I hired Alicia to be my doula and monatrice (sp?) - she was wonderful. She spent time with us before the birth (initial and second meetings) and we asked tons of questions. I let her know things that I was and was no comfortable with and she was very accepting. On the day of my birth, we called her first and she came over to see how I was doing and told me to enjoy the day now and to call her when I felt like I needed her. We did just that - she returned after my second call and sat with me and my husband as I had contractions. She checked me when I asked and tried some Massage. After, trying a few different positions and the shower, we left for the hospital on my command. She advocated for me in the hospital and answered any questions that I had. She held my legs the entire time I was pushing (2 hours) and stayed for about an hour after my son was born to help him latch and talk with us. Then she left to give us time together with our new addition.
We already had appointment scheduled for my few week check in and that went great. She listened to my concerns and troubles and offered help (because my placenta ended up being ruined). My husband and I really appreciated her support and all the advice she provided us. It was worth every penny to have her there. I would not hesitate having her as my midwife if we ever do this again.