I first met Chrissy (Leslie) through a friend's referral. At the time, we were under a very oppressive OB office and looking to switch to a provider who would better facilitate our desires for natural childbirth. I got in touch with Chrissy through email & explained our situation; we weren't sure if we were going to use a doula or not, but wanted to get information in the event that we could. She went above and beyond to provide us as much information as possible, including references on different midwives in the area that she felt would suit our needs. From our first contact with her, she surrounded us with amazing energy, optimism and complete encouragement in all areas of our lives and situations, even those not related to childbirth. She was an instant forever-friend! When we finally met in person, we were blown away by how amazing this woman is! She puts you at ease from them moment she walks through your door. Our birth experience with Chrissy was incredible. I honestly could never have done it without her! I was in active labor for over two weeks. My contractions would be every 4-5 minutes apart for 8 hours, and then stop for a little while, and then start up again. I was dilating the whole time. I can't count the times that she sat on the phone with me counting contractions or helping me decide what to do. She was always available, always encouraging, always made me feel like I was the entire focus of her life (which of course, isn't true, but she sure made it feel that way). She checked in with me on a consistent basis just to see how things were progressing. Finally, the time came when Chrissy and my midwife said she really thought we needed to head up to the hospital. She arrived before we did! She was an amazing support, and my family and friends fell in love with her immediately! She was extremely knowledgeable, and was always making recommendations that would make things easier. A point came in my labor where we had to deviate from our birth plan; my labor had stalled once again in the middle of transition and we had to choose whether or not to use Pitocin. I was struggling with the decision, and Chrissy helped me make a logical decision when everything around me seemed chaotic. She knew our birth plan backwards and forwards, always making sure that anyone who entered the room respected us and our choices. Giving birth naturally is no joke - it is seriously hard and painful work - but having someone to help you breathe through the contractions and get through each one was priceless. When it was time to push, Chrissy made sure that I was in the position of my choice, that I was as comfortable as possible, and that I felt respected by the medical team. Because my wishes were honored, and I had someone there advocating for me, I had the best birth experience - I've given birth four times, and this was by far the most amazing! The love and peace that emanates from Chrissy is amazing. She engages everyone with calm respect and such positive energy. She was always willing to step in and do anything for anyone; she has such a genuine servant's heart! We had never used a doula before, but I wish that we had Chrissy there for all of our kids! Things would have been so different for us the first three times if we had used a doula, and I wouldn't have had the fear and anxiety that I entered into this delivery with. I honestly thought that we were done having children, but silly as it sounds, Chrissy helped make this experience so wonderful, I want to have just one more! Chrissy was a tremendous asset, and should we have another baby, she will be on speed dial from the moment I find out we're expecting! I truly believe that a good doula, like Chrissy, should be a part of every woman's birth experience, especially for those women who want a natural, hands-off labor and delivery. It was truly an honor and blessing to have had this amazing woman present for the birth of our child! We adore her and are so thankful to have her in our lives! Very sincerely, Leigh-Ann ________________________________________________ Leslie is an AMAZING woman! She will definitely be at the birth of my next child. It was by accident, or God's intervention, that I met Leslie. We became friends through Facebook by mistaken identity and I am so glad we did. After emailing a bit I decided to meet her to discuss what I wanted for the birth of my third child and to see how our "chemistry" together would be. I knew right away that I wanted her to be by my side to help me achieve the most natural birth possible for me and my daughter. Throughout the last months of my pregnancy she was never more than a phone call away, whether night or day. After having gone 1 week over my due date I found myself at the zoo with my two boys and my water broke. I of course immediately contacted Leslie and she remained calm and told me that once my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart to head to the hospital. Without realizing it they were already that close. As soon as I got in the car Leslie was phoned and she said that she would meet us at the hospital. She actually beat me there. My labor lasted only a few hours but if it weren't for her I know that I would have given in and taken the epidural. She talked me through every contraction and did everything within her power to keep me calm and relaxed. She is a GODSEND. I could not have asked for a better woman to be by my side through the birth of my child. I count her among my friends.
-Kathryn_______________________________ I don't know where to begin. Having a doula present at my daughter's birth was the best pregnancy/childbirth decision I made, though it took me a while to realize it was essential. Leslie was at a Baby Fair with three other doulas that I had previously contacted for information, but who could not take on my birth due to scheduling conflicts. To my blessing, Leslie was there and available! Her peaceful spirit immediately put me at ease and I knew she would be a huge help to me when I really needed it. Through my last months of pregnancy she was a great source of information and support, and even attended an OB appointment with me. A nearly 20-hour labor for this first-time mom could be considered as long and arduous, but with Leslie there every minute helping me physically through each contraction and spiritually through thoughts and energy, I was at peace and wasn't anxious at all. Once the contractions got so painful that I was suffering, she supported my decision for an epidural and cheered me on through the subsequent pushing process. My husband is deployed and she also played a critical role in making sure he was part of the birthing experience. As active labor took place, she was on the phone with him describing everything that was going on until our baby girl arrived. Leslie's kind, peaceful, and loving soul truly helped me through labor and delivery and I can't imagine having gone through it without her.
-Kristin____________________________________________ When both my doula and backup doula were out of town, Leslie was available as I was nearing closer and closer to my due date. Her knowledge and care put this first-time mother's fears at ease, especially as my contractions were well on their way. Through her phone support, she answered my questions and equipped me to understand the various symptoms I was experiencing. Though one of my doulas came back in time for the birth, I was very thankful for Leslie's support and encouragement. Her level of knowledge, caring, and service make her a doula to definitely consider!
-Kim _________________________________________________ I had the most wonderful husband to support me. I was blessed to have the best doula in the world. Leslie Cuffee was there until the very end. She captured the amazing moment my baby came out on film. The moments that I could not have seen cause, it went by so fast. She helped my husband to keep a clear mind and helped me to stand for what my heart really wanted for my birth. She educated me about all my options before hand. I felt so comfortable with her being in the room and I even felt supported after my little angel was born. Now do not get me wrong the contractions were hard, my husband and Leslie got my through every one of the right to the birth. I did not have to have an epidural. I was having contractions for 15 hours. I did not have to push or anything. Leslie thought us pressure points to calm me down and music to relax me. By time I begged them to give me the epidural, her head was right there (baby). I could not even sit on the edge of the bed to get that needle in my back. When they laid me back down she (baby)slide out. I was one of the lucky ones to have an "orgasmic birth". I went from 4 cm to 8cm in like 5 seconds. Crazy right? I know I feel blessed I did not have to push for hours. I just had to go through the contractions. She weighted 4.3lb and 18 ΒΌ in. She had to stay in nicu for like 10 days, but I was so happy to bring her home. I feel that Leslie helped me to make this a successful vaginal birth.
-Stephanie
_________________________________________________ My family and I absolutely LOVE Leslie! I connected with Leslie online and we met a few weeks later at a group baby shower. I kept her in mind throughout my pregnancy. She helped me with questions/concerns I had, even before we hired her as our doula. We arranged for her to meet my husband and the rest of my family. They all loved her immediately as well! Leslie has such an amazing energy. Something about her just makes you feel at ease and like you've known her forever. My due date came and went. With our induction deadline quickly approaching, I contacted Leslie quite a few times when I had doubts about my son coming before then. Even though I knew exactly what was right for us and our baby, the few times I was worried, she knew exactly what to say to reinforce what we knew/believed. She supported everything my husband and I wanted. I think he just wanted to make us sweat a bit. Leslie had a training program she had to leave for Monday morning, so she arranged a backup doula just in case. Oscar was born at 11:30pm Sunday night, in the middle of a thunderstorm. I think he wanted to meet Leslie before she left! :) Even though she had to be up early the next morning for her training, she stayed with us for a few hours after his birth. Before she left, she made sure we were nursing, everyone was doing well and even took some pics for us! I wish we had Leslie there for my oldest son's birth! I am so happy we hired her as our doula and she is now a family friend. My little guy will by one tomorrow - wow! We can't wait to see Leslie at his party next week! :) -Brandy _______________________________________________________________ The love and peace that emanates from Leslie is amazing. She engages everyone with calm respect and such positive energy. She was always willing to step in and do anything for anyone; she has such a genuine servant's heart! We had never used a doula before, but I wish that we had Leslie there for all of our kids! Leslie was a tremendous asset, and should we have another baby, she will be on speed dial from the moment I find out we're expecting! I truly believe that a good doula, like Leslie, should be a part of every woman's birth experience, especially for those women who want a natural, hands-off labor and delivery. It was truly an honor and blessing to have had this amazing woman present for the birth of our child! We adore her and are so thankful to have her in our lives!Our birth experience with Leslie was incredible. I honestly could never have done it without her! She was always available, always encouraging, always made me feel like I was the entire focus of her life. At the hospital, Leslie was an amazing support, and my family and friends fell in love with her immediately! She was extremely knowledgeable, and was always making recommendations that would make things easier. She knew our birth plan backwards and forwards, always making sure that anyone who entered the room respected us and our choices. When it was time to push, Leslie made sure that I was in the position of my choice, that I was as comfortable as possible, and that I felt respected by the medical team. Because my wishes were honored, and I had someone there advocating for me, I had the best birth experience - I've given birth four times, and this was by far the most amazing!Well, I, like many others, don't know exactly where to start, but I will say that Leslie was just tremendous. As a first time dad, I went to the classes and such and thought I would have a pretty good handle on things, but WOW was Leslie GREAT. She initially met us in our home and we knew it would be a good fit, from her personality to her philosophy. Also from a logistics stand point it really couldn't have worked out better. If dads are on the fence about having a Doula at all, let me just say that Leslie helped make the entire experience so special by taking some of the stress off of both of us and reminding both of us about different techniques to help things along. In the "heat of battle" it is so great to have a calming and confident influence there to focus everything. If anyone is on the fence about sharing the event with someone outside of the family, let me just say that Leslie reads everyone so well that she can feel when to be involved for Mom or for Dad, she really has a talent for the whole thing, I NEVER felt like anyone else was there, even when she was coaching and activly involved, she was just so much part of the team that it couldn't have felt more natural. From a dads stand point I couldn't say more about how much she really did to make our birth the most special moment of my life, at the same time never imposing and really feeling the entire event right along with us. Leslie is truely a very special person, and I feel so fortunate that she was there for both of us. ~ Mark
_______________________________________________________________
I didn't even know what a Doula was until I became pregnant with my second son, Gabriel. I didn't have a good birth experience with my first son, Ethan, so I was determined to have a better one the second time. I started my research on natural childbirth. I knew that this was something I could do and I became very passionate about it. I would reach out to other woman who have experienced childbirth the way nature intended, and the vast majority of them had a doula with them throughout their entire experience. I was talking to a friend about my birth plan and that I was in search of a doula, and she suggested me to a girl who was still in training. I met with her but unfortunately she wasn't a good fit for us. I heard of Leslie at Birth Matters Peninsula and decided to contact her. 2 minutes into our conversation I knew she was going to be our beloved Doula! Her demeanor was so calm and relaxed, which I loved. I could tell how passionate she was about childbirth just from talking about my experience with my first birth and some of her experiences. I felt confident that Leslie would be capable of keeping me relaxed and confident throughout my labor and birth. When we met for the first time we went over my birth plan and she was very supportive of what my husband and I wanted. Any time I had a question about pregnancy, labor, birth, even breastfeeding, I would ask Leslie first, because I trusted her experience and opinions. On March. 3, 2012 at 5am, I woke up feeling some intense contractions. They were about 5 minutes apart while I was laying down. As soon as I stood up out of bed, the contractions became more powerful and closer together. Gabriel was ready to come meet us!!! I called Leslie and explained to her what was going on. She advised me to call my midwife and to call her back after that. I called my midwife and sure enough they wanted me to come in. I let Leslie know it was time and she told me she would meet me at the hospital. My husband had worked night shift that night, so he got home at 6am, just in time to get me to the hospital. By the time we got into the car I was in transition. It was pouring rain and of course being in the car during transition isn't fun for anyone!!! We got to the hospital safely and after we checked in, we went up to the room where Leslie was ready for us! During every contraction, she was behind me squeezing my hips...which was the BEST feeling ever!!! She kept my husband calm and even helped him help me! We weren't at the hospital long before it was time to start pushing. This is where I had some difficulty, but also where Leslie came in and helped me the most. It was difficult, because as I was being told that my son was struggling by the nurse, I would start to panic. And as I was being told to "use the pain" and "ignore the ring of fire" (by the RN) I wasn't feeling those things, though anticipating it, which was throwing me off. Leslie had calmly said, use the word pressure, not pain. She was there helping to hold my leg and even asked if I wanted her to count for me, which I did (even though in my original birth plan I didn't want, but things change)! She remained calm, positive and was on top of things the entire time! I was so impressed! Gabriel Aiden was born at 9:12am (my entire labor and birth was 4 hours, 12 minutes long). He was very healthy and very alert. He latched onto my breast within the first few minutes of being born. Leslie sat by my side during these precious moments and went over everything that had transpired that morning. We gave our hugs and thank yous and she left to give us time as a family. She was the perfect Doula in my eyes! She stayed by my side, she helped me and motivated me. A week later, after we were home with our little one and settled, she came out for a visit. She held Gabriel and loved on him. We talked about breastfeeding and birth. We talked about what could have been different but how overall it was a great success!!! I still keep in contact with Leslie, and I always will. She is my go to lady when it comes to anything about labor and birth! I love her dearly!
 |
On August 31, 20XX at 3:38am, I delivered my baby girl. Leslie was there to comfort and support me in every way possible, from rubbing my feet to playing with my hair, she made sure all my needs were met... Nine months prior, when i found out i was pregnant, Leslie informed me of her practice and from then on I spoke with her almost every day. If I needed someone just to talk to she was the one, or if i had a question and she didnt exactly know the answer, she waould stay on ythe phone while finding other references or resources to answer my questions. I'm the baby of my family so I knew I would need this type of attention during my pregnancy and labor and Leslie was definatley the one for the job. Leslie also worked with the babys father and the rest of my family in amazing ways I never thought possible. Once labor really kicked in, I wanted to be left alone (not touched) and as I wished she stayed by my side giving me my space helping me when being asked to do so, and making suggestions. My birthing experience was the most amazing experience of my life! I couldn't have done it with out her knowledge, carefullness, and determination.
-Laura Ashley
_________________________________________________
Leslie was such a blessing to me and my Husband. She knew just what to do when we felt like all of our options had been exhausted. The birth of our daughter was a long one and without the help of Leslie, I am sure I would have given up much sooner. I spent 4 days in early labor and Leslie was such an inspiration. I was in and out of the hospital thinking each time that I would be leaving with my baby. When I was finally admitted for delivery, Leslie came to the hospital at 3:00 a.m., to be with us. She rubbed my back and feet to help ease the pain of Pitocin induced contractions. She reminded me of simple ways to keep my mind occupied and didnt get discouraged when I kept saying "I can't do this anymore". She didnt leave my side for well over 24 hours and when Zoey was born at 3:00 a.m the next day, she still wanted to be there to help me get started with breastfeeding. My baby was born via C section...the hospital where I delivered only allows one person to be in the room with the mother, so I chose my Husband. Leslie waited out in the waiting room with our families, giving them encouraging words. My mother even told me after everything was said and done how wonderful Leslie was. I have reccomended Leslie to several of my friends who also wish to have a positive birth experience with a Doula. I am so thankful to have met Leslie while I was pregnant. She is an amazing spirit and wonderful person.
-Jamie
_________________________________________________