Who Am I?

Elysa and Sean
Spring 2021
Watertown, NY

When my husband and I entertained the option of hiring a doula for the birth of our second child, it was past my due date and two days before the birth. We had a zoom meeting and met once in person; that’s all it took for us to feel certain that Kristin and Athena were exactly what we were looking for. These women made us feel calm, comforted, understood, supported, and protected. They are patient, professional, and incredibly skilled and knowledgeable. I had to be induced, which was not part of my “plan”. I was upset and disappointed and Athena was so present with us. She initiated conversations and asked questions that helped me realize my feelings, which could then be addressed and put to bed so that I could focus on what I could control and enjoy the beauty of the situation. She never stopped contact with us from the moment we hired them to the moment she arrived at the hospital. My progression moved quickly after being induced and the support Athena provided my husband and I was something that we wish we had for my first childbirth. Athena made in clear that she was there to be whatever we wanted her for. She was encouraging and made gentle suggestions to help me progress. From position changes and massage to encouraging rest and remind me of my breathing, Athena was just incredible. She was “in the background” doing the “dirty work” so that my husband and I were able to connect during contractions, which is something that helped get me through the toughest part of labor. When I look back at my first childbirth I see a women who did something amazing but who suffered to get there, ultimately feeling defeated. This labor and delivery left me feeling empowered. Thank you Athena for helping me arrive to my greatest achievement.