Some of the most rewarding parts of being a doula, a childbirth educator, and a photographer are the friendships built along the way.  This is further reiterated when these friends of mine express their gratitude to me through their testimonials.  Here, I will share with you some of the lovely words that I have received after providing my services to the friends that I have made.

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In reference to Ruth Kraft

 

 I am a certified childbirth educator with the Florida Outreach Childbirth Education Program, FOCEP and also a trained birth assistant currently working with Treasure Coast Midwifery (homebirth) in Stuart, FL.

Before ever meeting Ruth I assisted the LM I work with attending the birth of one of Ruth’s CBE clients, an interesting couple and if not for her support I wonder if they would have been a homebirth couple at all. It is refreshing to have an independent childbirth educator in the WPB area that supports natural childbirth and homebirth as choices. I first met Ruth online and was impressed with her photos. After meeting her in person at a birth I was even more impressed. The empowerment I have since witnessed repeatedly in her clients is a clear reflection of the effectiveness of her classes and presence. She has that knack for intuitively knowing when to speak, when to touch, when to snap pictures, and when to stand back and be still. I look forward to working with Ruth in the future; she is an asset to the immediate birth environment and benefits the birth community.

 

Sincerely,

Mary Rainer

772 475 8560

 

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The decision to hire a doula to attend our daughter’s birth was one of the best choices we made in our journey to parenthood.  From the moment I looked pregnant, people began to discuss – in great detail – the trauma of their birth experiences.  And while this information was not empowering on its own, it helped cement our resolve to enjoy our birth experience with the help of an experienced birth “mentor.” 

Ruth was everything we needed – professional, yet easy-going; knowledgeable, yet open-minded.  She really listened to what we wanted and guided us to non-biased information so we could make decisions that were right for us.  As my “birth mentor,” Ruth identified for us, each stage of labor as it unfolded, keeping us energetic and positive, and guided me to more comfortable positions as the rushes became more urgent.  The womanly support I received from Ruth also helped my husband feel more confident in the loving support he provided. 

As a photographer, she captured moments during my labor that make me smile at the powerful woman I was that day.  Nothing could replace the photos of our daughter’s beautiful wide eyes as she absorbed her first minutes with us: being held, nursed, and eventually bathed and measured.  Our treasured memories were photographed – and I didn’t even realize Ruth had taken most of the pictures until she delivered them. 

Our nursing relationship was successful due, in large part, to Ruth’s unwavering support.  She was available for questions by phone and even made several visits to help with latch problems early on.  I am so grateful she was willing to match my commitment to breastfeeding with her experience and help. 

When I initially saw Ruth’s brochure about Doula Services in my doctor’s office, I had no idea what a doula was.  I am so glad I took the time to find out; and I am equally glad Ruth was the one to explain.  I can’t imagine having a better experience, in terms of birth support.  Hiring Ruth as our doula was the key decision we made for the best birth experience possible.  I can’t say enough about how pleased we are with the support Ruth provided. 

Sincerely, Karen Angstadt

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Ruth, There are no words to express how much my pregnancy photos mean to me. I have a beautiful set hanging in my bedroom and they are a reminder of a wonderful, happy time that is over all too quickly. They are among my very few "evacuation items" Krista

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"I think that Ruth is one of the best-educated and devoted resources for expectant mothers and new moms. She brings to her clients a high-level of expertise, knowledge, and practical guidance. I recommend her services without any reservations." Audrey, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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Hiring Ruth as our doula was the best decision my
husband and I made during my pregnancy. She gave us
such peace of mind about everything, and made us feel
comfortable about the whole "birthing" process. She
was always there to answer our questions. I would not
even consider having another baby without her there!!
And of course, her pictures are absolutely fabulous!!
---Deb in west palm

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My name is Keily...and I just finished soaking up your website! I am very impressed with your knowledge!
Thanks! ,
Keily

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Oh my gosh, what a beautiful story. It's hard for me
to believe that it is my own! Sniffle...sniffle...Yes, reading that made me cry!

And it also reminds me
of what an awesome birth experience I had. Thank you
for making it possible. I really couldn't have done it
without you! You gave me the strength and courage that
I needed! I never imagined when I took that pregnancy
test what incredible jouney I was embarking upon!

See...you are heard and are making a difference!

Love you! Deborah

 

I don't know where I'd be right now if you hadn't been a part of this pregnancy with me. I'd still be going to those god-aweful prenatal appointments at the OB/GYNs. I'd be terrified of going to the hospital, of the interventions, of the nurses, of the possibility of a c-section. I'd probably still have a breech baby since I wouldn't have known to a chiropractor. I'd be living each day in fear of the approaching birth. Now, I'm just sad that today is our last class!! I'm not ready to let go of you for the wait!!
If there are such things as living angels, you must be one. I'm sure that this lady that you wrote about feels the same thing. I don't know what causes us to cross paths with certain people in our lives, but there must be reason for those paths to cross. While I've gotten a lot of nifty things from Freecycle, YOU were certainly the best "thing" that came out of all that!! I think it's so funny that we crossed paths in that way. If I hadn't seen your posts, I probably wouldn't have thought about a doula for this pregnancy. And even if I had thought of it, there would have been no possible way to affort that kind of privilege. I am so thankful that you were willing to work with us to provide your services, your friendship and your strength.
Thank you so much for sharing this story, for being my doula and for being my friend.
Much love and appreciation,
Chrissi

 

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Ruth,
What can I say, I learned SO much last night!

I now see breastfeeding as an absolute miracle. I can only imagine that natural childbirth is too.
Thanks again for everything!
We learned so much!
Tami

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Thanks so much! You are such an awsome woman!!
After you left, I kept going on and on about how much I like you and how excited I am to have you assist with our birth and to be a part of it with us.
You seem to be such a strong and supportive person while still showing that kind, gentle caring that is so important to a scared pregnant woman! I believe that you have truly found your calling in being a doula. I feel so fortunate to have found you. I told the doctor today that I feel so much relief to have you as part of our birthing experience.
 -- the suttmans

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Well, I can't thank you enough for the abundance of info you shared! I hope I am pregnant or will be very soon! What incredible knowledge you have! Hugs & Bright Blessings,
Cynthia

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Hi Ruth !!
we've got the CD yesterday !!

thank you so much again, the pics. are fantastic.

 You did such a wonderful job, can't thank you enough !!
the Tourlet's family......

 

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I totally appreciate your help and guidance. I think about you and talk about you all the time to anyone who will listen. You have been such a blessing to our family. Even Steve understands and appreciates how much you have helped.
I hope you and your family are well. Speak to you soon.
Janet Bernstein Teebagy, Esq.

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You have great knowledge and love. Thanks Ruth for all you do  ! KATHY

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you are a wonderful photographer! they were absolutely gorgeous! Sara D.

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amazing....i tearful and speachless. this is what every woman needs, thank you for providing it. --maria ( on the services I provide ) --maria in miami

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Hi Ruth,

We had our baby !!!

My husband I made sure you were on our list of people to Thank after baby
was here.

I personally would like to Tahnk-you for your way of teaching, sweet heart
and advice & enlightment for new mothers to be.

Now that Baby is here I found your breast feeding session to be most
beneficial to me.  My husband enjoyed the session for the fathers to be.  It
mad him feel More a part of the whole experience.

In the hospital I also remembered that the doctors were there for me and
that it was my experience, my delivery and my baby.  It was my call.

Baby was born 1:33pm 9/11 by c-section.  Little thing  6lbs 9 ounces and 19
inches.  Jesús David Cartagena, Jr.

The most extreme part of it all was the moment of truse.  When they told me
they saw his head and when they were saying, "Here he comes, Here he comes",
Then I saw him.  WOW!!!

And he was born!!

With Love,

Baby David, Mommy Mae and Daddy David Sr.