 We
participated in Teresa's childbirth classes and found them to be invaluable.
We had no idea there were so many options available other than the traditional
OBGYN methods. Every position we used during labor were learned and practiced
in that class with Teresa. Teresa was also our doula during Noah's birth
in December, 2005. We couldn't have done it without her. It was amazing
that she came to our home during the early stages of labor (at 4:30 in the
morning) and helped us through it for as long as it took. She coached us
through contractions in a way that helped me relax and have confidence in
myself. She was right by my side the entire time in the hospital: coaching
contractions, giving encouragement, or just giving me Gatorade. She stayed
after the birth until 2:00 in the morning when we were finally settled.
She was our first visitor the next day, helping me through breastfeeding.
In general, Teresa has a calm and personable demeanor, yet a great sense
of humor. She is very helpful, yet not demanding or overbearing. She still
calls me to check up on me and Noah to see how we are getting along. We're
not ready to start thinking about having another child just yet, but when
we do, we'll call Teresa first.
- Daniel & Francesca Forsyth
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful class. We miss it already! My
husband told me the other night that he really feels like he's ready to
help me thru labor and delivery and that he really learned a lot from your
class. I feel so much better after taking the class too, I actually feel
like I can do this. I'm looking forward to knowing that I'm in labor and
experiencing the whole thing. You've helped us to know that we can really
do this! Thanks again, it was wonderful getting to know you and hearing
all about your experiences. I will call/email you after the big event and
let you know how many times I heard you coaching us thru it!
- Jess & Shaun
Hello there!! First I want to thank you again for taking our 2nd set of
birth photo's. You captured the moment! We picked up the photo's on our
way home Thursday and they look great.
- Michelle and Elmer
We love our birth pictures that Teresa has taken for us... It's so nice to
be able to re cap the moment of my children's birth..My children also love
to look at the pictures and say who was who... I'm so grateful that she was
there to help capture my births in such a memorable way.
- Chris and Michelle
 We had
first became familiar with Teresa Fischer while taking our childbirth classes
with her, through the recommendation of my midwifes' practice. Over the
course of the 4 week schedule, we had grown very comfortable with her. Her
attitude, teaching methods, humor, and personal experiences far surpassed
how we thought the classes would go.
I was on the fence about having a doula at the birth of my first child
due simply to the extra money, but I knew I wanted extra female support
and Teresa was, without a doubt, our first choice because we were already
comfortable with her from the childbirth classes and she agreed to offer
her support in whatever way was needed.
Ultimately the birth of my son, Drake Agostino, was truly a beautiful
day and the support, knowledge and compassion of our doula, Teresa, was
truly a blessing. If we decide to have another child, we wouldn't hesitate
hiring Teresa once again.
- Dina & Glenn Pellinger
 Vinnie
and I wanted to thank you for all your knowledge and support up to the recent
birth of our son Ryan. Your classes (along with our many visits to the midwives)
really changed my husband's outlook on the whole birthing process. When
we first started our pregnancy, he was very skeptical of using Midwives
and the thought of Water Birth was the most unnatural "weird"
concept to him. Now he is the most outspoken proponent of the whole process
- and thinks that Water Birth is the most natural way to go. It was thrilling
to me to see how excited and enlightened he became as we moved through the
pregnancy and your classes. As you know, unfortunately we were unable to
proceed with a Water Birth as we had hoped, because of the breech presentation
of our son (even after trying all known methods to man to get the baby to
turn down).
As much as we did not want to have to deliver our baby via Cesarean Section,
it was so comforting to have you there at Ryan's birth. We are also so thrilled
that we decided to have you capture our miracle on film. As much as I knew
that I wanted pictures of the birth, it didn't hit me how much those pictures
would mean until I saw what you captured. Having the C-Section meant that
I had to be medicated and separated from my baby for a short period. Having
the pictures of my sons birth and the time following (especially when we
were separated) has brought me such great joy. Seeing the photos with my
husband as he held our son for the first time were priceless, since I could
not see it for myself while I was in recovery. Thank you so much for everything!!
- Samantha & Vinnie Marotta
 We met
Teresa Fischer CD (DONA) on the first day of our birthing classes. We, of
course, had no idea what to expect and had no idea what a doula was for
that matter either. By the end of the first class, we of course, realized
how little we knew about what was to come and how much we had to learn.
Teresa's birthing classes made us realize that knowledge really is power.
The more she taught us about what to expect during the final days of pregnancy
and beginning of labor, the better informed we felt for making the right
decisions for our birth plan, the more we realized that we really needed
a support team in place. We felt our team needed to include Teresa.
Teresa didn't interfere with my husband's role, but actually improved it.
She not only helped my husband and I directly but she helped my husband
assist me better too. She also helped with laboring positions, with massage
(when necessary and possible), with focusing and breathing and more importantly,
with helping us stay as close to our birth plan as possible.
Not only did Teresa assist in the birth of both our daughters, but also
she is responsible for capturing the most beautiful photos of our girl's
first moments in life. If she weren't there, we wouldn't have precious moments
on film. The photos she took were awesome.
Teresa was a huge help during labor and was there for our family pre and
post labor as well. We feel very fortunate to have included Teresa in both
our daughter's births and we highly recommend her to everyone. She is a
consummate professional and takes her services very seriously.
We can't thank her enough.
- Andrea, Dominic, Bella, & Sofia Alfieri
 Jefferson
and I have had two children with Teresa as our doula. We took the classes
both times and enjoyed them each time. We learned new things each time and
it was great to refresh our memories on the rest. We really liked how Teresa
let us go as natural as we wanted to during labor. She helped us achieve
our ideal birth experience. She encouraged us and supported us when we weren't
sure what we were doing. She gave us great suggestions and reminders on
what we should be doing and how to stay on track with our birth plan.
We couldn't have done it without her and we are so grateful that we found
such a wonderful doula and friend.
- Jeff and Christina Clark
Message: I just wanted to thank you for helping my family capture the most
amazing moments of our lives!! It was awesome to have you there to capture
Jake's birth and to help Jason, Jake and I with Tyee's birth!! Jake loves
to look at the pictures and talk about Mommy and Daddy in the tub with Tyee.
Can't wait to have you there for #3!! (Don't worry, you will be one of the
first to know!!)
- Melissa, Jason, Jake and Tyee
Teresa Fischer helped me with my desicion to have a natural childbirth.
I came to New Jersey 5 months pregnant, still wondering what I wanted to
do about my birth. I took Teresa's childbirth class. It was her first time
and was trying it out to see if she liked it - she was already a pro. It
was from her class and knowledge that I learned enough to make a decision.
I also had her as a doula at my birth. I don't know what I would have done
without her. When my husband went to call people and my family went to breakfast,
she stayed with me and the baby, answered a ton of questions, and became
a good friend.
We are expecting our second now and I want her there and I'm going to take
the class again. You can't get enough of those relaxation techniques and
birthing positions. We are so thankful to Teresa!
- Bethany and Jonathan Price
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for teaching such a great birth class! As you
know, Chris was not looking forward to it (because he figured the midwives
and nurses would tell us everything we needed to know), but all of the demonstrations
and pointers were really helpful. The class was informative, but not at
all overwhelming. And now we feel confident that we can have the kind of
birth we want! We are genuinely sad that class has ended, but feel empowered
by all we have learned!
- Chris and Danielle
 We can’t
tell you how many families have heard our “successful VBAC”
story, and we never fail to mention how much your class and assistance at
the birth made it possible. Though I was a second time mother, it was the
first time I would experience contractions, pushing, etc. Even though it
wasn’t as “natural” as I had anticipated, the main goal
of delivering Devon vaginally was easily realized. I cannot begin to tell
you how differently I felt, both physically and emotionally, after my VBAC
then after our first daughter’s C-section. I always thought that childbirth
should and could be a wondrous, amazing experience, and your guidance and
reassurance kept me focused on what my body was meant to do. You knew what
I wanted and how I wanted to achieve it, and you worked with us through
the high and lows of labor until Devon was safely in Allan’s arms.
The memories from 1 ½ yrs ago still bring a smile to our faces, and
we thank you for being an essential part of our family’s unforgettable
journey! And thank you for capturing those first few moments of Devon’s
life; we were too busy admiring her to even remember to take pictures!
- Erika, Allan, Devon and big sister Sydney
|
