Vancouver Doula - Emily Baxter
Testimonials from clients and professionals:
"Working with you around the birth of our son was a wonderful experience. You were so present, non-judgemental, open and supportive. I felt that I could be myself around you and I trusted in your knowledge and perspective. You seamlessly stepped in during and after Kaden's birth. I felt nurtured and listened to in the ups and downs of becoming a new mother. I am grateful for all that you did for Scott, Kaden and I. Thank you just does not suffice."
---Laura (first time mom)
“Emily is an extremely compassionate, creative and energetic doula. The feedback she received from my clients was outstanding and she quickly became a very popular and highly recommended doula in the Victoria area. Emily is experienced and well versed in both hospital and home birth. Emily has a very calm and confiident personality; she is an intuitive doula providing a combination of directive guidance and gentle physical and emotional support. Emily also acts exceptionally well in situations where obstetrical intervention is necessary. She is a supportive and clear advocate, knowing when to offer additional information or choice. She is very well educated and informed on practices to support normal/natural birth as well as common medical interventions in childbirth.”--- Amy Brownhill - Registered Midwife
"Emily was amazing at Cedar's birth. As soon as she got to our house, she showed my husband pain relieving techniques, was making healing tea and set the atmopshere with good vibes. She was very active in helping me through each contraction and worked so well with my midwife and husband. I couldn't imagine birthing a posterior baby via VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesearean) without her!"---Sarah-Joy (second time mom)
"I have found great pleasure in working with Emily at births. She has been hired as a birth doula by a few of our clients, and she has always proven to be an excellent resource and support to these clients. Her experience and education makes her an exceptional support for couples prenatally, in labour and the early postpartum period. Emily offers knowledgeable support for VBACs – her understanding and resources help clients prepare for the labour, and her provision of physical and emotional support throughout the labour receives excellent feedback. We feel confident in recommending Emily's services to all expectant parents interested in doula care."
---Luba Lyons Richardson - Registered Midwife
"I could not imagine labouring without Emily. Every time I thought “oh it would be great if someone could….” she was already doing it. And even when I thought “that’s not necessary,” like doing our dishes or making frozen pads…..it was the biggest help in the world! I just didn’t know it. It was great to come home and not have to clean dishes to make a meal and the pads have really helped sooth my tender bottom. From the bottom of my heart Emily………thank you! I do not think I would have stayed at home as long or stayed as calm or been as comfortable with my decisions if you weren’t there providing the support that you did."--- Allison (first time mom)
"At first I was hesitant to hire a doula but after meeting Emily and having her at the birth, it's obvious why having that support there is so crucial. Emily was calm, supportive and incredibly helpful through the whole labour and delivery. Even though she must have been tired, she never showed it for a minute. She was a huge help to my wife, to the midwife, and to me."---Kelly (second time dad)
"Everyone needs an Emily at their birth. In the beginning I really had no idea what a difference having a doula was going to make! REALLY! In the first few month we created a birth plan all together, where Emily had us inquire as to what we wanted. This helped in itself making sure our values and idea were going to be met, and we were both heard. This already helped Kevin and I come together in creating what we wanted. Nearing the Birth I wasn't sure what symptoms were what, and what all the different sensations in my body were. I called Emily A LOT! Emily was always very calm and patient with my ups and downs. She even took me for a walk up the side of a small mountain, which I didn't even think I could do. The first night I was in labour, Emily sat with me all night, not only did I feel more comfortable with what was happening, my mom and Kevin both were able and took relief that I was being taken care of properly. Even though I had a midwife, Emily could be there for me as often as I needed. My birth was long and there were times I wanted to give up on my birth dreams. Emily was not just a cheerleader, but an intuitive support, always seeming to know what to say or do to help Kevin and I. In the end we got exactly what we asked for, which was a healthy baby born at home in a pool with both Kevin and I in the pool together. Kevin was overwhelmed with tears of joy, and he still drops a tear when he remembers what a difference Emily made for us. I'm sure we would have ended up in the hospital on painkillers ~ I never took prenatal, I never went to any classes, I didn't even do yoga. I sort of read books, but I much prefer to ask a real person questions. After my daughter came out we were at the midwife office for a check up, a pregnant woman came in and began to ask me what books I could recommend. I replied " All you need is a Doula!"
--- Kyla (first time mom)
"Emily was an excellent birth doula. Months before the labour; when Laura was 4 months pregnant Emily helped us write up a thorough birth plan. She spoke in detail about everything and anything that could happen during labour. By doing this and connecting with us throughout the pregnancy we felt confident that she would support all our choices and decisions during labour. Once labour started Emily focused on helping Laura feel comfortable, safe, secure and reminded her of things they had gone over in the birth plan; such as methods of focusing and managing contractions. Emily walked with her, made phone calls for her, made sure she ate and drank, and above all she was relaxed. While the midwife and I were away from the house Emily made sure they were apprised of how things were going. During active labour I was home, and Emily spent time doing the same as above but also supporting me and the midwife in our roles. She took over support while I went to the bathroom. If the midwife was busy, she held Laura’s hands, or helped rub/massage areas. It was best to have three people around, Laura felt better when two people were supporting her and so when Emily was there she could help fill in the gaps. She was very calm very supportive very sure of herself and of the labour and of the couple. Her attitude made a huge difference that made everyone feel like a cohesive team. She helped breathing, moaning with Laura and reassuring me that I was doing a great job supporting, and reassuring me that the noises Laura was making were good labour sounds. She stayed after the labour for a bit to make sure we were settled and comfortable. She also helped take pictures, so I was able to get really involved in the delivery."
---Todd (first time dad)