Lauren, Poughkeepsie NY

​What stands out most is just how comfortable I felt talking to you about different things and never felt judged. Anytime I had a question, even postpartum about breastfeeding, Danielle had answers. She also was direct and told me if something was not a great idea or helped me see it from a different angle. I also felt comfortable and agreeable with what she told me and found it to be good advise. Every time I talked to Danielle she was very positive and helpful. The conference that we had before birth where she went over things like eating mints, drinking water, rebozo techniques (with pictures) was helpful and calming as I felt prepared.

"I wasn't dealing with any challenges at the time, however, while I had a nice birth with my first, I wanted to have an even better with my second. One thing I really wanted to know was different techniques for a natural birth as well as what my rights were at the hospital and what I could and could not decline. I wanted advice/support and someone to turn to whenever I had any questions during pregnancy/labor.

I liked your website and all the information I was able to obtain from it before speaking to you. When I spoke to you initially on the phone I got a good relaxed vibe and felt comfortable right away. I liked the virtual option as well, especially with this being my second time I was somewhat versed in pregnancy/labor and also had support of my husband in the hospital. That part was appealing because it offered enough support but not too much and also was budget friendly given I'd be going on unpaid maternity leave soon. My husband did not see the need for a doula the way I did (men) so convincing him to spend thousands was impossible.

My goals for birth were to be as natural as possible including not having an IV or antibiotics or an epidural or the fetal heart monitor, etc. I wanted the least hospital intervention possible, basically just wanted a physical safe place to have my baby. I was able to do this as I felt very prepared for the moment and relaxed about giving birth. I felt comfortable knowing what I could ask for at the hospital (like intermitted heart monitoring versus being hooked up). I was able to have a natural birth without much intervention mostly because it happened so fast but I think that was due to my preparation and feeling of security surrounding the situation and knowing I had my husband and access to Danielle throughout the labor, as well as the tools she taught me. It is a mindset. Danielle answered all my questions prior to labor and met with my husband and I to walk us through a bunch of techniques I'd personally be interested in using to labor naturally as desired. She also helped my husband feel more prepared in how to help me, besides the usual holding a hand and telling you you're doing great, etc.

For me, I found being able to have advise on different things that occurred during pregnancy or questions that came up (like to decline or not decline the glucose test) the most helpful. Also, I liked having a bunch of ideas going into labor of how to be most comfortable and use techniques Danielle shared with my husband and I to get through labor in my intended way. It is invaluable to talk to someone who has personal experience and education on laboring.

What stands out most is just how comfortable I felt talking to you about different things and never felt judged. Anytime I had a question, even postpartum about breastfeeding, Danielle had answers. She also was direct and told me if something was not a great idea or helped me see it from a different angle. I also felt comfortable and agreeable with what she told me and found it to be good advise. Every time I talked to Danielle she was very positive and helpful. The conference that we had before birth where she went over things like eating mints, drinking water, rebozo techniques (with pictures) was helpful and calming as I felt prepared. "
-Lauren, Poughkeepsie NY (Vassar Hospital, Pouhkeepsie, NY)