I can’t say enough wonderful things about Renee!
I had a high risk pregnancy due to prior cervical surgery and being over 40. We wanted to hire a highly experienced doula to try and have the natural birth we wanted. Knowing our birth plan wishes were most likely going to be complicated. My husband and I were delighted when Renée came highly recommended.
We interviewed 7 very experienced doulas including Renée. Renée was the ONLY one who insisted we meet in person and what can I say… it was an instant connection. She was so empathetic and caring and I knew right away that this was someone I could feel comfortable in front of being at my best and worst. After having her undivided attention in person and on a video call later that week so my husband could meet her too, we unanimously decided she was our person. When making the final decision, Iet it be known that my husband is a practical facts and science kind of guy. I also knew he would want emotional support for him at this life changing event so he could be fully present and centered for me and the baby. When discussing hiring Renée I asked him “Do you feel she has the information and technical knowledge we need?” He said yes. I also asked “Do you think you feel comfortable crying in front of her?” he also said yes. At that moment we teared up and giggled knowing we wanted her extensive knowledge and emotional support to guide us through our birth experience.
The prenatal home visits were super useful and we practiced labor techniques, went over birth plans, labor process, breastfeeding, etc. We also checked in on how we were feeling about each step all the time and got prep homework for the big day. Renée even brought us a labor kit including a birth ball, water bottle, electrolytes, etc. After meeting with her I felt really confident and prepared. Up until the labor, we checked in a few times a week via phone to talk about doctors visits, questions, and how I was feeling,
When our birth reality started to go off the rails at 36 weeks with a possible risk for the baby, Renée helped us to change course and support us through the idea of a much more medical birth than we would have wanted. She asked the right questions and empowered us to challenge the doctors with risk/benefit analysis in order for us to stand by the right decision for us. We ended up making it to 40 weeks until we had to get induced and avoided the preterm risk to the baby thanks to questions Renée helped bring up.
The labor itself was intense and long as many are. Renée met us at the hospital for our induction and was amazing coaching through contractions and giving me massages etc. She was extremely level headed, supportive, and patient as the labor evolved into some unforeseen circumstances. Even though I ended up with an emergency c-section after a very long labor, Renée and my doctors did everything imaginable to get my baby out as naturally as possible until we had no other options that wouldn’t put myself or the baby at risk. They really bent over backwards to try and make the vaginal birth I wanted.
As soon as I was in recovery after our son was born, Renée was back in action making sure I got skin to skin with our son, and that he breastfed colostrum and latched correctly. Upon discharge, she visited us at home twice, always going above and beyond, bringing me flowers and treats. She checked in on us regularly via phone to see how we were all doing and especially how I was feeling. She helped us with breastfeeding, C-section scar, and mental self care. She was a real pillar of support during the baby blues period I suffered after the birth. She really became a friend to our family and we can’t imagine welcoming our son into the world without her. If you are looking for a doula who is knowledgeable, experienced, generous, kind, and a friend for life, look no further. We love Renée Pizzuto!
Warmest,
Gina Aponte Petrovich
Curious About What the Dads and Partners Are Saying?
