References-TR

After hearing glowing reviews from a friend who had used Terry as her birth doula, my husband and I decided to reach out. We instantly connected with her as she is extremely easy to talk to, highly professional and very knowledgeable. I was committed to having a natural childbirth, if at all possible, but was mainly concerned with avoiding a medically unnecessary c-section. I wanted an experienced doula who could act as my advocate in the hospital and then also help me manage my pain naturally. Now that my son is 6 weeks old and I know how the birth story unfolded, I can say with the utmost confidence that hiring Terry was one of the best decisions my husband and I could have made. I was in labor for a long time and labored at home for most of it before heading to the hospital! Terry not only stayed up to be by my side, guiding me and providing encouragement the whole time, but she knew exactly when to head to the hospital.

She reassured me that all was in the range of normal when I started to worry why the labor was taking so long, she massaged my back for endless hours and she was just a very comfortable companion throughout the entire experience. My husband and I felt like we were in the company of an old friend. In fact, my husband was just as thankful to have had Terry there as I was. She never stepped on his toes or made him feel superfluous. We all worked extremely well as a team with the same goal. Terry made what was important to us important to her. Some time into the labor, she suggested we have an acupuncturist do a house call to speed my labor up. She has great contacts and the next thing I knew an acupuncturist was at my door at 11:30pm ready to go. That was just what my labor needed! When it came time to head to the hospital, Terry was at her best. She knew exactly what to say to the nurses and staff, and to me. When I didn't think I could take it anymore, she encouraged me and motivated me...and actually got me excited to start pushing. She knew just what I needed to hear and when I needed to hear it. She is truly gifted at what she does. Once Gabe was born, Terry took the most unbelievable photos of our newborn, my husband cutting the umbilical cord and our reactions to our beautiful baby boy. I didn't even know she was doing it at the time, but we now have the most priceless photos. Words can't express how happy we were to have worked with Terry. We're blessed that she came into our lives and I have only the fondest memories of the labor and delivery experience. Thank you doesn't even begin to cut it, but thank you Terry! You're one in a million. Xoxo

Laura

Mother of Gabriel

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References for Terry Richmond

While childbirth can be absolutely filled with difficult choices, we can say, without a doubt, the best decision we made in the entire process was to have Terry Richmond as our doula. We both truly believe that without her we would NOT have had a successful unmedicated labor and we WOULD have been forced into a C-section birth.

When we first met Terry, we felt an immediate vibe with her that was incredibly comfortable... this is key! After meeting several other doulas (who we also liked), it was clear that she was the most experienced, strong but nurturing (both in personality and physically) and felt to us like the perfect fit. She immediately went above and beyond by helping us through a very late and stressful transfer of doctors. Her knowledge of which medical practices were likely to help us towards our "natural childbirth" goals was invaluable.

Through the entire pregnancy she was always available, generous with time/ information and extremely clear, yet calming. She helped us to put our birth plan together and made sure that she understood every single bit of our hopes and desires for the big day. She also gave websites to help with positioning the baby leading up to the due date, gave almost daily "labor inducing" suggestions once the baby's due date came and went, and always impressed us with her professionalism, sense of humor and incredible knowledge of all things baby. When a hurricane suddenly looked to complicate transportation in the city near our due date, she even went out of her way to find overnight housing closer to us for the duration!!

During the actual labor, we have no idea what we would have done without her! She empowered and supported us both, constantly comforted/massaged/gave different position options, worked seamlessly with the hospital staff, discussed crucial decisions with us to give us the strength and knowledge to make them (ie: when to go to hospital, what questions to ask, how to hold our doctor off from forcing an unnecessary c-section) and was a consistent, knowledgeable presence in the room throughout various nurse shifts and sporadic doctor visits. She was literally the one thing we could count on and the primary reason we were successful with our "natural childbirth goals."

We can not say enough good things about Terry Richmond. After our incredible life changing childbirth experience, Terry is forever a part of our family.

Shannon and Aaron

Mom and Dad of Devin

As I begin to reflect on this crazy journey of "birth", the emotions are overwhelming. I feel like the word "birth" has so many different meanings now! Baby James' birth was the most difficult, but at the same time, empowering thing I have ever done in my life. I could have never made it/done it without you, Terry. Your inner and outer strengths are inspirations to me and i know that i was able to dig deeper because of you. Thanks for absolutely everything.

Jehanne

Mother of James

Terry,

I wanted to thank you again for all of your help surrounding Ethan's birth. As you certainly know, the birth of a child is a momentous occasion and one that takes careful planning today when you are determined to have it as naturally as possible. Throughout my pregnancy i was nervous about how the birth would go - not because i was worried about the pain but because i didn't feel i had anyone on my side supporting me in the type of birth i wanted. That changed when you agreed to be our doula. The calm way you discussed birthing options with us really helped us to sort through all of the information and options out there and talk through it all until we were on the same page. Providing alternate care provider and hospital ideas and encouraging us to make consultations and take tours really was the turning point - and ultimately the savior - in my having a successful, natural birth. Just knowing that you were available to answer our questions in the weeks prior and that you would be there when the day came, was very reassuring to us. Your presence at the birth itself was invaluable - thank you for everything you did. You helped me to stay calm, stay in the moment, and to believe in myself. Thinking about all of the circumstances surrounding Ethan's birth, I am truly amazed that i walked away with such a positive experience. I attribute so much of that to you, Terry, and i really do not think it would have been possible without you. My gratitude cannot be adequately expressed - you and the work you do are truly inspirational. Thank you Terry, thank you so very much.

Sincerely,

Kadi

Ethan's mom

Dear Terry,

Words cannot describe how blessed we feel that you were present at the birth of our daughter. We will never forget your calm, loving, positive presence. It was so comforting to have you, not only the day she was born, but the weeks prior as a source of positivity and comfort. You are so talented and what a difficult job you have! We truly cannot thank you enough. You will always have a special place

in our hearts.

Love,

Pam

Mother of Ethan and Reese

“My gratitude cannot be adequately expressed – you and the work you do are truly inspirational. Thank you, Terry – thank you so very much.” K.L. UWS

“where do I begin? You gave me the strength and reminded me of my own courage during the most difficult and beautiful days of my life. We all thank you for being the beautiful spirit and guide that you are. We love you.” K and E, Brooklyn

“ I am forever grateful for the support and comfort you gave to me that night – both physical and emotional – and in the days before and since. We owe you a great deal for the wonderful birth experiences of both our children.” A.M., Queens

“You were an amazing support during an amazing process. We’re so glad we found you and are grateful for your invaluable participation in the birth of M. I know I couldn’t have done it with out you.” S and S, Washington Heights

“My gratitude cannot be adequately expressed – you and the work you do are truly inspirational. Thank you, Terry – thank you so very much.” K.L. UWS

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