I don’t think I can even put into words how helpful it was to have Sue as our doula! From the moment my husband and I met with her, we knew we were going to be in good hands. She was very sweet, professional, and knowledgeable - she was just the kind of person we wanted to support us through the birth of my first baby. All of our questions, fears, and silly concerns were put to rest and I was able to walk into the birthing experience excited, calm, and confident.
My goal was to have a natural, unmedicated birth with a midwife and the support of my husband and Sue. The day I went into labor was quite interesting - everything started off slowly, but escalated quickly in the evening once my water spontaneously broke! We ended up meeting Sue at our freestanding birth center, but when my midwife checked me, she noticed that when my water broke, there was meconium in the fluid, requiring a non-emergency transfer to the hospital. I was upset that I wasn’t able to birth in the beautiful tubs at the birth center, but Sue was wonderful emotional support as she reassured me that I could still have a great birth experience! I was so grateful to have her there in that moment because I really needed that reassurance.
Once we arrived at the hospital, labor progressed quickly. Sue helped me with different positions, pain management techniques, and even had some great things for me to try when intense nausea kicked in. While much of the night is a blur, I remember having her on my left side and my husband on my right side holding my hands, encouraging me, and just being present. I felt like I had the best support team in the world!
We were able to successfully have a natural, unmedicated birth at the hospital - I was actually able to labor in the tub for a while as well! I am certain that having Sue there was a huge part of why our birth was such a calm, exciting, and simply wonderful experience. I would hire her all over again!!
Rebecca Vavilov
Posted 2/11/2018
Sue Chargo was great, she exceeded my expectations for a doula. Sue was my first choice for my recent surrogacy pregnancy, labor and delivery. She was professional, friendly and accommodating from the initial phone call, meeting all the way through the end. She answered my questions, guided me as requested or needed and was always avaliable when needed. She has even checked in on me following the delivery which has been unexpected yet very welcomed. I wish I had been more informed about my labor and delivery options when I was pregnant with my bio-child. For this reason specifically is the reason I chose to hire a doula. Although this pregnancy was a surrogacy and had no biological connection to me, it was still my body and to have the support and guidance Sue offered, made the experience all that more rewarding. I was able to have an epidural free, pain medication free labor and delivery because of her support, advocacy and guidance. I will be forever grateful for Sue’s partnership and profession.
Randi Lee
Posted 1/7/2018
From the start, Sue was warm, knowledgeable, and her enthusiasm for our journey was genuine. She supported us in the months leading up to the birth, often helping us sort through the mountain of advice we were getting from friends, family, doctors, and the internet. Her expertise was particularly helpful when it came time to make a birth guideline. There were many considerations that we had not thought of and Sue helped us feel as prepared as we could be for any circumstance that should arise during delivery. This was extremely helpful when we experienced a long and complex labor. She made sure to be there quickly after we were admitted to the hospital and was a rock for both my husband and I after we had to deviate from our ideal birth plan. Sue’s timing in post-partum visits was excellent and she again provided much welcomed support and reassurance during those weeks. I am forever grateful that Sue was a part of the birth of our son and cannot recommend her highly enough to any parents-to-be.
Donelle Heieie
Posted 12/22/2017
I don't think I would have come out of this pregnancy and delivery so well if it wasn't for Sue. I'm so happy we decided to go with a doula and especially that we went with Sue. We interviewed several different doulas and groups, and they all had their good points, but Sue's experience and personality definitely made her the right match for us. She instantly put me at ease.
Our pre-meetings were great ways to get us comfortable with Sue and with what we were going to encounter in the delivery room. We had a physician group and were unsure who would actually be with us for the delivery and it was great to know that we would have one familiar person there (Sue).
Unfortunately, you can only be so prepared as every delivery has its own path. Sue was there for us every step of the way through my inconvenient and inconsistent delivery. Together, we tried to have the delivery go as I wanted / pictured. However, things didn't go the way I wanted as my body wouldn't cooperate. Sue was with me through every complication and change of strategy. She helped me make knowledge based decisions and helped me to trust that things were going to work out. The outcone was our beautiful baby girl.
I also appreciated that Sue's services and friendship didn't end at the hospital. I have the support with my sweet girl still. Sue is available for questions and to provide support and resources. I will definitely bring in Sue again for baby number 2.
Adrienne Keely Bishop
Posted 12/21/2017