Ruth Lundsten was my doula for the birth of my daughter on September 4, 2010. Having a doula present at the birth was one of the best choices I made and Ruth was perfect for the job.
Being able to meet with Ruth before the actual delivery was amazing. Not only were we able to discuss my birth plan but we really got to know each other. Ruth has a kind and gentle way about her and an optimistic point of view that really made me believe in me. She gave me some tips on how to prepare for delivery and was really ready and able to educate me about the process of child birth and help me understand what to expect.
During labor Ruth was able to keep me calm and focused. Most of the time she was her gentle self but during those times when I needed a little extra push, Ruth really was there for me, doing whatever necessary to bring me back. She was able to explain to me any of the doctor’s concerns and at times where interventions were needed/wanted Ruth really helped me make the choices that were right for me.
Ruth was also able to capture amazing photos that would have not been possible to capture without her there. I now have photo memories of one of the most incredible experiences of my life. That really means a lot.
Ruth really helped my birth experience be what I wanted it to be. I could not imagine ever having another baby without a doula, and the only doula I would choose would be Ruth.
Juliana West – minimal intervention, no epidural, VBAC
I would highly recommend Ruth as a doula. She is very passionate about what she does and she is a fantastic support person. When I first met her I could see how prepared she was and liked her calm personality. She was very flexible as far as scheduling our pre-birth meetings and was always on time. I went into early labor and was admitted to the hospital because I was pregnant with twins. Ruth was there within 1/2 hour from our phone call. She stayed with us from morning until night even though my labor was not progressing. Finally my husband and I sent her home because it looked like I would be discharged. About a week later I was back in the hospital and again Ruth was there soon after we called her. My labor was very fast and hard and Ruth helped me get through it. She used verbal cues and massage to help me through. I was comfortable telling her what I needed and she responded quickly. She was also great at including my husband in the process. She gave him tips when he needed them and assured him that he was doing a good job when I would snap at him because I was in pain. Ruth actively participated when I was pushing by holding my legs and counting for me. She really was invaluable. After a few weeks home with our twins we had a follow up visit with Ruth. She brought a cd of pictures and notes about our birth. It was great to have those because labor and delivery are a blur in my mind. If I decide to have more children I will definitely hire Ruth again. We continue to keep in touch by email and she even sent me a Mother’s day card. An added bonus is Ruth’s creativity. She is a scrapbooker and everything from the birthing binder she made for us to the Mother’s day card she sent is personalized and made with care. I hope you find the doula that is right for you. If you choose Ruth I know you will be happy.
Crystal Defanti
The road I traveled to my little Sophie was one of intention and love. I am 41 years old. I was widowed after 10 years and at 38 found my love, Dennis at my 20 year reunion. I had already been seeing an acupuncturist regularly. I had some difficulty with my thyroid and was not menstruating. I was sleeping with a carved fertility god from Thailand under my pillow. I had met Ruth when I was catering for a friend before all of this and she just struck me. I had the desire to be a mother even though I hadn’t yet had the opportunity.I use a life coach/ business coach and she is the one who really encouraged me to have a doula. I knew exactly who I wanted. As a practice I always choose three possibilities and give myself the chance to gather information. I learn so much during this process. Anyway, I just couldn’t deny the connection I felt with Ruth. Her gentle, kind spirit was so attractive.Ruth attended my baby shower as an invited guest. By the time she came to my home to render her services I already trusted her. When she met Dennis he was really excited to have some help. He’s a team kinda guy. My water broke 3 weeks early and Ruth was there. I later learned that she was in the middle of a project and after spending the entire night with me she went home and completed a great deal of work. That’s dedication! My delivery was a long and complicated one. I was able to have everything I had hoped for…. in a way. Because of Ruth I was able to try everything we had planned. My body had a different plan and with all of the options and changes I had Ruth to guide me. Because I was able to make choices I felt that I got to be present to my birthing experience.The reason I am telling you all of this is so you can get a feel for the kind of person I am and see how carefully I select the people in my life. I encourage you to go with Ruth.
Ruth, Ruth, Ruth. I’m her cheerleader.
Kim Partin
I had a wonderful experience with not only having a doula present at our birth, but having Ruth in particular. She is an extremely kind, patient woman, with a lot of information. She was always there and remained very helpful throughout the entire experience. I had a very long birthing (32 hours) so I was extremely impressed with her stamina. She dozed very little during the middle of the second night, but at that point it was hard for everyone to stay awake .
I would definitely recommend Ruth.
Madeline Bragiao
