She enabled my partner to support me optimally

“Holly was a huge help to me, physically and mentally. But she also allowed my husband to be more involved than he could have been without her, if that makes any sense. Her presence allowed him to take breaks for food/restroom, but also empowered him by showing him what he could do to help in the moment. I would say my 14-hour labor, 5 hours of which pushing, and our daughter’s birth was most difficult for my support team – my husband, Holly, the two midwives, and the nurse on staff – not me. It was not pain-free, it was not easy, but it was worth every moment and I would do it again all over – but I couldn’t do it alone. I would be so happy if any of my friends chose to use a doula (none yet) – and if and when they do, I will ask them to meet with Holly first.”

~ Victoria, mother of Amelia

My husband and I chose Holly as our doula for the birth of our first child, and she’ll be the first person we call, after our families, if we find out we’re expecting a second. After meeting with her for an initial visit, we were impressed by her knowledge of the birth process and her down-to-earth, calming presence. Our early impressions were confirmed and surpassed during the weeks that followed, particularly during the 13 days between my due date and the start of my active labor, and in the nearly 24 hours she spent with us during my labor.

In the days leading up to my labor, Holly called frequently to check on me, to see if I had any questions or just needed to vent. It was a tremendous relief to have her help in interpreting the various signs of early labor, and when active labor finally started, in deciding when to go to the hospital. Holly provided unwavering emotional and physical support throughout the process, from the moment she met us at our home–through hours of painful back labor and a difficult decision to get an epidural after hoping and planning for an unmedicated birth–until my beautiful child was resting peacefully in my arms. Neither my husband nor I can imagine having gone through the birth without her.

~Jean, mother of Arlo

…we were able to relax into the experience

My husband and I used Holly as our doula for the birth of our first child this June and we both credit her for the reason we had such a successful natural birth.  I feel strongly that Holly was the reason we were able to achieve such a beautiful, intervention-free birth. We liked her from the start — she has a very strong but calming presence. We enjoyed our pre-birth sessions with her and felt that she did a great job getting to know us and preparing us for the birth experience. During my labor Holly proved to be incredibly intuitive, making suggestions and doing things for both me and my husband that we wouldn’t have thought of but that were really helpful. With Holly’s guidance my husband and I were able to relax into the experience, not having to worry about when we should go to the hospital or how we should go about things.  I feel so grateful to have had the experience that I did and I know it wouldn’t have been so blissful and trouble-free without Holly. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

~Claire, mother of Veronica

Holly is the best. She was our doula and we took her childbirth classes. I cannot recommend her enough. We wanted a natural birth but things did not turn out that way. Holly was always supportive of our decisions, and we never felt pressured to do things a certain way. Her main concern was to help us make an educated decision that was right for us. Her classes prepared us for the unexpected, which definitely helped through a tough labor and delivery. Her support and knowledge was amazing. I don’t know what we would have done without her.

~Samira, mother of Jahaan

her confidence was an enormous aid to me.

Holly worked with us as a doula for the birth of our third child, and I can’t say enough in praise of her. Before the birth she was warm but still professional, responded with more information regarding my specific areas of concern, and was very flexible in regards to meeting times – -a big help with my busy family. During the birth itself, her confidence was an enormous aid to me. She took charge when it was appropriate, stepped back when it wasn’t, and basically filled the role I was hoping for completely. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone looking for doula support.

~Blythe, mother of Nadia

She is kind and calming

“Holly’s presence at my daughter’s birth was the single element that made Georgia Kate’s entrance into the world peaceful, safe and happy. Holly’s kind spirit, wealth of knowledge and calming ways made my 3rd birth my best birth.”

~ Sarah, mother of Georgia

She helped me navigate the unexpected

“I can’t imagine what my birth would have been like without Holly. She was so amazingly supportive and helpful. From our very first meeting, she immediately set me at ease and made me feel like if there was anything I needed, I could always contact her. I don’t think I could have made it through my pregnancy, labor and my son’s ensuing hospitalization without her support and guidance. I really cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Holly. If I ever become pregnant again, there is no question who I will be contacting for my doula services. Whether this is your first child, or you have been through it all before, everyone needs a person like Holly by their side. She is an amazing person and an even more amazing doula.”

~ Bria, mother of Ryatt

She kept me focused on birthing in love instead of fear

“..Holly just sat with me while I sobbed. She was a rock throughout the entire debacle, and she reminded me that I wasn’t being reckless at all. She reminded me of how much I loved my baby and that I wasn’t going to do anything to put our lives in danger. Then she asked me what my ideal outcome would be. Holly is great at breaking up the clutter, forcing you to think, and getting back to the big picture..”

~ Gina, mother of Jules (triumphant VBAC birth – complete story here)

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