Lily Prenter, LM CPM

Lily was the most loving, knowledgeable, and helpful postpartum doula a new mama could ask for! During the first few weeks after the birth of our baby, when ever Lily arrived at our home, I sighed a deep breath of relief. She is a baby whisperer and I was able to completely relax while she held and soothed my baby. She had great tips for nursing, recovery and baby care, and she put together supplies to aid in my healing, brought over amazing meals she cooked, did dishes, laundry, held the baby so I could take care of myself for a little while, and helped with our dog. She was also a great support for my husband and took time to check in with him and talk with him about the transition to parenthood. I am forever grateful! She is the best and she made the transition to motherhood so much sweeter.

I experienced a very long labor (49 hours!) and many painful contractions giving birth to my first child at home this spring. My primary midwife is an amazing soldier though in about the 30^th hour we were all quite exhausted. Lily acted as our midwife assist and I was deep into active labor when she arrived at my house. Having met her before on several occasions leading up to the birth, I felt very comfortable with her energy and confident in her abilities. I felt very nurtured by her and her suggestions and hands on approach made me feel completely safe and looked after. She and our primary midwife worked together extremely well, like a sister team with excellent chemistry. They were so devoted to me and my husband and the natural delivery of our child. Lily has a strong and soothing and beautiful work ethic; she was the perfect addition to our birth team and I would recommend her to anyone desiring a natural birth experience.
Lily also encapsulated my placenta (affordably by comparative standards). She delivered them to my house within 48 hours and I could tell that she had taken loving care to prepare them. She also made us some placenta art! She placed our placenta on paper in interesting shapes and made several «prints». Further, she shaped and dried our umbilical chord into a heart shape and delivered it in a beautiful little pouch. All of these items will be treasured forever. Also I definitely feel that the placenta pills assisted me greatly in my transitioning postpartum phase. Lily is an angel and I insist on having her at my next birth. It is obvious how much she loves her work; she is certainly in the right profession.

I had my baby 2÷12÷12. And had decided that I was going to try to do a natural birth. I felt I had connected with Lily and asked her to be my dula. We did birthing prep and I learned allot about what the process would be like, she was informative and easy to talk to. When it came time to deliver, I was nervous, she helped so much! With her help I was able to push through and deliver smoothly. I appreciate Lily’s help SO much! She’s professional, kind, patient and was able to fit smoothly in my family dynamic while at the hospital. Thank you Lily! Violet and I appreciate all you did for us!!!

Two months before my due date, I decided I wanted to have a non-​medicated birthing experience. Thus, I wanted a doula. Also, we also did not have family close to us so we wanted to have some support in the delivery room. We interviewed several doulas. After Lily’s interview, we knew we wanted her to be present with us during the big day. She is not only warm, kind, and composed, she is also supportive, encouraging, and knowledgable about the labor process.
We had a prenatal visit where we discussed what my expectations. Lily suggested different positions for enduring the contractions. She also showed my husband techniques/​positions he could do to support me during labor. She also did a bellycast, which was fun. She also asked me how certain I was that I wanted no pain medication. I told her on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being 100% no medication), I was about a 7.
My labor contractions began on a Friday evening. They were not consistent and had an irregular pattern, so we stayed at home. We called Lily and told her that early labor had started. She offered to come over but we wanted to wait until we were ready to go to the hospital. On Saturday around 9pm, my contractions were intensifying. We called Lily and she came over. When she arrived, she told me that I was still in early labor and this could possibly continue for many more hours, even into the next day.
Lily suggested I rest to prepare for a long labor. So I did. I could not imagine staying up all night and timing the contractions. I went to bed. Lily offered to stay close and sleep on our couch, but we told her she could wait at home.
Around 1 a.m. my water broke. Lily came back over around 3 a.m. and together we drove to the hospital. I was terrified to get inside the car. I was scared to have a contraction in the car. Lily helped reassure me that everything was going to be okay. She was very patient. She helped my husband help me into the car.
We arrived at the hospital around 3:30 a.m. At that time, I was certain I was already in transition labor. I prayed that I was dilated close to 10. However, upon a cervical exam, I was only 4 cm. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I felt defeated. I knew it could be several hours before baby was born. I was admitted and given an IV for hydration. Monitors were placed on my stomach to track the baby’s heart rate and my contractions.
Once I was alone with my husband and Lily, I told them I think I wanted to get an epidural. I knew labor could last for many more hours and I could not imagine any stronger contractions. I was not mentally prepared to go through the pain. My husband and Lily gave me words of encouragement, told me I was doing a great job of coping, and suggested different pain management techniques. I tried walking, but could barely take 2 steps. I was mentally and physically drained.
At around 6:45 a.m., after approximately 24 hours of labor, I received an epidural. It was not painful at all. Although my original plan was to be pain meds free, I did not regret my decision. For me, I was not mentally or physically prepared for the intensity of labor. Lily offered her support in the exact way I needed. She delicately questioned whether I was sure I wanted an epidural and suggested other pain coping techniques. And then she was very understanding when I decided to get an epidural.
Lily continued to be extremely supportive and helpful. The epi slowed my labor down. My contractions completely stopped and I freaked out. Lily was there to calm me down. The doctor gave me pitocin to jump start the contractions again. And then it was the waiting game. Lily offered to step out and give my husband and I some alone time. But we didn’t mind having her in the room with us. We shared with her pictures of our friends/​family back home in Texas. It was refreshing to have someone with us whom we enjoyed her company. It would have been nice to have our friends/​family around, but it was nice to have Lily there, especially since I was in my most vulnerable moment. I trusted her and knew that she would not judge me.
Sunday afternoon at 4pm — it was time to push! Lily held one leg while my husband held the other. 25 minutes later, the love of my life was born.
Lily offered to take pictures during the labor process and after the baby was born. We are so glad we took her up on the offer. I revisit those pictures from time to time and it brings tears to my eyes. She even offered to take pictures of the baby being delivered, but I declined. She took pictures of my baby’s first time to latch on while nursing. Those photos and memories are priceless.
I am very glad we had Lily with us during labor. Her personality exudes a certain warmth and understanding, something that comes naturally and cannot be taught. She is very patient and kind. She also possesses the knowledge and ability to guide a woman through labor.

We had a wonderful birth experience and Lily was so much a part of what made it so great. She has such a warm, grounded energy and is incredibly helpful with laboring ideas, herbal and homeopathic remedies, info about medical interventions, and just general support: before, during and after the birth! I was concerned at first that she seemed young, but her extensive experience both locally and in West Africa convinced me of her qualifications. She is also non-​judgmental and easy to talk to, so we felt comfortable with her right away.
Once the big day came, she was reliable, present, and just the support we needed. She helped me to stay grounded and offered me water, suggestions and a gentle touch when I needed it. It was so nice to have her come visit in those days after the birth too, and see her beam at the little baby she’d helped usher into the world.
Lily is a bright soul on a sacred path and we are so glad we met her.

Strength & Courage ~ Caring Attention ~ Loving Dedication
…These are the blessings bestowed upon myself and my family by Lily Prenter as we went through our journey.
I met Lily a few weeks before I found out I was pregnant. During our meeting, I was so inspired by her desire to empower women through the process of being a doula. She explained to me how essential she believed it was for mothers-​to-​be to have support during their journey on a variety of levels. That’s why when I found out I was pregnant, I immediately knew that she was the woman I wanted to have by my side.
From the emotional roller coaster ride that such a life changing event brings, to the understanding of physiological changes occurring within and how one’s strength, health and well being is of utmost important not only for self, but for the seed growing inside (and much more), Lily was by my side. She educated me, cared for me, & made time to be available to help me with the transition from being an independent free-​spirited woman to a pregnant mama, who at some times, felt alone & vulnerable as I walked with a new set of lenses on this earth.
Our work together prior to labor had value beyond measure. The relationship of trust we built was the foundation for my empowered state. The understanding of what was to happen during the labor and what I needed to do to help myself stay focused, yet relaxed through the process was clear. I knew I had her by my side and I knew I had everything I needed to have my baby naturally at home.
My labor lasted for almost 30 hours. The majority of the time (28 hours) was early labor. Lily was at my home at about 8am in the morning, 3 hours after I initially called to tell her the baby was coming. At 5am she was ready to come over anytime I needed her. I decided to hold off for a few hours to get in more sleep and to have a few hours to be with my alone husband (our last time that it would be just the 2 of us… btw…also something she had suggested during one of our meetings to really cherish and savor). When she got to the house, she helped make sure all my needs were met — that I was fed, hydrated, had no impending issues, was comfortable & ready for crunch time. During my contractions, we performed a variety of relaxation techniques including spending time in the warm waters of the birth pool, massage with scented oils, breathing exercises & stretches, watching movies & listening to music that helped me meditate.
I was in a trance-​like state totally aware of my surroundings and all that was happening outside of me, but completely & comfortably in an internal meditative process. With each contraction, I prayed. I prayed to Creator, the Gods & Goddess, to ease me through the pain. I prayed that each breath that entered my body refilled my body & soul with the endurance and strength I needed to get through this experience. I prayed for the support I had from family and friends. I prayed in appreciation for the gift I was given — my new son. I prayed that I will become the best mother I can be.
During active labor, I went from calm meditation to primal animalistic intuition. Everything I learned went out the door, but Lily stayed steady by my side. The next 2 hours went by so fast. My body went into motion and I heeded its desire. Through this time, it was Lily’s voice that kept me grounded in reality helping me realize my connection and control over what was happening to me despite surrendering to its power. And like I said…2 hours went by fast… and I had my baby boy, whom I love with all my heart & soul.
I wanted to take this time to share my story so that those who want amazing support will consider Lily’s services. She is phenomenal & I am indebted to her more than she knows :)

As the birth of our first child was approaching, my husband (birth partner) and I were a bit nervous – Ok I might have been more terrified. I wanted a natural childbirth, but didn’t know how to best approach it.
We met Lily Prenter a couple of months before Mabel was born and she helped us prepare for the birth. She provided all sorts of resources – both from her own experience helping other women give birth and with different materials on key issues to consider and techniques for experiencing labor. Importantly, she made sure we talked about what we envisioned for our ideal birth and supported us 100% in our decisions.
Lily was the first person to hear about it when I felt the first real contractions – at 6am! She met us at home later that day when my labor pains intensified. Her calm and confidence helped me mentally get through the first intense waves, and she had extraordinary massage techniques that helped me to cope physically. She included my husband, too, and made him more comfortable in coaching me through the toughest contractions. She was with us the whole time – up until the beautiful moment our daughter was born at the hospital. I am convinced her suggestions and help in getting Mabel latched on shortly after her birth led to smooth breastfeeding during her infancy.
I felt so empowered to have given birth naturally – a thrilling experience that makes me respect my body like never before – and I am so thankful for Lily’s support and encouragement throughout the whole thing. She checked in on us after we were back at home, too, and had lots of suggestions that helped me nourish and heal my postpartum body. She also provided us with a written account of Mabel’s birth – something we’ll cherish forever and look forward to sharing with Mabel when she is older.
I believe every woman should have the support and encouragement of a doula before, during and after her birth. She helped my husband equally to feel calm and know how to best support me during critical moments. Lily has the knowledge, skill and sensitivity that I needed for this remarkable time in my life. Thank you Lily, you are amazing!