Hi there, mama.

I hope this letter finds you well; know that I wrote it with you in mind. I’m so glad you’re doing research to create the best possible birthing experience for you and your precious little one(s). My first child is five weeks as I am writing this, and I have had a sufficient amount of time to process my birth story- things that went well and things I will change next time. I will tell you that hiring Sara as our doula is something that will most certainly happen again. Over the course of my pregnancy, I met many doulas. They were all wonderful, but there’s a reason Sara was the one I needed. Many reasons, actually. Here are a few perspectives to consider.

There are many doulas, wonderful doulas, who love their job (or themselves) so much that they credit themselves for the success of their clients’ births. I am so thankful Sara is not one of them. Sara is humble. She is patient and kind. She will support you because it is the right thing to do, not so that she can get recognition or credit. This may not be a trait that you recognize right away in someone, but it is definitely one to look out for.

There are many doulas, wonderful doulas, who claim to support you in your decisions but will actually try to push their own agenda on you. I’m so thankful Sara is not one of them. I don’t quite know how she does this, but Sara has a way of presenting information in such an unbiased manner, you leave the conversation feeling empowered instead of swayed one way or the other. This. Is. Critical. I was overwhelmed by the amount of decisions I needed to make not only during pregnancy and labor, but afterwards for my child. I know for certain that I would have made uneducated decisions if it had not been for Sara’s guidance.

There are many doulas, wonderful doulas, who unknowingly take the place of your significant other during your birth. I’m so thankful Sara is not one of them. When I think back to the birth of my son, I think of how grateful I am for my husband’s constant support. When my husband thinks back to the birth of our son, he thinks of how grateful he was of Sara’s constant support. She calmed him, showed him how to help me, and stepped in when necessary.

For me, Sara was not just a doula. She made the difference between a woman in labor and a bunch of people trying to help, and a birthing team. My desire for every woman is that they would be able to experience the power and harmony of a birthing team. My desire for every woman is that they would birth feeling empowered and respected. I believe Sara is the perfect addition to anyone’s pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum journey.

With love,

Molly Hale