Reviews

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.

Leah was an important part of the birth of our third daughter. She is sensitive, caring, knowledgeable and always gentle and positive. She is upfront, professional, full of information and it’s so easy to feel comfortable with her.

During the pregnancy she helped me carve out the space to connect to my baby. The prenatal meetings were a time to block out all the worries and noise of the hectic day to day grind and concentrate on the special and vulnerable process of pregnancy. She helped me consider my birth options, from breathing techniques to practical scenarios and positions in labour.

Together with Leah, I was able to prepare myself mentally with intentional meditations and guided breathing exercises. They were cathartic and healing during an emotionally challenging pregnancy with my husband in and out of reserve duty and the emotional rollercoasters of my first two daughters.

Leah helped me physically with stretching exercises, an amazing massage experience, which I loved! And a complimentary exercise ball was such a relief for lower back pain.

Leah thought of every angle, every stage and had comprehensive and personalised advice and information for every stage. This included planning your post partum support network, which is such an important and often overlooked stage of the birth. It helped me to plan ahead for the first weeks post partum while my husband went back to finish his reserve duty. I was nervous that my husband wouldn’t be at the birth, but after a pre birth meeting with all three of us , Leah, Mendel and I, I felt stronger and less afraid.

During the actual birth Leah was always calm, it was such a relief when she walked through the door . With Leah I was able to relax and focus on my breathing. Leah created such a positive harmonious atmosphere in the birth room, working efficiently and effortlessly with the midwife, making me feel like I didn’t have to face the birth alone. I had her helping me in the shower, suggesting different positions, always gentle, respectful not intrusive, with a smile and encouragement or a massage on my shoulders to remind me to relax my body.

Between Leah and the midwife, and my husband once he arrived, I felt like I was surrounded by strong positive influences during the actual birth. I had a team of people who cared deeply about me and my experience, who were in tune with where I was holding as the birth progressed. This loving and serene and safe environment was exactly what I hoped for. I needed that to help me get through the pain and not be overwhelmed by it or by the exhaustion.

Leah is a professional and holistic doulah, and an amazingly calming nonjudgmental influence, and I am so grateful for her!

Amazing course, super informative and clearly explained practical knowledge.

I had Lea as my Doula as well, and she was a calming presence in the room, guiding me by telling me what to expect at every stage as the stages were happening. This contributed to my having a positive birth experience. I highly recommend her, both for the course and as a Doula.