YOUR DOULA Marcia Mattern

"During the first half of my pregnancy, I found it difficult to go with the flow of my OB's office and I did not feel heard or felt like I was an individual. Walking in felt like I took a number and sat down. I researched how I could receive more help or advice since I was too far in my pregnancy to switch OB's. I came across Marcia. Reaching out immediately, I was desperate for positivity and guidance. We started to build a relationship and she was present and encouraging when I needed her to be. At 34 weeks my OB started to inform me of a possible cesarean because my child was in a breach position which was terrifying for me to hear. Everything they lacked; Marcia made up tenfold. She kept me informed on my options and reminded me it was too soon. I had decided to transfer to The Birth Center and where I had a team that I felt really supported me. Marcia came to my home and taught us different comforting measures and techniques that would help us and was in contact weekly. When I started labor and my water broke, Marcia came straight over. She was my mind reader during labor, all the things I wanted to say I needed but couldn't, she knew. Sometimes she knew what I needed before I did. Kevin (my partner) and her were an amazing team, she knew when to help guide and also when to give us our moments. Marcia is all the small little things that make the difference. She isn't just another person standing up in the room, she is present with a sole focus of your birth. By morning with no sign of the labor ending, she stayed with us. She went and got us lunch; she kept me moving and motivated. Marcia kept our spirts up, things were starting to look never ending after a night without sleep. The next night, contractions started picking up again and even though they were more intense, I was not progressing. Late the following night, we had to start weighing our options. Although it was heartbreaking, it was time to go to the hospital. Marcia came with us, helped us check in. When we got settled in our third location together, it was clear we were all so exhausted. The next morning, we went in for an emergency cesarean. Marcia kept me present through the chaos. Reminding me of my list of things I wanted, she guided Kevin just as she had done for the past 40 hours, giving him as much support as she gave me. She was there when we got out of surgery only to then help my daughter latch and once we were finally comfortable, she said goodbye. When we went home, she visited, she called weekly offering her support. I just received a birthday card for my daughter's one year from Marcia. It's taken me a year to say what she did for me, her impact was beyond words and through the trauma of my birth, I smile knowing how lucky I was to have her."

"Marcia is a wonderful doula! She has such a big heart and vast knowledge of birth. Relationships with her clients are very important as well as her understanding of the latest evidence based care. She goes above and beyond to change the culture of birth by working alongside nurses and sharing research with OBs at the local Peoria hospitals. A great addition to any birth team!"

"Marcia is a well versed and exceptional doula. She consistently offers valuable support that is needed by birthing families; she goes above and beyond. Central Illinois is lucky to have a doula of her competency and skill."