Birth Sister Childbirth Services - Testimonials - Birth Sister Childbirth Services

Testimonials

Baby Hunter

We were having our first child and having Emily as our Birth Doula was a great experience. She was really kind, knowledgeable, attentive, encouraging, communicative and just a really great resource to have. She definitely made the birth process easier with her knowledge of positioning and encouraging words to keep us going. She was able to join us at our home fairly soon after going to active labor and went with us to Tampa General Hospital. She is very caring and loves what she does for parents and children. We would definitely use her again if we have another child and recommend her to anyone having a baby and assist with the birth experience.

Baby Peyton

As a first time mom and one of the first women in my family (of the current generation) and friend group to have a baby, I felt overwhelmed in my first trimester about what was to come and didn’t have a person I felt I could turn to for sound advice. After taking Emily’s Lamaze classes and reaching out on multiple occasions with questions and concerns, I not only felt prepared to go through labor but had a sense of calm knowing I had a support person with experience and evidence-based knowledge. Based on discussions with Emily and research she provided, I ended up switching care providers at 32 weeks based on what was the best place to give birth and what I wanted my birth experience to be, which made a huge difference for us.

The birthing classes with Emily were the best thing my husband and I did in preparation for little Peyton. We were able to get more out of the class being comfortable at home with one-on-one sessions. We were also able to dive into different topics where we had more questions and tailor the sessions to what was important to us. Walking through different labor and delivery scenarios and what we would do was extremely helpful, since on the day of I had some quick decisions to make and I already knew my answer when faced with the situation. My husband, who had been reluctant to sit for three hour sessions, on multiple occasions expressed how beneficial the classes were for him. He said that they made him feel more involved as the other support person and prepared to help me through labor.

During labor, I was struggling at the onset and called Emily late at night to assist. Once she arrived at my home, she helped me calm down and coached me on breathing through each contraction. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to get through it without her. She also made multiple suggestions during labor for aromatherapy and birthing visualization meditations that helped me relax in between contractions. Emily was also amazing at the hospital making sure my husband was supported during the more stressful moments of delivery and helped guide us through the first hour after Peyton was born.

The postpartum visit helped me more than I thought it would. Emily was able to recommend a lactation consultant for us right away when we found out Peyton had a tongue tie and was struggling with breastfeeding. Her recommendation made our breastfeeding journey more manageable and provided us with a network of resources. Emily also talked with me on my labor and delivery experience from an unbiased and knowledgeable perspective, something I wasn’t able to get anywhere else and helped with my recovery.

A lot of people have asked me about my experience with a Doula and if it was worth it. My response is it should be part of standard care for all pregnant people and Emily, in my opinion, is one of the best. I am so thankful to have found Emily and had her as part of our birth team, she has made all the difference in our transition to a family.

Conter Family

Having Emily as our doula was one of the best things we could have done for the birth of our baby girl! As first time parents, we knew it would be extra beneficial to have someone with knowledge and experience help coach us through labor. Emily listened to our wants and needs and assisted us with creating a birth plan prior to labor. She met us at our house once labor started and then went with us to the birth center. She kept me focused on my goal of having a successful delivery at the birth center, providing helpful suggestions, techniques, and keeping me breathing! She worked with my husband to provide all the support I needed to make it through labor. After the birth, she provided resources to help us with our lip/tongue tie and breastfeeding journey. We will always be grateful for Emily and all she did for our family!

Baby Owen

As first time parents, it was very beneficial to have Emily teach us how the body changes and responds to early labor and what types of items we wanted in our birth plan. It was helpful to understand the pro's and con's for each individual lesson and Emily was very thorough and patient in her explanations.

My husband and I felt prepared and had the tools to be advocates for ourselves when it came to having our son. We looked forward to our in-home Lamaze class every week! She created a comfortable environment and was practical in her lesson plans.

Baby Simone

I am so glad I connected with and hired Emily as my doula! Pregnant with my first child, I knew I wanted support for myself and my husband through the labor. I was excited to have Emily with us for labor and I loved that she has such a large knowledge of evidence based approaches for birth! We'd planned a home birth, but my labor began when my water broke before contractions. Since my water broke so early, we ended up transferring to the Nurse Midwife unit after the first 12 hours of labor at home. Emily came over as soon as more active labor began, and jumped right into supporting me and my husband as we made the decision to transfer to the hospital. She helped us through the transition so it was a smooth process. My contractions were at the active labor level, but I was not dilating much. Emily helped me during this time by making sure I changed positions, tried different comfort measures, and supported my husband with direction as I focused on laboring. She was full of helpful ideas and suggestions and was incredibly patient with me as my labor unfolded in ways I hadn't planned for! My husband was also very thankful for her insight with each moment at the hospital.

I know I was able to achieve a vaginal birth because of Emily. After only 2 hours of pushing, I was exhausted, and far too trusting of whatever anyone told me to do, and Emily encouraged me to simply ask if I could rest. Emily helped so much through labor with different comfort measures and insights, but in that one moment I know she was the difference between a vaginal birth vs completely unnecessary intervention! I am so thankful for her presence during the entirety of my 36 hour labor.

Emily is patient, gentle, knowledgeable, and will speak up when you need it. I highly recommend her as a doula!

Baby Marlo

My husband and I are so thankful that we got to know and work with Emily for the birth of our first child. I knew I wanted an unmedicated birth but I was not sure I could manage the pain without a great supporting team, that's why we decided to have Emily as our doula and do the childbirth classes with her. Doing the classes with her was wonderful, she came to our house, which was super convenient. The classes were all very interactive and we learnt a ton. Her knowledge of childbirth is amazing and we felt comfortable to ask any questions we wanted. It also helped us in getting to know her better to strengthen our relationship. Before working with Emily, I was afraid my husband would feel left out in the whole process, but it was actually the opposite. Emily made sure he was involved and taught him how to react or what to do while I would be in labor. My husband felt much better knowing that she would be here with us.
I was 35 weeks pregnant when we learnt that Emily would not be allowed as a support person in the hospital because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That's when we decided to move to a birthing center in order to make sure she would be with us during the process. Emily was key in our whole successful birth experience, she was so calm and helped me go through every single contraction. She knew exactly what to do, and was a great advocate for me. Not only did she help us tremendously during the delivery, she also had the best recommendations for postpartum and breastfeeding support as our breastfeeding journey did not quite go as planned. Thanks to her, we met a great IBCLC and were able to find solutions quickly. We feel so lucky to know Emily and that she was part of our birth experience. She is wonderful!

Baby Mac

Emily was an essential support during labor and delivery. While we were technically well prepared for birth after attending classes and reading several books, it was hard to remember all of the tips and tricks in the heat of labor. Emily guided us, coached my breathing, and helped us move through contractions at home and beyond, and helped us make important decisions at key points in the process. We had hoped to deliver at the Birth Center of St. Pete, but ended up transferring to the Nurse Midwife unit at Tampa General. I’m convinced that Emily’s guidance and support throughout were integral to our having a successful vaginal birth and a healthy baby. Ours was a long and difficult labor, and it was not the birth that we envisioned. However, we felt supported and in control throughout, in large part due to Emily’s guidance and support. She was with us for over 30 hours, tirelessly coaching and supporting me and my husband (and the baby!). I can’t recommend Emily enough! She was an essential part of our birth team.

Harrill-Smith Family

My husband and I are so thankful for Emily's support during our pregnancy and birth! She was always available with information and resources when I had questions during my pregnancy. She works in the field of maternal and child health and is well-versed in current evidence based guidelines/research around pregnancy and delivery. It was very helpful and made me confident to make the best decisions for myself and my birth process. Most helpful, and there are not words to express our gratitude, is her support during my 26 hour labor. Emily was by my side and my husband's side the entire time. She gave both of us support and encouragement (physically and emotionally) and could help us determine the pros and cons of interventions/methods that the hospital staff was suggesting. Emily did not push any method over another but always objectively gave information. Emily gave me the confidence to move through the labor without an epidural. My husband and I laughed after the experience that she had a Mary Poppins bag of birth aids, from heating pads to soothing music to mints and many other items that helped me get as comfortable as possible during labor. Emily has a calming presence and through her sharing of knowledge with objectivity, empowered myself and my husband to make the best decisions for us and our baby. We could not have had such a positive experience without having Emily by our side to bring our first born into this world!

Baby Kieran

I cannot say how thankful I am that Emily was present at both of my births. The first birth was an emergency delivery and was so scary. Even though we called Emily in the middle of the night (and 5 weeks early!), she was at the hospital in a heartbeat and was instrumental in keeping me calm. Every time I got scared or felt like I couldn't deal with labor pains, I'd look at her and she knew what to do---whether it was breathing with me or summoning a nurse to assist me. My second birth, while not an emergency, progressed very quickly. This time, too, Emily was at the hospital so quickly. Because this birth progressed rapidly I wasn't able to have any pain medication. I had a hard time coping with my contractions. Emily gave me encouragement that I was making progress and she helped me focus on pain management. I don't know how I would've made it through either labor without her support. I also felt like she was my advocate---when nurses told me something that wasn't true or tried to push me to accept something I wasn't comfortable with, she stepped in and made space for me to ask for what I wanted. Emily is amazing at what she does and I am grateful that I was able to have her support while pregnant and giving birth to both of my children.

Seriously, your fee was the best money I spent both times. You helped keep me going. You are amazing!

Ball Family

We took Emily's Childbirth Education classes. I was researching birth classes and came upon Emily's website, and I am so glad I did. We loved that she would come to our house. It was so convenient for us. We learned so much. We were able to get the full picture of things. That way, when the time came, we were educated and could make the best decision for ourselves. I loved how Emily's main focus is evidence based. We also loved that taking this class brought us closer as a couple. We were able to make the best decision for us knowing that any decision that was made we could move forward with no regrets. We were able to ask questions you may not like to ask or feel comfortable asking in a group class. We really enjoyed the one on one experience. Would definitely recommend Emily to anyone looking to learn information about labor and delivery with a hands on kinda feel. My husband said that he felt more prepared after the class. He had never had any experience with babies before so it was all new. Thank you Emily!

Baby Abigail

From Mom: When I found out I was pregnant, the first few thoughts that ran through my head were all the questions of things I didn't know about how to do it and how to actually deliver and how scared I was to actually do this. I spent a lot of time researching, reading, following articles, etc, but still felt scared until one of my good girl friends recommended a doula. She had one for her first child's birth and her and her husband both said it was a wonderful addition to their berthing experience. I decided pretty early on in the 1st trimester I wanted to use a doula then - to calm my fears and also help my husband through the process. He was hesitant at first and felt I was trying to replace him. We met with Emily and she explained her role and how she supported not only me, but him as a father in the delivery and he consented. Later on he fully admitted he felt she was a great choice for us. She walked us through all the birthing classes from Lamaze and every doctors appointment when I had questions or issues. She came to the hospital when I asked her to and stepped in when my husband needed a nap or food. My baby was facing the wrong direction and she did her best to try and change the baby's position as well as help me move through positions even though I was confined to the bed. When a C-section was decided upon, she still stayed by my side until I was rolled into surgery. She checked in after delivery and came by the house after we were home from the hospital. Through-out the process I always felt like I had every tool needed to make it a successful delivery. Even the C-section was informed and understood. Through my contractions she stayed calm and helpful, kept me breathing, fed and comfortable, and always gave suggestions if she thought they would help. I would recommend every woman be as informed and supported as I felt by a doula during her birth, and would recommend Emily to anyone in the area. She was so supportive and calm and always available for us.

From Dad: When my wife first mentioned to me that she wanted the support of a doula for the birth of our first child I was skeptical. My initial perception was that a doula would end up forcing me out of the picture in the delivery room, not allowing me to be a supportive part of the process of having a child. We met with Emily and she immediately explained to us what exactly her role would be and how I would still be the primary support for my wife. Emily was always available for questions and support to my wife and I after doctor visits. She was there at the hospital for us when my wife was going through labor and I am glad she was. She was able to give support to my wife when I needed to eat or catch a few minutes of sleep. Emily was also a big help in translating the doctor jargon into layman's terms so we could understand what was going on. At the end of the day I am very glad we had a doula for the birth of our first child and would recommend everyone consider consulting with one.

Baby Emmett

My birth experience with Emily and Jessica was incredibly positive and empowering. I can't speak highly enough of both of their support and love through my pregnancy, birth and for my postpartum care. They gave me great insight every time I needed advice or had questions, and gave answers and options that were evidence based, which really helped us make informed decisions about our care.

During my labor, Emily was absolutely amazing. She helped me with breathing and massage while we labored at home and in the hospital, and helped me achieve the birth experience that I wanted. She brought calm, kind energy to the situation, and helped my husband and I stay as calm as we could throughout the whole process. She helped me stay strong when I didn't feel like I could continue on the path I wanted, and I can't explain how thankful I am that she was there.

We are so grateful to have met both Emily and Jessica and would highly recommend them!

Baby Lilah

I first considered finding a doula after my first trimester. My husband and I had made the decision that I would deliver in a hospital, but I realized I had little experience with the modern medical system, and we were nervous about going it alone. Emily was the perfect fit for us. She is extremely knowledgable about evidence-based practices and put my husband at ease when he had questions about the birth process and potential complications. Her childbirth preparation classes were invaluable in helping us not only to prepare for the natural childbirth I wanted, but also to understand the impact of hospital interventions and the options we had for making informed choices. Our little one finally arrived with plenty of surprises! Emily was with us through a very long and intense labor, remaining calm throughout and taking turns with my husband offering comfort techniques. At the hospital, she was an important voice of reason when he had to make tough decisions regarding interventions, including choosing a c-section birth. I am most grateful to her for her calming presence when I was preparing for surgery amidst the fearful talk from the doctor and nurses. Emily helped us to deal with all of the unexpected events that came up in our birth process, and we feel so blessed to have had her help in bringing our baby girl into the world.

Baby Kayden

Being first time parents, we wanted to make sure we were making the best decisions for our baby girl. The amount of information and conflicting advice was becoming overwhelming so we decided to hire Emily to come to our home to educate us on labor, child birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum care. After one class, we felt completely comfortable with Emily and knew we wanted her by our side through it all.

Emily educated us on all of our options and provided evidence based research to help us make important decisions pertaining to labor, delivery, and our child. She helped me to feel confident in my birth plan of a natural hospital child birth. During my labor, Emily was so calm and reacted quickly to our ever changing needs. When I was scared and thought pain medication would be easier, Emily helped me into positions and applied counter pressure that helped ease the pain of my contractions. She helped my husband and me to stay focused and relaxed through it all. Thanks to Emily, we had the best birthing experience! I highly recommend her doula services!

Baby Madalen

Emily's doula service/expertise was one of the best expenditures and investments my husband and I made in preparation for the arrival of our daughter. As first-time parents, I/we were particularly trepidatious about the labor and delivery process and wanted to secure support for a planned hospital delivery. Emily's vast well of knowledge centered around processes of birth coupled with her level-headed and deeply calm demeanor provided us with a sense of grounding as my husband and I approached labor and delivery in the spaces of home and hospital. She facilitated and supported our teamwork in our dealing with the discomfort of active labor, providing key comfort measures. She not only grounded me, but also grounded my husband, giving us both a sense of clear direction at points of high stress and uncertainty. Furthermore, as we encountered decisions related to potential medical interventions in the hospital, her familiarity with potential benefits and downfalls to the various options allowed us to engage in a calculated and thoughtful conversation related to our choices. Her presence, in the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum stages were invaluable.

Baby Ben

The first time I spoke to Emily on the phone, I knew I had to meet her. When I told her my plans for a natural hospital birth, she educated my husband and I on everything and anything we could think of. Anytime I needed Emily, she was there. I really appreciated Emily's emotional support when my due date came and went. My midwives talked about induction, but Emily helped me decide to push it off and give my body a chance to go into labor naturally. Finally after almost a week and a half past my due date, my water broke! Emily came over to our house when I felt I needed her support, and we labored at home for as long as I could, then made our way to the hospital. When we got to the hospital, Emily helped advocate for me and kept me calm and focused throughout labor. She was also a huge help to my husband and kept him very involved the whole time. Without Emily, I know I would not have had the labor or delivery that I had imagined, and I am so grateful to have had her by my side as I welcomed my baby into the world!

Baby Leo

After a second trimester loss, an emotional IVF journey and now a high risk pregnancy I knew that I needed a knowledgeable and supportive team. As soon as I found Emily's profile I felt she was the doula for my family and I. Being high risk due to medical conditions our plans were always changing but Emily and Jessica were very flexible and supportive.

Both kept in contact with me with Emily researching and helping me navigate the differences between the birth options available to me and Jessica offering her support if I needed her at difficult appointments. All of our birth plans changed on the actual day of the birth when I faced a c-section under general anesthesia. I was so glad Emily was there. She helped me raise questions, held my hand at difficult moments, ensured the nurses photographed the birth of my beautiful son, and ensured my husband was supported as I underwent surgery. When I woke up Emily was there with my beautiful baby, Leo, and captured the moment myself, my husband and Leo were together for the first time. What I thought was going to be difficult, possible traumatic journey, ended with tears of joy and I'm so grateful for the support. I would highly recommend Emily and Jessica for all births, but especially IVF or high risk pregnancies. The support is invaluable and they are happy to offer a wrap around service from attending appointments to supporting you and baby at home after the hospital. A fabulous group of ladies!

Baby Hazel

After a tumultuous first birth, I honestly did not have high expectations for my second birth. My husband and I knew that having a doula would increase my chances of having a VBAC, and around week 36 we finally got around to hiring a doula! We met Emily, and we felt great having her assist our birth and we moved forward. She provided invaluable insight and support through the rest of my pregnancy. Although I was a second time mom, I was surprised how reassuring and comforting it was to have Emily available to answer questions and provided emotional support for my trail of labor after c-section. My husband and I's goal was to have a vaginal birth, but it can be quite scary to read all the stories of failed VBAC and statistics involving VBAC, but Emily never doubted the process or the body and she was so encouraging.

A few short weeks later, and after a false labor episode in which Emily was incredibility supportive during, I finally went into labor. Emily promptly met us at our house, and we proceeded to the hospital. She was incredible and intuitive of my labor needs. While my husband provided the more intimate support during labor, Emily was able to help with the mechanical elements like remembering to breathe! We were able to have a successful VBAC, which provided an experience that we could not have even fathomed after the insanity of our first child's birth. Emily was an integral part of this experience. She was able to give timely advice to help aid in the best possible outcome for us.the birth was validating and exciting, and i don't think it would have been as memorable without Emily assisting. Emily was professional yet personable, reassuring, and sincere, and helped to to make our birth experiences beyond what we could have even imagined. After our incredible birth experience, Emily provided help and support with breastfeeding. We feel very thankful to have met Emily and definitely would recommend her for anyone in search of a doula, especially when attempting a VBAC.

To any fathers out there who are skeptical or unsure about the value of a doula, you can rest your fears and look forward to a supportive expert to help during the trying but amazing experience of childbirth.

Baby Zora

Emily's services were invaluable. Whether it was answering questions about the birth process for a nervous first-time mama, directing me to resources on a wide range of topics, or just reassuring me, Emily was always responsive, helpful, and informative.

Pregnancy, birth, and parenting are such life changing events that I'm glad I had an "expert" to guide me in my journey. I don't know how women make it through their journey without a doula! Emily was also an amazing help at my birth. Even though we called her in the middle of the night and a month early, she showed up, helped me to breathe through my contractions, and was an advocate for me and my baby. I really appreciated her attention to detail and her kind, caring attitude. I would recommend her to anyone, without hesitation.

Baby Joshua

We were understandably anxious about giving birth to our first child. Our goal was to have a natural childbirth with minimal medical intervention. We had taken a Lamaze class to prepare for the labor and delivery, but found that hiring Emily to provide us with further support proved invaluable. Leading up to the big day, Emily provided various resources and advice that we found very helpful and reassuring, even during our worst bouts of anxiety.

Our labor began at 3:00 a.m., and we called Emily to help us labor at home. She came over shortly after and helped us to labor at home for 13 hours. She made sure we got enough rest and nourishment to ensure we’d have sufficient energy for the actual birth. We had plenty of questions throughout the labor at home, and her presence and answers were very reassuring. By the time we got to the hospital, I was 8 cm dilated and 100% effaced. It was just a matter of time before it was time to push. Emily helped me get through the last contractions before pushing with various suggestions for pain relief, as well as position changes to move things along. After 24 minutes of pushing, Joshua was born!

Emily continued to stay with us after the birth to provide additional support while the hospital staff did what they needed to do with the baby. She also followed up post-partum to see how things were going and to check on how breastfeeding was going.

If you are looking for additional support for both the mother and partner, then we highly recommend Emily to anyone looking for a doula. She is a very calming presence in what is otherwise one of the most intense experiences you will ever go through!

Baby Chase

We were so pleased with Emily's services and our decision to hire a doula. Even though we felt very prepared and had taken natural child birth classes, nothing can really completely prepare you for your first birth. Emily was amazing, she was calm but assertive and reassuring. She said all the right things and really helped coach us through the labor. She was also very supportive of our birth plan and helped us to get everything we wanted. We were able to achieve our goals of a completely natural birth in a hospital. Emily was also a great resource prior to labor whenever we had questions or needed advice. Post partum when we needed help with breast feeding she gave us some great tips too. My husband was also very pleased and grateful to Emily because she knew just what to say during the labor when he was sometimes not sure what to say to me or how to coach me. It was so comforting to have someone present at our birth that had knowledge and experience that we could trust and that we knew solely had our birth preferences in mind. We could not be happier with our decision to hire Emily!

Baby Annabelle

My husband and I started seeking out a doula for our birth when we began to realize that our physician’s group wasn’t going to be as supportive of our plan for a natural childbirth as we had anticipated. When we first met Emily we knew immediately that she was a great fit for our family. She was the calm presence that we required and someone who would be supportive of whatever we wanted to do. She came to every one of our meetings armed with all sorts of resources and information. She was very supportive of us choosing to have a hospital birth but also was able to explain the realities and obstacles we would face in choosing to have our baby in a clinical setting. She really helped us to consider and weigh out all of the decisions one has to make in labor and delivery. She brought up so many things that we hadn’t even thought of!

When the day finally came to meet our new addition Emily stayed with us for hours at our house. If it weren’t for her we would have probably headed to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning because my contractions were falling under the 5-1-1 rule that everyone tells you about. Emily flat out asked me “do you feel like you need to go to the hospital already?” The answer to that question was a definite “no.” So, we stayed in the comfort of our own home where I was free to move, walk, take hot showers, eat, and drink. Emily supported me through every contraction and honestly laboring at home was a breeze! When the contractions started coming every three minutes apart we decided we should probably head to the hospital where I found out I was already 8 cm. dilated! Emily made sure that everyone that came into our room knew about our birthplan and if they didn’t she would hand them a copy. She was my voice and advocate when I could no longer focus on anything other than bringing my baby into this world. Because of her encouragement and continued support she helped my husband and I have a completely medication free delivery in a hospital setting! We delivered a beautiful, alert, and healthy baby girl! Emily allowed my husband and I to feel confident in our choices so that we only ended up spending four hours in labor in the hospital which I believe was truly instrumental in me staying medication free!

We are also truly grateful for Emily’s support post-partum. When my baby and I were struggling with breastfeeding when we returned home she gave me so many excellent resources which allowed us to connect with some wonderful people in the community.

Thanks so much to Emily for all her hard work in making the delivery of our baby everything we wanted and more!

Baby Nicolas

Long story short, we only had the birth we wanted because we were lucky enough to meet Emily.

And she was a rather fortuitous finding! We had originally hired a different doula, but as the pregnancy progressed, we felt such doula did not quite match our birthing preferences. However, being first time parents and hoping for an unmedicated birth, we knew we were going to need some support to help us stick to the plan.

A friend recommended Emily when we were in the last month of pregnancy and almost sure that no one would want to take us. But... we met Emily and we knew from the get-go that she was perfect for us: smart and compassionate but also refreshingly normal and relatable.

Thanks to Emily we were able to follow our birth plan almost to the 't'. Emily made it possible--if it had not been for her, we would have gone to the hospital too early and begged for pain medication. However, once she arrived at our home, I felt under control and immediately knew I could do it--I was going to have the natural birth I had wanted. Her calming presence and the reminders to breathe and 'calm my face' during every contraction was just what I needed.

After we labored at home for a few hours, we arrived to the hospital ready to push baby out - a full 10cm dilated. At the hospital, she helped when was needed and, more importantly, did not push to be needed when the midwife was under control and doing the last push. Now we realize how great it was not to do any laboring at the hospital and we thank Emily for the great timing in deciding when to head to the hospital. We would not do it any other way.

P.S. (Father writing here) - From the father's perspective, she was great. Helped me understand what was going on. Told me when I was needed and gave instructions but also importantly when laboring at home also told me when I was not needed and to give space. She made me feel a part of the process and confident during the birth.

Baby Mialuna

When my husband and I was preparing for my labor, I told him that I was going to hire a doula. I wanted to have a natural birth with no pain medication. As we searched our area, Emily's name came up. As soon as we met her, we knew that she was the right doula for us. Because of Emily's knowledge , our questions were answered every step of the way. Emily was not only in agreement to what we desired which gave us tremendous peace. Emily was always prompt in answering any questions we had and gave us sound advice every step of the way. When I went into labor she recommended that we wait before going to the hospital. We took her advice but went in a late that day which saved us some time. My husband coached by Emily was at my side and labored with me throughout the whole night until I delivered our precious daughter Mialuna. Emily's calmness and peaceful nature was displayed throughout my labor and delivery. I delivered without having an epidural as I wanted thanks to Emily. She made my husband and I feel very comfortable. I highly recommend Emily as a doula!

Baby Sandor

Emily made our birth dream come true!

Emily was mission critical to the natural birth of our son in 2010. My husband and I had two goals for the birth of our first child. We wanted to labor at home as long as possible and also to have the baby in the hospital with zero interventions. We knew this would be extremely difficult given my provider and the statistics.

Emily met us at the hospital after having already attended another birth! Unfortunately, I was only 2 centimeters. Emily suggested that we consider going home since staying in the hospital would put pressure on me to move quickly through labor. This turned out to be the BEST thing we could have possibly done. If it had been just me and my husband I am sure we would have stayed. I had a beautiful labor at home, feeling safe and free in my own environment. In fact, I felt so safe and calm that the baby was crowning as we arrived in the hospital 4 hours later (just as I had secretly wanted!).

Emily was a positive, reassuring force for me and my husband throughout this amazing experience. She gave me a cold wash cloth when I felt sick, she told me different positions and reminded me to change positions, she helped me keep from pushing the baby out while we were in transit to the hospital and she was a powerful advisor to my incredible husband who seemingly effortlessly got me through it with her support. We never would have been able to do this without her. She made all our birth wishes come true.

Baby Liam

Within the first five minutes of meeting Emily, I knew she was the doula for me. She immediately put me at ease with her comforting, warm presence. I knew she would be calm and strong when I delivered my baby. When it came time for Liam to be born, it was a whirlwind, quick labor with Emily talking me through it over the phone and meeting me at the hospital just in time to give birth. The stress would have been overwhelming if not for Emily keeping me grounded. I highly recommend Emily as a doula. She is a natural and has found the perfect profession for her!

Baby Luke

Emily was such a calming presence throughout my pregnancy and birth. After having a traumatic first birth experience with my first child I was scared and worried as my second labor approached. Emily provided me with the right materials and information to put my mind at ease and helped me to develop a birth plan and addressed my fears. She offered valuable advice when the question of medical intervention came up and was very supportive of all of my choices. When it came time to labor she helped me to remain calm and in my own home for the majority of my labor. She helped me to have the birth experience I truly desired. She was also extremely supportive after the birth and during recovery.

Baby Natasha

Having Emily as our Doula for the birth of our daughter was very special for us. When telling people we were having a Doula for our birth, the common reaction was usually either “what’s a doula?” or “can’t you do that yourself?” We felt that her services would assist us before, during and after labor, and it was definitely true.

From her attentive prenatal meetings, consistent communication, and flexibility, Emily was always a resource for current research and information regarding all elements of the birth process.

One of our biggest concerns was trying to remember everything from our birth class, and Emily was able to remind us during labor of the many options we had available to us, as well as techniques and coping strategies for the whole process.

Emily helped us not only plan our ideal birth, but to carry it out, working alongside our family members and midwife present for the birth. This support continued hours after and even included a post-natal visit and follow-up, giving us wonderful memories to share with our daughter for years to come!