VBAC STORY (Tiffany Ruiz & family story)
Juliet was everything I needed AND MORE during my labor and birth process, and I am so grateful to have had her by my side. Four years ago, I had experienced a traumatic birth that ultimately ended with a c-section and lots of medication. It was my first baby, and unfortunately I did not feel prepared and didn’t know how to advocate for myself. This year I became pregnant with my second child and wanted to do things differently, while having the support from a doula.
When I first spoke to Juliet on the phone, I immediately felt a sense of peace and calmness. She made it easy to talk about my past trauma and fears, and supported my wishes for this pregnancy and plan for a VBAC. Every time we spoke, I felt THAT much more confident in my body and pregnancy. Unlike my previous pregnancy, I had finally made it to the week of my due date. I began to feel contractions one morning and called Juliet to let her know what I was experiencing and how I felt. Unfortunately, my husband felt ill at the time, as he was fighting a virus and was unable to support me during labor. I felt alone and without hesitation, Juliet offered to meet me at the hospital, although I was still in early labor. From answering my questions and concerns and telling me words of encouragement, to feeding me snacks and making sure I was hydrated, rubbing oil where I needed most, applying pressure on my back, extending her hand for me to squeeze, and helping me order my meals, Juliet was there for me every time I needed her, whether it was a request or not. I could not ask for a better support system throughout my labor process. Juliet advocated for me to the doctors when I needed her most, and even made sure my husband was doing well, as he was present but could not be directly by my side. Juliet was an angel to us and without her, I would not have been able to have the natural birth and VBAC I wanted. With her help, I felt empowered and I could not be any happier with this birth. I would highly recommend Juliet to anyone I know that is in need of a doula. She is such a beautiful and selfless human being and I am incredibly grateful for her and her service.
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(Kristin Toro VBAC story)
I came across Juliet’s photo & bio after being introduced to the Westchester ICAN chapter and informed to search the website Hudson Valley Birth Network. I was new to researching a VBAC but knew I deeply wanted to experience a natural birth after having had a cesarean 5 years ago. As soon as I saw Juliet’s photo and read her bio I felt a connection. I hoped and prayed that she would be available for my birth. After the opportunity to speak to her over the phone, I knew she had to be my doula! Her voice was calming and words reassuring. She was supportive from day one. Due to the pandemic, I didn’t actually meet Juliet until I arrived at the hospital in labor but she kept in close contact with me through my pregnancy and offered support along the way. I switched doctors many times, to which her response was, follow your heart. I finally found peace with the midwives at Full Circle Midwifery at Harrison and knew they’d be critical to have on my team as well. Juliet was familiar with the midwives and the hospital I would be delivering at, which was so reassuring.
Fast forward to the early morning of January 3, 2021, I called Juliet around 3:30am and she answered right away with pure excitement that I was in labor! She immediately got her things together and went to the hospital. She even beat me & my husband there! Juliet came with all of her essentials to help ease the pain of labor. Prior to this she took the time to listen to my wishes and was ready to be my voice of reason. During labor it’s like she knew exactly what I needed when I needed it. Wether it was rubbing pressure points with oils or placing a heating pad on my lower back or just talking me through it all, Juliet was an angel in that delivery room! Her demeanor was always calm and nurturing. I knew as a fellow mother she would best understand what I was feeling and prioritized my goal of a VBAC.
On January 3, 2021 my daughter was born via a successful unmedicated VBAC. I couldn’t have done it without Juliet’s positivity and encouragement. She is a light and so so kind. I’m forever grateful for her support as my birth and postpartum doula.
I came across Juliet’s photo & bio after being introduced to the Westchester ICAN chapter and informed to search the website Hudson Valley Birth Network. I was new to researching a VBAC but knew I deeply wanted to experience a natural birth after having had a cesarean 5 years ago. As soon as I saw Juliet’s photo and read her bio I felt a connection. I hoped and prayed that she would be available for my birth. After the opportunity to speak to her over the phone, I knew she had to be my doula! Her voice was calming and words reassuring. She was supportive from day one. Due to the pandemic, I didn’t actually meet Juliet until I arrived at the hospital in labor but she kept in close contact with me through my pregnancy and offered support along the way. I switched doctors many times, to which her response was, follow your heart. I finally found peace with the midwives at Full Circle Midwifery at Harrison and knew they’d be critical to have on my team as well. Juliet was familiar with the midwives and the hospital I would be delivering at, which was so reassuring.
Fast forward to the early morning of January 3, 2021, I called Juliet around 3:30am and she answered right away with pure excitement that I was in labor! She immediately got her things together and went to the hospital. She even beat me & my husband there! Juliet came with all of her essentials to help ease the pain of labor. Prior to this she took the time to listen to my wishes and was ready to be my voice of reason. During labor it’s like she knew exactly what I needed when I needed it. Wether it was rubbing pressure points with oils or placing a heating pad on my lower back or just talking me through it all, Juliet was an angel in that delivery room! Her demeanor was always calm and nurturing. I knew as a fellow mother she would best understand what I was feeling and prioritized my goal of a VBAC.
On January 3, 2021 my daughter was born via a successful unmedicated VBAC. I couldn’t have done it without Juliet’s positivity and encouragement. She is a light and so so kind. I’m forever grateful for her support as my birth and postpartum doula.
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