Thank you Lea so much for being there for me before, during and after birth.

Your knowledge and patience prior to the birth provided me with a sense of security and confidence in the lead up.

Your presence during the birth was so calming. You knew exactly what to do and when to do it. I am not sure how we could have gotten through it without you.

Your visit post birth and processing was something I didn’t even know I needed until after the fact. Having you validate my feelings and reassure us everything is and will be ok, was such a relief.

You really brought such positive energy and light to the whole experience and I am so happy to know you!

Highly highly recommend !

Lea Reichel was the best doula I could have asked for!

She gives you so much more than you can imagine.

From a full childbirth course packed with everything you need to know, to a powerful bodywork session and personal meet-up where you can dive deep into all your questions-she truly goes above and beyond.

I ended up having the most incredible birth I could have hoped for: no epidural, no tearing, not even an IV or needle in me!

And to wrap it all up, we had a beautiful session to reflect on my birth experience. Lea guided me through meaningful activities that helped me see my birth like a powerful movie of my own life. We also did an amazing “closing of the bones” treatment that helped me reconnect with myself and life on a deep level-I finally understood why it’s called that.

Lea is not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also one of the kindest people you’ll meet.

Thank you, Lea.

P.S. This is coming from a doula, bodyworker, and childbirth educator myself-and I can honestly say that Lea is on another level when it comes to birth. Her depth of knowledge is unmatched. You will be in the best hands with her!

A month later, I wanted to post my hospital and doula review for anyone whom the information might assist as some of you might be making decisions or know people making these decisions in the coming months. To preface, I had an induction at 37 weeks following a varix, or enlarged vein in the umbilical cord which is not dangerous until the blood flow becomes turbulent, which it did in the last days of my 36th week. The induction took five days and they tried every method possible: gel, stripping about 5 times, two balloons, 3 bags of Pitocin on the highest dose, and finally a combination of Pitocin and breaking my water.

Har Hatzofim was where I chose to give birth and very grateful I did because at no point during this process were they prepared to even discuss a C-section and told me they were with me to the end and were going to try everything so I could have the baby naturally. They offered constant support and always found me a place to sleep as I waited for the birth room I wanted (which was stunning and has a closed in porch, making it the perfect visiting place so I didn’t have to have everyone in my room with me). They found me a doctor’s room to sleep in, moved me to the ward where the nurses were on top of my care, and finally gave me the birth room for about 36 hours with no rush to get me out until I had given birth. I did not have an epidural, therefore when it was time to push, I wanted to be on my knees so I flipped over on my own and the midwife was supportive of my decision as well as letting me push on my own without constant instruction. After the birth, all of the midwives I interacted with came up to wish me mazal tov. All in all, I was treated by a staff who were naturally minded and had actually read the latest research on birth and various issues associated with varix. Another cool part about the hospital is the outdoor parking lot reserved for the patients right outside the מיון יולדות. I was able to take walks outside and pop in and out when I wanted.

Doula: Lea Reichel Knowledge Based Birth. I started Hypnobirthing sessions with her to get my head right and get over my intense fear of childbirth and ended up taking her as my doula. The birth classes were just her, my husband, and I so we had a personalized experience that allowed us to be comfortable and ask all the questions we needed. She walked through every step, using scientific research and mindfulness techniques alike to prepare me for what was to come. During the five days in the hospital, she came every time they started a new method, supporting me through balloon contractions and bringing all the equipment to make me be able to work through the pain. She empowered me and didn’t have to be told what to do, she just did, allowing me to focus on breathing and my body. For the six hours of labor, she worked hard applying pressure, moving me, and using hot water, as I could not speak because it was so intense. She was a friend too and we loved chatting with her as we waited for things to happen. She also made sure I was taken care of after the birth and brought me to the shower to wash off and get dressed. She checks in often after the fact and will answer any questions I had about my own health and the baby if we needed. Here’s her profile: https://www.facebook.com/share/15m7zcznnc/

In all, what could easily have been a traumatic experience wasn’t and I have come away more powerful and happy with everything that happened!

If anyone has questions, feel free to reach out, I just wanted to leave this here in order to help someone who might be looking to see what is out there.