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Testimonial
 To Whom It May Concern;
Laurie Flower served as a Doula at the birth of my daughter on July 29, 2007. Laurie assisted my husband and I during the pregnancy with a valuable training that well prepared us for labor. We met with Laurie twice during the prenatal period. These meetings included, among other things, crucial education and training on prenatal exercises, breathing techniques and stages of labor. Laurie was also readily available for consultation over the phone or in informal meetings.
Laurie is highly articulate, knowledgeable and caring Doula. She portrayed the perfect combination of warmth and professionalism in her interaction with me as a client as well as my husband. She was always very well prepared for the prenatal sessions and particularly for labor. Laurie arrived to the birth center shortly after we have contacted her and stayed with me for over 12 hours. Her warm presence and professional help made a tremendous difference in my labor and the birth of my daughter. Laurie made me feel at ease but at the same time encouraged me to persevere with the exercises, concentration and breathing techniques. She was neither burdensome nor pushy. She was positive and lively but also calm and soothing when needed. She provided me with prenatal, massages that helped to relax and eased my pain significantly. I highly recommend Laurie as a Doula. She does an exceptional job with tremendous dedication, warmth, knowledge and professionalism.
Sincerely,
Cosette Fox, Ph.D.
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Testimonial
 As I write this letter of recommendation for Laurie Flower, I sit here a week away from my due date on what will be our 4th birth with her assistance. I would not dream of having our baby with out her very capable, tender and attentive help! Laurie Flower has been an amazing help to me as I labor, her keen awareness of my needs coupled with her tender and deeply respectful ways is of an amazing value to me. I have also notice d her presence as being highly valued by my husband who after experiencing our first birth with Laurie's assistance, the next time we faced a birth he asked with almost panic stricken tone, "Laurie WILL be able to come this time also... right??, make sure she can come, I would like her here!" That spoke volumes to me as in the midst of hard labor I was only able to notice here help to me but my husband's plea revealed a side of our birth experience that I had missed as I labored. It is a high honor and privilege for our family to have Laurie work side by side with us as we welcome our little ones, her love for life, enthusiasm and whole hearted devotion to her work, not to mention her very capable help, make her unique in our opinion. Laurie says gratefully that it is a privilege for her that we have had her repeated times for our births... I am not sure who is most privileged, but I think it could easily be us.
I very highly recommend Laurie's Doula Services to anyone!
Sonia
Wilmington, Ohio
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Testimonial
This letter is to recommend Laurie Flower as a doula who helped my daughter Beth and her husband with labor, delivery, lactation and the first days of parenting of their first born. At first, I felt somewhat hurt as I could have helped and saved them money. I have several children and grandchildren and I am a Licensed Practical Nurse. I have been licensed in New York , Florida and Virginia since 1964 and have worked in a variety of nursing positions.
Let me tell you about our daughter. She is 32 yrs old and has recently had her first baby. She is teacher and well read. Her wonderful husband is also well read, and learns as much as he can about any given subject. Most men, when they see a problem, (ie. pain in labor) they want to fix it if they can. If they can’t fix it, they need to know how to help their “love” endure the difficulty of birthing a baby. Laurie came along side and helped her husband help his wife through labor and beyond.
I most heartily believe that Beth’s and Marlins’ decision to hire Laurie made it possible for her to stay at home for much of her labor, thus being more comfortable while Laurie encouraged them and suggested ways to help her be more comfortable.
I highly recommend Laurie as a doula. It has been a wonderful experience for the new parents, as well as for the mom and grandma that I am. I hope, if they have another baby one day, that Laurie will be hired again. It is money so very well spent, she’s worth every penny.
Jane Rickert
Lynchburg, Va 24502
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Testimonial
I can't imagine what my pregnancy would have looked like if Laurie Flower was not there. I was so excited when I found out that I was pregnant with my third child, but I was also terrified. I had had a history of complicated pregnancies, both physically and emotionally. As soon as I called Laurie, requesting her to be my doula, she was right by side. She was such a source of strength and support for me. She educated my husband and I on other methods of laboring, staying physically fit during the pregnancy, and gave us tips on staying emotionally calm and peaceful. These are just a few things she offered right from the beginning. I called Laurie several times asking her advice and she was so knowledgeable. She loaned me books to show me where she was receiving her information and just so I could become more educated myself.
When labor day approached I found myself, like many new mothers to be, restless and a little worried. Some thoughts that bothered me were a little unique from some moms, but we all have our unique fears. I was worried because of the reasons I was considered "high risk". With my second child they were closely monitoring me, due to a heart condition that I have. My heart rate was so high that they thought it very likely that I would go into a cardiac arrest. However, with my third pregnancy, things were already so different...in a very positive way. I was more fit, happier, calmer, a lot more confident that I could have this baby under the conditions that I wanted to have her.
One of the most priceless things that Laurie offered me was making me aware of my patient rights. Something that in the past I wasn't fully informed on. I had not only my husband's support, but I had Laurie's constant help. Laurie made sure to tell me how strong and beautiful I was. The doctor's, not wanting to take any chances with me, given my past, induced me at six in the morning and Laurie was there. Not only was she there physically, but she was there emotionally, and energetically...ready to help, support and encourage. She brought her birthing ball, candles, music...it was AMAZING. It hardly looked like what my mind brings up when I think of a birth. It was like a day at the spa...well with a little bit of pain thrown in...but honestly in comparison to what I had experienced in the past that pain was minimal. It was so neat to have her encouraging me to move around and my husband got to participate in every aspect that he wanted too. The atmosphere that Laurie provided was, for lack of better words, romantic, and my husband and I got to enjoy each other and the experience because of the mood Laurie set. By the end of the day and through Laurie's tireless efforts, my pitocin level was not brought up from almost the beginning, I did not have to have an episiotomy...(in the past I had horrible experiences with this) I was only under an epidural for, maybe an hour, and a labor that may have turned into a C-section because the baby wouldn't descend turned into a vaginal delivery. All of this was amazing. However, the greatest blessing, was Laurie's attitude in an intense situation.
Near the end of the labor...probably the last three hours, my daughter's heart rate kept dropping.
After massaging, exercising with me, etc. to get the baby to descend it was finally time to push. I wanted to give up pushing, (I didn't say this was completely pain free) but Laurie kept encouraging me and when I had made up my mind to quit, she looked at me and told me what I needed to hear, "Andrea, You can't give up. The baby needs you to push. She is not happy where she is and you NEED to push." That was what I did, but had Laurie not been there, I very well would have ended up with a longer labor, a c-section, or worse, my baby may not have made it because of her heart rate. I am in Laurie's debt. I have the most beautiful little girl, and I had the most amazing birth experience. If the Lord blesses me with more children, I will insist that Laurie is by my side. I really would not want it any other way.
Andrea
Washington Courthouse
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Testimonial
My birth was complex and impossible, but Laurie made it possible. She was the best support a woman could ask for. I had a VBAC and unfortunately was induced but I had the baby naturally and I am thrilled. I would have never been able to do it without Laurie. Afterward I had a lot of problems with breastfeeding but Laurie helped me through that as well. She was always available and always answered my questions. Can't wait to have more children with her help!
Britten
Lynchburg VA
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Testimonial
I write this letter to share with everyone how Laurie Flower and her doula services has been an amazing experience for my husband and I in delivering out baby Mateo. I write this letter to share with everyone how Laurie Flower and her doula services has been an amazing experience for my husband and I in delivering out baby Mateo.
I remember the day Laurie and I met, and we parted ways. I knew nothing of what she did . So, that should tell you she doesn’t go running up to pregnant women telling them that they need her. Extremely happy with her services, that’s my job to do! A mutual friend of Laurie and I, told me she was a doula… I said, “ A what?”. I never heard or such thing so my dear friend explained and gave me great information, that left me so interested in wanting her for my birth.
Let me tell you, expecting mothers are so open to the whole doula idea knowing the support they’ll need. It’s the husbands, mothers, and mother in laws that have to be convinced that doulas aren’t some type of voodoo witch doctor, ha. In my case, it was my husband who didn’t understand. He felt I wanted someone else to hold my hand and do his job. He also said, “Why can’t you just have our baby like everyone else… Normal!” I already than knew, this was going to be a challenge and only ask that he’d be open for the free consultation before making a decision. Somebody was going to have to convince him on what was really normal and that somebody would be Laurie.
During our consultation, Laurie told us everything about what she as a doula would do for us. Everything she had to say was incredible information that I couldn’t see how anyone would refuse her. After she had left, I found my husband leaning on the counter with his arms crossed. Scared of his answer because I fell in love with Laurie, I asked him what was the matter and what he thought? He said he was upset with himself for judging her and what she did before giving her the chance. He also said that it sounds like she knew her stuff when it came to pregnancy and that we can definitely use her.
My husband and I, already having two beautiful boys, 11 years later had our third baby boy with Laurie as our doula. We discuss many things we wanted to do differently to embrace this pregnancy that we didn’t know before. Older and wiser, we wanted to make the best choices for myself and most important for the baby. Laurie’s prenatal, Lamaze, and lactation classes taught us so much and beyond my expectations. I just can’t believe women are just having babies not knowing the choices and rights they have. Just simply not knowing what pregnancy is all about and your body through it all is crazy and we think we can get all the information we need from the book “What to Expect When Expecting”… think again.
I was lost with my previous children, I didn’t know anything other than what doctors told me what I had to do or I wasn’t considering making the right choices for my baby. I always believed that you do as your doctor says to do, not knowing there were alternative choices. I never had a doctor offer me the information Laurie has given us. She taught us facts, research, the alternative choices, and had all the references through books, DVD’s, etc., she needed to back every word she said. I tell you the information is a WOW factor- absolutely unbelievable!
As my husband and I went to each doctor appointment, well educated with all the knowledge Laurie shared, left us with such an exhilarating feeling. We felt well respected by our doctor, who I believe knew we weren’t going to let anything passed us. Thanks to Laurie, she coached me through my fear of presenting all this to my doctor.
The day came when I went into labor, December 19, 2009. Everything we learned fell into place and made more sense then ever. From the birth plan, the exercises, to breathing techniques which by the way who ever came up with the fast get your heart rate up breathing “hee hee who”. Laurie’s deep breath and cleansing breathe made so much sense. Laurie did her part along with my husband, sister in law, and mother in law doing their part. It was a true team. Laurie never tried to play their roles which some people fear. Working together with my husband through natural labor added more strength to our relationship. I asked him in a few words what would he described. He said, “ It gave me more respect for women, pregnancy, birth, and it made me fall more in love with you.”
Laurie’s lactation class was the most important to me because this is the best thing you could do for your precious baby when it arrives into this world. You will learn how it is important, the difference between breast milk and formula, latching on properly and so much more. Laurie gives her heart and all to help you achieve nursing. With phone calls of tears thinking I would give up, she stayed right by my side with valuable info and support. I’m a master at it now! If you are one to choose nursing which I sure hope, having someone to teach, encourage and support you is very important. Laurie did just that!
My husband and I choosing more of the natural route with labor and nursing would not have been accomplished without Laurie Flower. This experience created special bonding with my husband, baby, and also with my fabulous doula I will always cherish. Everyone interested, we highly recommend Laurie Flower and her doula services. You will be pleased!
We love Laurie!
Desiree and Steven Trent
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Testimonial
This is a letter is to recommend Laurie Flower as a doula. My daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby girl with Laurie by her side.
I was unsure what a doula was. My daughter and her husband would tell me about the classes and what they were learning from Laurie. This was my daughter’s first birth. Jennifer and her husband were very impressed with Laurie and her teachings. Laurie is very professional, knowledgeable, encouraging, supportive, kind and caring. Laurie has a way of just making you feel at ease and comfortable. Her voice is soothing and she cares deeply about her patients.
During the last hour before my daughter gave birth I became concerned. Laurie assured me that everything was going fine and it wouldn’t be much longer. As a mother I wanted to take away the pain. Because of Laurie, Jennifer was very focused. Laurie taught Jennifer how to prepare herself for the upcoming birth. Laurie worked with Jennifer and Chad throughout the entire birthing process. I was totally amazed! Laurie prepared Jennifer and Chad extremely well.
I could go on and on about Laurie and what she did for my daughter. Laurie is wonderful and I would recommend Laurie Flower to anyone. She was supportive throughout and after the pregnancy.
Laurie you are amazing! You have a gift of helping others! We’re looking forward to the next birth and want you to be the doula!
Cathy Anne Earley
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We have five children. I nursed the first four and had come to believe that, despite what the lactation consultants say, breastfeeding does hurt. Each time I nursed a new baby, I knew to expect several weeks of pain and discomfort from sore nipples and engorgement. I have vivid memories of nursing my last son, wincing as he latched on and crying through the feeding. Even so, I am committed to nurse my children. This is why I am so grateful today, ten days after our fifth child was born, that nursing is not painful this time. I’m not wincing, using lanolin or cold packs, or crying through feedings. Laurie was the difference for us. Having her at our son’s birth allowed me to start off nursing him with a correct latch, helpful tips, confidence and hope that this time would be different. Because she offered support those first few days, I never experienced the pain that had become normal for me. Our entire family is better off because Laurie helped us start well, and we’re so thankful.
Calli Curtis
www.callicurtisjuiceplus.com
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I had never heard of a doula much less a postpartum doula until after my twins were born. After 4 or 5 weeks I was drained mentally, physically, emotionally. I found Laurie through a local business and she was a complete lifesaver! I had to return to work 7 weeks after they were born and at that time she was there for my husband and I several nights a week. She would take care of laundry, dishes, clean up and watch the babies so I could get a good 5 hour stretch of sleep. She was a huge part of my survival during the early days of twins. I can not thank her enough for the support and help she provided my family!
Staton Angel
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While writing this I am eight months pregnant with my first child. This was not a planned pregnancy so I started out with very little knowledge of what was happening in my body and what to expect. With information from other moms, the internet and books it was daunting trying to sort through it all. I knew I needed to learn as much as I could before I went into the hospital for labor and delivery so that I wouldn’t be “flying blind” so to speak. A friend of mine told me about Laurie and the services she offers. After the initial meeting with Laurie I knew that if anyone could help me prepare for my big day it was her. I signed up for her childbirth education classes. The classes are private so I felt very comfortable and able to ask her questions that I wouldn’t have if I had been in a class with others. I am a visual learner so I appreciated all the diagrams, props and pictures Laurie uses while teaching. Laurie found out what my concerns were, gave me information about them and pointed me to different resources that I could research on my own. I learned so much more than I ever anticipated. She taught me about the changes taking place in my body, how my baby was developing, the many interventions used in hospitals, how to write a birth plan, breastfeeding and nutrition among other topics. The classes were so fascinating that I was sad to see them end. Laurie lent me educational books and DVDs. Laurie genuinely cares about the well being of her clients. If I had a question outside of class she was a phone call away. My work day stretches into the evening and Laurie was very flexible with her schedule so that I never had to take off early from work. At the beginning of my pregnancy I had so much anxiety about delivering my child that once I had to lie down with an ice pack on my head to prevent me from passing out. Laurie has taught me so much about the mechanics of a woman’s body during pregnancy and labor that now I feel totally confident in my ability to give birth naturally and I am looking forward to the experience. I have come a long way! I wish all women could take Laurie’s class!
Celena Miller
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When my wife, Allison, asked me if we could hire a Doula I had no idea what that meant. Little did I know how vital Laurie was going to be in the birth of our son. Laurie is extremely easy to work with. She is incredibly knowledgeable, joyful, and has an extraordinary work ethic. She was with my wife, and I, encouraging us, serving us, and comforting us up until the very last second of the 45 hour labor. I would recommend Laurie to any skeptical father and we look forward to working with her again.
Greg Earl
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Ten days after giving birth to my first child, I was in pain! I kept reading that breastfeeding was supposed to feel good and be a time of bonding with my new little bundle of joy. However, every time we went to feed it felt like fire! I read about latching and thought I was doing everything right. Nothing I did would help and my baby was spitting up blood from my cracked nipples (ouch!). Because of all the amazing health benefits for both mom and baby, I wanted to continue breastfeeding. However, I knew if that was going to happen I needed help!
That’s when I called Laurie Flower tearfully admitting, “I think I might need some help from a lactation consultant.” She was so comforting on the phone and assured me that we could fix this problem together. My husband and I went to her office the next morning. It was so cozy and she was so inviting. I felt comfortable telling her about my nursing problems. She was able to watch me nurse and immediately spot the bad latch. Laurie gently showed me how to correct my problems and help my baby learn what to do as well. Along with helping fix baby’s bad latch, she gave me tips to avoid common breastfeeding problems and ways to make breastfeeding a great experience. I left her office feeling comforted and encouraged!
From that day on, breastfeeding felt better and better. With in a few days, I felt no pain at all. Now, snuggling close to my baby and giving her the nourishment she needs to grow is the best part of my day. I had always thought that breastfeeding would be so natural and easy. Yes it is natural, and now I think it’s easy. I never realized that it would take some learning for both mom and baby to make it a great experience. Without Laurie, I may have given up completely. If I could do it all over again, I would have had her come to the hospital to support me with her breastfeeding services.
Thank you Laurie for helping me give my baby a great start in life. Words cannot express my gratitude.
Lachelle Kozma
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Laurie came to my rescue after my fourth child was born! Even though I had breastfed my other three children, I had done so with a great deal of difficulty in the beginning. Laurie helped me get off on the right foot with my newborn daughter and she gently corrected a number of things I had been doing wrong for years. Through her patient and sympathetic guidance, I didn't experience most of the problems I had in the past, like engorgement and clogged milk ducts. Laurie shared so many helpful breastfeeding techniques and made me feel comfortable and confident about my ability to successfully breastfeed my baby. She does an incredible job of tailoring her advice and counsel to the individual needs of the mother and baby she is working with. Whether you are just starting to breastfeed your first baby or you've done it for years. you will absolutely benefit from Laurie's experience and dedication to the beautiful experience of breastfeeding.
Peyton
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I knew as soon as I found out I was pregnant I wanted to breastfeed or at least try. However, I was doubtful it would be a success after hearing so many stories that ended in formula. The moment I came home from the hospital I realized I could not figure breastfeeding out alone so I called Laurie Flowers. She was able to meet us at her office that night. Wow...what a blessing Laurie was?! I was a mess between the hormones, lack of sleep, and just feeling overwhelmed. Laurie's calm nature and abundant knowledge was exactly what I needed. She told me, "Don't worry your baby will be nursing by the time you leave tonight, everything is going to be just fine" and she was right! My daughter is 5 months old now and still breastfeeding, I am so thankful we did not miss out on this wonderful bonding experience, we both enjoy our special time together. Since, the first night I met Laurie I have called her several times and stopped by her office to ask a question and she is always such a joy, a truly wonderful person!
Brittany Barney
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If it weren’t for Laurie, I would have trudged through a terrible breastfeeding relationship with my son. My pregnancy had been “textbook” and I was committed to having the most natural and healthy pregnancy and delivery possible. After only an 8 hour labor, I gave birth to our first child in the comfort of our own home and I looked forward to starting nursing right away. I had, of course, read the books and was “prepared” and everything else had gone so well! Unfortunately, he wouldn’t latch hardly at all and he would cry and cry, but he was barely getting anything. The only way I could get him to latch enough to get anything was to use a shield which caused me so much pain that I either gritted my teeth or cried through it. This was not what I had spent 9 months looking forward to! Something needed to happen because for me formula was just not an option. So I contacted Laurie and after arriving at my house (because I was just too exhausted and stressed to go anywhere), Laurie was able to get my son to latch on to me within minutes! I was amazed by her incredible skill and so comforted by her sweet and caring personality. And I was finally on my way to having a wonderful nursing relationship with my son. I never could have done it without her and I am so thankful to have been referred to her!
Ashley Hayes
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I agreed to go to childbirth education classes because I knew how much it mattered to my wife. I would sit with her through a few hours of...whatever...if I had to. In my experience, women who made a career out of this sort of thing were social fringe type mystics with few friends who probably talked to trees or crystals. Go ahead, Google search "childbirth" and read a few articles written by service providers outside the corporate health industry. See what I mean? A bunch of hippies who take themselves way too seriously - trying to help your wife unleash her inner birthing goddess. What's your power animal, dear?
This was what I had in mind, walking in to Laurie Flower's office. At least it will be something to laugh about later, I thought. It was awesome. I was wrong. But we did laugh. I was relieved to find a well adjusted person who had a sense of humor. No crystals. No chicken blood. No practicing our primal goddess roar. The sessions were very fast and practical. Laurie was very engaging and adapted her instruction to our questions on the spot. I don't think we ever went home with an unanswered question. It was good to know that there was some common sense to having a baby. Some of the questions you have are wonderfully simple "duh" answers. What a relief, because after you find out you're having a baby you get inundated with the "When I had my 900th baby..." stories from family and coworkers that invariably tread into the "blah blah blah went horribly wrong" territory and then finish up somewhere in the "blah blah Oh seriously, I didn't want to know that about you. Let's never speak again." range. And there you have your own personal pile of misconceptions about what childbirth has to be like. Thank you dear coworker.
Enter Laurie. You have no idea how many options there are when it comes to how you want to have your baby. There's a whole lot of "how" and "why" to the medical side of birth that you are not likely to hear elsewhere. You probably never knew how much unnecessary stuff you could opt out of (think of your creepy coworker). Dare I say that having a baby could be enjoyable? "I would feel better about the whole thing if I could just ______________." Maybe you can. You would be surprised. Laurie can give you a good idea of what you can realistically expect whether you're having a baby at home or in the hospital. It is possible that with a little more know how you could have a simple, happy story instead of one of those too-much-information-I-just-lost-my-appetite stories.
Dave Detwiler
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Dear Laurie,
This is a thank you note but it is also an endorsement for prospective dads who want to know if your services are worth it. Believe me, you are invaluable. Your support for my daughter was inexhaustible through her difficult labor. Your knowledge, experience, kindness, and professionalism for my daughter at all times was such that a heavy burden was lifted from me. I could concentrate on my role as supportive mother. We worked together to bring my daughter successfully through her labor and lactation.
For anyone who is considering using your services I most highly recommend using you. When it comes time for delivery you tirelessly smooth the way from beginning to end.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Grossman
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"Choosing to have a birth plan and Laurie Flower as my doula made all the difference in my labor and delivery. I felt prepared and confident that I was able to deliver my baby naturally. I would have not felt this way if it were not for Anticipation and Beyond. I wouldn’t change anything, and highly recommend it to anyone who desires a positive birth experience."
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"Laurie Flower is a wonderfully compassionate and dedicated childbirth educator and lactation consultant. During my pregnancy, my husband and I took her childbirth class series. Besides offering a very detailed and informative set of classes, Laurie suggested several books to read. I borrowed from her collection and later purchased my favorites for my home library. Two of these books are my breastfeeding bibles and I’ve referenced them many times since my daughter was born! The day my baby and I came home from the hospital, I called Laurie and asked her to come to our house. I thought I was having a latch issue and was concerned my daughter wasn't nursing properly. Laurie immediately noticed my daughter had a frenulum problem (tongue-tie) and helped us set up an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor the next day. Because of her tongue-tie, my daughter had not been receiving any nourishment besides what I was able to hand express. Laurie immediately put me on a frequent nursing and pumping schedule to help my milk come in and to get as much food to my baby as possible. I truly feel that without Laurie's help, I would have been directed by my pediatrician to start formula while I resolved my breastfeeding issues. Laurie also helped me set up my breast pump and recommended different parts that made my machine better fitting. As a first-time mom, I would have struggled with this on my own and may have had even more issues without Laurie's help. I stayed in touch with Laurie all weekend following her appointment at my house. She made herself available to discuss my daughter's progress and offered support as I got through those first scary days. I've since been to her office for free baby weight checks and to follow up with her. My baby has gained weight steadily and has not needed any formula supplementation. I consider Laurie a valuable breastfeeding resource and feel very comfortable calling or emailing with any question. I highly recommend her childbirth classes and lactation services and think any breastfeeding mother should consider having Laurie on speed dial."
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