After experiencing an unplanned cesarean section with my first child, I knew that I wanted my next experience in labor and delivery to be different. When I became pregnant with my second, I reached out to Renee immediately. I was emphatic about surrounding myself with as many supportive people as possible, so that I could reach my desired goal: to VBAC.

Renee’s knowledge of the birthing process, coupled with her unwavering support of my birth plan made a world of difference from the very beginning of my pregnancy! Every step of the way, Renee was there to reassure me of my strength and remind me of my goal.

Throughout labor, Renee was there to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. She distracted me when I needed distracting, fed me when I needed fuel, massaged my back through the pain, and advocated on my behalf when it came to the hospital staff. I never felt overwhelmed, unheard or alone.

Not only did Renee help to make my second birth experience everything I hoped for, she also took pressure off of my husband. This allowed him to experience labor without the anxiety of having to protect me, and that made HIS experience a better one as well. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the woman and professional that Renee is; every woman should be lucky enough to have such support through birth.

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I immediately felt comfortable with Renee, like I had known her for years. I hired her in my third trimester and I wish I’d done it sooner. It was my first pregnancy and I had some logistical complications that were making me anxious (changing doctors in the 7th month, living in 2 cities 9,000 miles apart, etc.). Her knowledge and positive, warm spirit put my mind at ease and made me feel excited and capable about the journey and challenges that were to come.

She was a calm, reassuring presence in the delivery room, and very supportive in the weeks after my daughter’s birth. I knew (and know, still) that I could email, text or call her with any questions, however small. She was also helpful in reinforcing and focusing my communication with my husband during this period.

I highly recommend her to anyone who is having a child – first, second, third, tenth! Every woman should have a doula.

Ana Tiwathia, Brooklyn 2015

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Having Renée as our doula was the best decision we ever could have made! She is an outstanding doula, and an amazing person. Her compassion shines through and she radiates with positivity! She is grounding, nurturing, and knowledgeable and offers invaluable support for pregnancy, labor, and post-delivery. We felt instantly comfortable with Renée and liked that she really took the time to get to know us. Her approach made us feel at ease and I knew my desires for my birth experience would be realized. My goal was to have an unmedicated VBAC and Renée was a huge part in helping me achieve that goal! I also wanted to labor at home for as long as possible before heading to the hospital. Renée came equipped with techniques for pain management such as positioning, massage with essential oils, and applying counter-pressure. She was truly amazing and I will forever be grateful for her support! I honestly could not have had such a great ending to my journey without her help. I highly recommend Renée for all your birthing needs!!!

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Getting Renée to be part of the journey of our first baby was the BEST choice we could have done, and we would do it all over again with her!!!

We came across Renée through a post I had done on Facebook.  I had made the move from California to New York being 6 months pregnant to be finally settled in one place with my husband (who is from NY).  My post was on the breastfeeding group of Staten Island, and was about reaching out for mommy groups and any suggestions in assimilating to Staten Island.  One of the ladies on recommended getting a Doula, and for her to be Renée.

I had no idea what a Doula was, so I decided to research it and getting in contact with Renée.  After our first meeting with Renée, my husband and I knew IMMEDIATELY we wanted her! She gave us a sense of confidence and security. Being pregnant can be a scary and nervous thing waiting for the big day to be parents.  Renée had all this wealth of information but the way she presented it, calmly and experienced, made us feel beyond comfortable with.

My husband and I both expressed to her that what we wanted a supportive and calm birth experience, whatever that would look like.  It was also important to me for my husband to have some sort of support through this journey, (he is the only child and parents are much older), and Renée did that.

On the day of the “Big Day” things did not go as the three of us had planned, but Renée was a savior on that day! Here is why; it was decided on that day, October 6, 2015, (5 weeks before my due date), that my little guy would be born due to my high blood pressure.  As soon as I arrived to the hospital, Renée was waiting outside for me, (my husband was on his way back from Virginia).  The moment I saw her face I felt a sense of relief, someone I knew and trusted was there, and it meant the WORLD at that moment.  She kindly helped us refocus our birth plan and prepare for what was ahead. She knew us, had invested the time to know us and knew what kind of birth experience we wanted, but she also knew the Hospital and procedures, so she was not afraid to share unbiased, evidence based information on what could happen.  I completely let go and put ALL my TRUST and FAITH in our new plan, and so did my husband.

She had prepared us beforehand for any possible scenario, and we knew anything could happen. Once I was admitted and my husband had arrived, Renée navigated us through to make sure our needs were met.  My husband till this day says he can’t imagine not having Renée at our son’s birth.  He felt calm and confident, but most important in the “zone” with me, supporting and being right next to me. He knew if he needed clarification or affirmation Renée was a glance away.

After the birth of our son, my blood pressure was still not stabilized and not seeing him was not helping.  Most importantly I was worried about my colostrum and my son getting it as his first feed. Renée made it happen! She guided my husband in helping me get the colostrum out and assisted him in giving it to our son, for his first feed.  Who would have ever done that? (keep in mind that unfortunately nobody in the hospital offer that help) We are forever grateful to having her be part of our journey, and by far the BEST decision we made in having her be part of it!!!!!!

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As soon as I got pregnant, I knew I was going to hire a doula. A few members of my family had doulas for their birth experience and highly recommended it. It was time to search. I went on a few different websites and looked up many doulas’ profiles, but still couldn’t pick one. I mentioned this in a conversation with one of my cousins who highly recommended Renée since she was a friend and a wonderful person all around. I looked up her credentials and reviews and was very impressed.

So I called and then we spoke on Skype. I really loved Renée but at that point was starting to get hesitant about hiring a doula all together because I was diagnosed with placenta Previa and if it didn’t correct itself, it would be a C-section, but I’m glad I did.

Renée was very supportive throughout my pregnancy: answered all of my many and frequent questions, provided with useful information, met with my husband and me multiple times in person and via Skype. She was always punctual and very helpful.

Unfortunately my placenta remained Previa and I had to get a C-section, so I wasn’t able to go through the labor like we planned. However Renée helped me plan my gentle cesarean birth. She was at the hospital during the procedure cheering up my family and saw me right after to help with breast feeding. She also arranged a few postpartum visits to make sure breastfeeding is going well.

We were highly satisfied with her services, experience and knowledge.
We highly recommend Renée as your doula and will be working with her in the future if we decide to have another baby.

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