to suggest or what I needed every step of the way. Her calming and nurturing presence were so comforting. After years of helping moms bring their babies into the world, she truly knows, even senses, what to do (or NOT do)! Both doulas are very careful not to overstep any boundaries between mom and partner, mom and baby, mom and doctor, or mom and nurses. This made for a stress-free, non-confrontational environment, which was very important to me, so I could focus on laboring with no distractions or tense emotions.

After the birth, René also visited me in the hospital the next day and came to my house a few weeks later to check on us. I feel like I made a friend through this experience and would
recommend Birth Help to anyone who wants an experienced, professional labor support person to help them work toward their personal birth goals. I am so thankful to have made the decision to employ a doula and would do it again. This birth exceeded my expectations and was all that I envisioned and more. I believe that having a doula made my vision of this special baby's birth become a reality."

Lollie Aulet gave birth naturally on June 27, 2006 to a 9 pound baby boy.

Email Lollie