Where to begin?

When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I needed to get someone on my team to get through the next 9+ months of my life.  I’m not a “sit back and let the doctors tell me what to do” type person.  I like to be educated BEFORE I get to the doctor so that I know all possible options available to me.  Especially since I knew, from the start, that my goal was to have an unmedicated labor!

I met Renée through a friend but when I spoke to her about her approach to families I knew she was the right doula for me! She’s all about education – the WHATS and HOWS of labor as well as what to expect along the way and during the “BIG DAY”!  Despite her living an hour or so away, Renée still made herself available and even drove to us for our in person appointments!  She never hesitated to answer questions and concerns.  More so, when answering questions she didn’t say “this is my answer and you must take it as THE ONLY answer” she asked questions back and help guide me/us to the answers that felt best for us.  She really helped guide me to the labor that I wanted.

Then came the big day- Renée was on the road in our direction at 2am (or whatever time it was – it’s hard to be exact considering my state of being at the time!).  She arrived and was ready for action – and action is what she got! But she was there – supporting me, supporting my partner in supporting me and never once taking over like it was her show.

Her approach to support during labor makes it feel like you have someone by your side but not getting in the way of the moments that are meant for you and for you and your partner.  My labor was a very long 33 hour process and Renée stood by our side the ENTIRE TIME!! My mom, who was skeptical of us using a doula (because why do you want someone besides your mother with you?!?) was beyond grateful for Renée and finally understood why we chose her.

I cannot thank Renée enough for everything she has done for us!  She continues to check in with us and I truly hope she will continue to be a part of our lives as our son grows – and when I have the courage to bring another life into this world!!

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As anyone could imagine giving birth is one of the scariest moments for someone who has never experienced it before. It’s the fear of the unknown, the “what if’s”, and just becoming a parent in general. With Renée as my doula by my side the fear diminished.

I’m one of those people who suffers from panic anxiety disorders. Needless to say I was petrified to give birth. I felt like I needed someone there with me who was much more experienced and could keep me calm (in addition to my husband). Well Renée did just that! As soon as my contractions started getting more intense she was at my door. She helped ease my pain and calm my nerves by massaging my back and feet. She had essential oils burning and calming music playing. Renée helped place my body in different positions to try and ease the contractions for me as much as possible. I labored as long as I could at home to speed up the process in the hospital. As soon as we got to the hospital she never left my side. She helped coached me through the most amazing moment of my life. She even grabbed my camera (with my permission of course) and captured the most beautiful moment of our baby Jack being born. My favorite picture is when we found out “IT’S A BOY!”

After all was said and done Renée came by our house to check up on us often along with phone calls. She helped with nursing and literally anything we needed. Renée has the most genuine heart and is full of compassion. She loves her job so much and is so educated in all aspects. I can’t imagine ever having another baby without Renée. We look forward to working with her in the future!

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Our beautiful grandson and nephew, Jack, was born this January. My daughters and I wanted to hire a doula for my son and his wife because although having your first child is the most incredible and exciting experience, it can also be scary and stressful.

An expectant mother can read every book and listen to every other mother’s stories, but nothing really prepares her for exactly what happens during pregnancy and childbirth. Doctors and nurses are wonderful for all that they do, but they tend to have several patients and cannot devote the same time to the patients that a doula can. We believed that Renée would add invaluable support to my daughter-in-law during her experience. We knew that she would be there with her and my son during the labor and delivery. We knew that she would provide them with guidance on getting through it calmly and knowledgeably so that it would be a better experience for them both.

We were all lucky enough to spend some time with my daughter-in-law while she labored with her doula present. Renée was nothing short of amazing – experienced, attentive and caring. My daughters and I were so happy that we were able to provide my son and daughter-in-law with a doula, and my daughters even wished that Renée had been working as a doula back when our children were born!!

Cindy, Proud Grandmother Christina and Tia, Proud Aunts

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Renée was by far my saving grace and angel not only throughout my birth but, throughout the past 2 1/2 years. Renée is not just a doula she has been a friend and a shoulder to lean on through every possible scary thought and experience a new mother to be could have.

Renée went above and beyond for my son, my husband and myself. She stuck with me through both pregnancies although my first I suffered a loss. I could not have gotten through it without Renée!

She made the birth of my rainbow baby magical. I am proud to call Renée a part of my little family!

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Hiring Renée was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy.  It was a joy to work with her throughout the pregnancy and birth of my first child.

In our prenatal appointments, Renée combined expert knowledge with a calm, positive coaching strategy to prepare my husband and me for the labor process. In one meeting, she mentioned to me what a gift it is to experience childbirth. She told me it would take me to what might feel like my limit and instead of fearing that I should embrace the opportunity and really prove to myself what I am made of. As a former professional ballet dancer I was used to pushing my body to its limits, so Renée’s advice really struck me, and as a result, empowered me to decide to proceed with a natural birth.

My plan for a natural birth became more challenging when learning my baby was in a posterior position in the womb, and also because my water broke before actually going into labor (medically termed PROM, or Premature Rupture of Membranes). These factors traditionally influence hospital birth practitioners to encourage pregnant women to opt for various forms of medical intervention during their labor process, which is what they immediately did with me. More importantly, after arriving at the hospital I realized too late that they, and the practice I had chosen were not aligned with my plan for a natural childbirth. Realizing this, I knew a birth on my terms would be a challenge to achieve. I made the decision that avoiding an epidural was my best shot at not having any of the subsequent unnecessary interventions the doctors were encouraging. I was extremely adamant about not having a cesarean section, which was what I feared an epidural might lead to. Renée was particularly encouraging and helpful in assisting me in maintaining my will to carry out a natural birth in the way I had planned to. And although the labor process wound up taking a considerable amount of time, ultimately things unfolded almost exactly like I’d envisioned.

When Renée met us at the hospital, I was in full active labor and my husband and I were both completely drained and exhausted, and frankly a little scared! Renée’s presence instantly changed the atmosphere of the delivery room and helped restore our energy and confidence. Upon her arrival she introduced several helpful techniques like aromatherapy, massage, breathing suggestions, position changes, stretches, and boundless positive encouragement letting me know I COULD and WOULD get through it. She came when my husband and I needed her most and tirelessly worked to get me through the final hours of labor naturally, all while being sensitive, calm, and never overbearing.

Though I may have doubted my strength and resolve at various points throughout the process, Renée never doubted me. She believed in my ability to have the birth I was hoping for, and through her coaching, knowledge, and experience, my birth story is one that I am incredibly proud of! I am sure things would have turned out differently had we not hired Renée. She is an incredible doula and person. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of working with her, and because of it I am left with an amazing, positive memory of my first birth experience.  Not to mention a beautiful, healthy baby girl.  Thank you Renée for your kindness and assistance, I couldn’t imagine having done it without you!

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