This August I gave birth to my third baby boy. My first two deliveries were pretty tough, I was induced both times and had long hard labors with hours of pushing. Needless to say this time I wanted to try something different. I had heard so many great things about having a doula. The success rates for natural birth seemed statistically higher when a doula was involved. I wanted to try to experience a birth without being induced and letting things happen naturally. I decided to look into getting a doula about two weeks before my birth. I was referred to Gordon by a mutual friend. We met for coffee and I felt immediately comfortable with her. She let me share my goals, birth plan or lack of one, she made me feel completely at peace abouth the process. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but Gordon was incredibly knowledgeable and had a peaceful presence about herself. I knew that I wanted to have her by my side, if I was going to attempt an unmedicated birth. Not to mention being able to ask her all of those questions that arise during labor and delivery. While I was in the hospital, she came with such a positive attitude and a Mary Poppins bag full of tricks, and helpful things to aid me. At no time did Gordon push her opinions on me, she was completely supportive of every decision that I made. She was just an incredible advocate to educate me on all of the options made available to me before, during, and after delivery. Once my contractions started, they got intense, she was right there using numerous techniques to help me through them. She also showed my husband ways to be involved and made sure he was my first support person. He never felt like he was bystander, but my partner in the delivery process. Once my little guy was born, it was so comforting to be able to look to Gordon and make sure what they were doing to my baby was ok. She kept giving me assurance that he was safe, healthy and what they were doing was necessary. I can definitely say I would not have made it through that delivery process as far as I did without her. I highly recommend her and thankful to now have a new friend."