Joy in Birthing

I feel so incredibly blessed to have had the most AMAZING midwives Robin Lim and Lianne Schwartz, doula Giuditta Tornetta, friends Elaina Samaniego Myers, Becky Hosmer and husband Tyler Mars to lovingly guide and assist our birth experience. What a dream team! Sailor and I are forever grateful. Courtney Mars

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Last year at this time, I was amidst a very intense journey. I had someone by my side (besides my husband) who was the most helpful, supportive, loving, doula I could have imagined . Thank you to Giuditta Tornetta, who will always remain a huge part of my child’s birth!

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I’ve participated in three different mommy & me types of classes, from the super touchy/feely to conventional. My main objectives were to find kindred spirits & guidance around child development. Regarding the latter, it felt like I already knew most of the information that resonated, and realize it primarily came from you. So, thank you for providing us with such a good, practical foundation on which to build our care for Eden.

Also, fyi, we’ve continued to supplement Eden’s formula with donated breast milk, primarily from one mama. Of course, we’re incredibly grateful to have that gift and want to express our appreciation again for rallying your community to help us at the beginning of this particular part of the adventure.

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I personally had a ROCK STAR Doula, Giuditta Tornetta , who also happens to be a genius  lactation consultant, hypnotherapist, author of Pailness Childbirth AND mind-blowing chef — whom I’ll do a separate review on, forthcoming.

To put it plainly, having a Doula changed my life – as well as that of my daughter’s, even before she arrived.  Not exaggerating there.  The experience of having a Doula changed my pregnancy, my birth experience, my perspective on advocating for my own medical care and that of my family, my views on work life balance, my perception of myself as a woman, and as a mother. L.S. read the whole review

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“Dear Ditta, I know I thanked you a thousand times in person during the times we spent together, but I had to write so others can know what a priceless service you provide. Before meeting you, my idea of a doula was a stranger who simply helped you to “breathe” during contractions. You proved me wrong. You made yourself so comfortable in my home that you felt like a sister, a mother and aunt all in one. Your skills and talents helped me faced the fears I had about childbirth and the reality of laboring. I was and still am amazed at the fact that hypnosis worked so well in helping me cope with the contractions. Whenever I tell my friends about you, the hypnotherapy is the highlight of my conversation. I really could go on and on about you as a doula and about the warmth you bring to your work. You are truly a priceless gem. My precious Kumari and I thank you so much for helping to bring her safely into the world.”  -Paulette and Kumari

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“When my water broke a month before my due date, the hospital staff immediately wanted to put me on Pitocin. I signed myself out against medical advice, went home and called Giuditta. Giuditta helped my labor to progress safely and naturally with the simplest and most pleasant of techniques, a nice long walk. During the walk, she spoke with my husband and me about what we could expect throughout labor. She helped us to keep our spirits light and hopeful with her gentle and good humored presence. Giuditta stayed with us throughout the day, showing us videos about labor and baby care. She helped my husband find ways to support me with massage and counter pressure. She gave us a CD of helpful meditations and encouraged us to take a nap to get fortified for the night ahead. As my labor progressed, she had me spend some time in the shower, letting the hot water relax me. Giuditta was with us constantly at the hospital, consistently being affirming, encouraging and kind to my husband and me. She helped us to make our own decisions about which medical interventions we wanted, and encouraged us to advocate for ourselves with the hospital staff. Although in the end, I chose to have an analgesic for the pain, Giuditta’s support prevented me from fearfully accepting Pitocin, an epidural and an episiotomy, none of which I needed. My recovery was quick and easy. Looking back, I realize my husband was even more nervous and scared about childbirth than I was, and would not have been much support for me. Giuditta did not replace him, but helped guide both of us through the miracle of bringing our baby girl into the world with good humor and strong faith in my body’s ability. Should we be blessed with a second child, I will start working with Giuditta earlier so that I can benefit from her self-hypnosis CDs and her wonderful, positive spirit.” -J & J Brennan and baby Patience

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“I was able to have a natural birth without any drugs or medical interventions due to the help and training provided us by Doula Giuditta. She was here with me at home when I went into heavy labor at 7:30am, worked with me at home until we went to the hospital at 9:30. Our baby was born with the UCLA midwives at 11:41 am, all within only 4 hours! Afterward, I was able to walk myself to the recovery room while pushing the cart with my baby. We can’t recommend Doula Giuditta highly enough. The experience was amazingly wonderful, much like that written about in Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Feel free to contact us through Giuditta for more information. Warmest regards, thanks and peace.”
-Liza & Bill Taylor

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“Dear Giuditta, thank you for getting me through a Pitocin induced, but epidural free delivery. My husband and I had imagined going into labor at home, strolling on the beach, dining on a leisurely meal and then heading to the hospital to have our first child. We were very surprised and scared to find out that I would have to be induced after going in for a routine doctor’s appointment. Your level head and sound advice kept us calm as the induction started. Most importantly, you made us believe I could get through labor without an epidural, in spite of the stronger contractions that come with induction. Your emotional and physical support as labor progressed made all the difference in bringing our little son into the world without the side effects of pain medications. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you!”
-Karen, Todd, and Carl

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“Thank you so much for your help at the birth of our daughter, Ngaire. Your knowledge and practical advice helped so much leading up to the birth and looking after Ngaire afterwards. With your help, the labor and delivery went really smoothly and was a wonderful experience. I really appreciate all you did for us. I remember after the birth, when they were weighing and measuring Ngaire, you were sitting at the foot of the bed, head propped in your hands, just beaming. I thought “Here’s a woman with job satisfaction.”

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“In our case, we did not need a midwife. With twins, it was necessary to have a cesarean birth. Doula Giuditta helped us create a birth plan, get the babies latched on properly, advocated for and supported our desires in the hospital, and helped us tremendously after the birth with many things we needed to learn about babies. She spent so many nights just caring not only for our two beautiful daughters, but for mommy as well. She is so good with breastfeeding.”