Charlie Rae Young & Megan D'orazio Doula Profile

These women are amazing! My husband and I decided to hire Charlie and Megan to assist us with the birth of our son, but what has surprised us the most is how wonderful they were before the birth and after. They came highly recommended by our Bradley birth instructor and from the first meeting we felt like we had known them for a lifetime. As an anxious first time mom, I found their calming nature and wisdom to be priceless! When our son arrived, those early weeks were difficult and these ladies continued to be the most encouraging and knowledgable resource for us. We tell everyone who asks if we found our doulas to be worth the investment, that we would have paid ours double for what they have given us in return: confidence in ourselves! 

I was beyond thankful to have Charlie and Megan in my court for my pre-natal, partum and post-partum experience with my first pregnancy.  I had some blood pressure issues that Charlie gave me a comprehensive list of things I could do to fix.  I followed her advice and in my third trimester all of my swelling went down and my blood pressure came under control.  During my labor Charlie and Megan showed up at my home at 11pm when I was just starting active labor.  They helped us find useful ways of reducing my pain and then accompanied us to the birth center.  They were encouraging and helped me and my husband through the entire process.  They also took pictures for us.  After my son was born they made us a meal and left us to enjoy our new baby.  I would absolutely recommend them to anyone in need of a doula.  We originally hired them because we were going to have a hospital birth, but even after we changed our minds I was so thankful to have them there for us!

 My experience with these two amazing women started at Sweet Child O' Mine midwifery service. I got to know Megan through our weekly check ups and my boyfriend and I decided to hire the two for our home birth. I met Charlie at our first doula consultation, and quickly understood the chemistry these women have together. They work well off of each other, and combined, have many stories, experience, and knowledge to share. 

When it came time for labor, Charlie was our doula, due to Megan being under the weather. Charlie showed up to our house within 15 minutes of calling her at 3:30 in the morning! She weathered the wait for 19 hours with us, offering helpful aromatic massage, encouraging words, and homeopathic supplements to help with the labor. She constantly filled the birthing tub with hot water, she used the rebozo to help with my sons positioning in the birth canal, and took candid pictures of those precious moments we'll cherish forever. Overall, she tied all the loose ends, and truly showed her expertise in making our birth experience perfect. 

After birth and delivery, I decided to have my placenta encapsulated, in which Megan so kindly dehydrated for me. I would, without a doubt, recommend this process to any new mother. In my opinion, it has helped with recovery time, and has balanced my hormones preventing those low baby blues. Charlie has continued to be a great support post partum. I can call or text her at any time regarding questions, and they both have been persistant in assuring me that they are here to help. I love them both, and cant say enough how beautiful these two women are. Thank you Charlie and Megan!

If you dream of having a natural birth, you must have Charlie and Megan on your team. These two ladies were wonderful from our first conversation to weeks after my daughter Sofia was born. They reassured me, a first-time mom, that I could have a beautiful natural birth that I wanted. Megan was with me for my birth and she was amazing! She massaged me the entire time and helped me to relax and remain calm and focused. She used aromatherapy, provided positive affirmations and was my advocate throughout labor and delivery. She made my husband feel extremely comfortable by providing me with the support I needed while guiding him on how to help me and be part of our birth experience. I checked into the hospital at 9:00 am and had my daughter by 2:39 pm and I strongly believe that it was because Megan helped me stay relaxed that I had an unmedicated birth so quickly. These two ladies were a gift to our family and I will definitely be using them again when the time comes! Thank you both!

Before my husband and I even conceived, I knew that I wanted to have my baby naturally. I also knew that I wanted to hire someone who could help us acheive our goal of a natural birth, especially since I would be birthing at a hospital (though not my first choice...and definitely don't plan on doing that again!). We interviewed with Megan and Charlie, and knew right away that we wanted them to be at our birth. They were both so sweet, knowledgeable, understanding, and cared about what we wanted and gave us the tools and information we needed to get us there, including resources such as books, videos, etc. We met several times after that to talk about our birth plan, the role they would play, etc, and they answered all of our many questions! Megan even came to our house and basically gave us our own little private childbirth ed class! When the time came for baby to come, things didn't quite work out the way we had hoped or expected...ended up in the hospital with PIH and an unplanned induction the next morning (Drs...ugh! Hence why I don't want to go that route next time!!). Things progressed quicker than expected for me though and unfortunately, neither Megan nor Charlie were able to make it to my labor :(, however Megan was able to make it to the hospital with 10 minutes to spare for the otherwise natural birth of my baby boy! I gave birth at 7:45 in the evening and Megan stayed with me and the baby until almost midnight to keep us company while my husband ran home to feed our cats and grab some things. The next evening, both Megan and Charlie came to visit with us and see how we were doing! Overall, I enjoyed my experience with Megan and Charlie as our Doulas. They are both too sweet and wonderful, strong, supportive women! I just wish the laboring part had gone a little differently (preferably at home with one or both of them by my side...haha!), but maybe next time!!

I took the Infant Massage class w/my son Levi, on a recommendation from a friend. To be quite honest, I can't remember his age, but I do remember thinking he was a little past the "newborn/infant" stage & I just hoped he'd sit still & quiet for the length of the class. Not only did he remain quiet but he actually FELL ASLEEP during the massage! It was wonderful! I've never seen anything like it before! The instructor, Wes, was very calm & informative & knowledgable! I would definitely recommend this place to everyone w/a newborn!

I used Barefoot Birth for postpartum doula services.  Specifically, my experience was with Megan D'orazio.  Megan was always on time, always cheerful and kind, and always beyond helpful.  She went above and beyond what I expected.  Megan assisted with both my newborn and my two year old, as well as helping with housework.  Megan is so easy to talk to and did everything I asked with no problems at all.  I definitely recommend her to anyone looking for doula services. 

Where do I begin??? These ladies are AMAZING!!!
My husband and I decided to hire a doula when I was just beginning my second trimester. Our first meeting lasted 3 hours; we found that Megan was so personable and knowledgeable. I found it so helpful to have Megan be a part of my journey. We met all throughout my pregnancy to chat and for me to ask her tons of questions about what was going on with my body. She was also very available via phone calls or text messages. When the big day came, she was at my home as soon as she could get there and never left my side (unless I asked her to do something for me). She made sure I had food and fluids and did anything I asked her to do. When I was experiencing back pain, she massaged my back for as long as I wanted her to, it was wonderful!
Our baby is now 6 weeks old and I have maintained a wonderful relationship with Megan, and will continue forever! We have met a few times postpartum and talked on the phone a bunch. Megan will always hold a special place in our hearts and will forever be a part of our lives.
I was introduced to Charlie by Megan about half way through my pregnancy, not knowing at the time that she would be the assistant to our midwife we would soon be hiring (at 32 weeks). Charlie was also such a ball of knowledge, answering so many questions I had about the birth plan, hospital procedure, and homebirth. Charlie assisted Marianne in checking fetal heart tones, preparing for the delivery, and helping me feel as comfortable as possible.
Both Megan and Charlie are well worth the money and we couldn’t be happier with their services.
We had the best team possible at our home, thank you for your professionalism and forever friendship!
Angie
 

I've known Charlie for a few years.  When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to have my placenta encapsulated.  Charlie was quick to respond to questions I had prior to giving birth.  Once I had my daughter, she came over to the house to pick up my placenta.  Within a couple of days Megan came back to drop off the finished product.  I wanted to make sure it would be safe for me to consume, as I am Rh- and my daughter is Rh+.  Within minutes Megan had an answer (yes).  (This was over text at this point.)  Both of these ladies are a pleasure to work with, and I was extremely pleased with the service.

I began to notice a huge difference in how I felt almost immediately.  I took my first "dose" the afternoon I received the pills, and by the next day I felt I had more energy, was less tired, and physically less uncomfortable.  I've been taking them for 2 weeks now and am so glad I chose to have this done.  We are in the process of moving out of state, and in addition to the quick healing and extra energy boost, I've been less stressed out about the upcoming move.  The best part is knowing I'm taking something that is completely natural, that my body created.  I would definitely recommend this to every pregnant woman out there!

I met Charlie for the first time during my wife's pregnancy with our last child. I immediately liked Charlie and could tell she was as passionate as my wife and I about natural child birth. While I still had doubts lingering in the back of my mind about my wife having a homebirth Charlies confidence in birth and my wife at the birth of my son played a big factor in winning me over. Watching how well Charlie could read my wifes needs during labor was simply amazing.  She was such agreat help bfore during and after the birth. 

Charlie has become a very integrated part of our lives even after birth. Continuing to help and support our family in all our adventures. My family doesnt generally like well.... anyone, but We love Charlie and consider her a vital part of our family. I wish a short testimonial could say enough about how good of a doula and person Charlie is but Words can hardly describe Charlie Rae Young and what she means to us. If any dads out there want to ask another "Dudes" opinion there is mine. 

 I had a homebirth and had Charlie Rae as my birth assistant in addition to my doula. She was amazing and really made me feel peaceful. I knew that I was in good hands. She was very supportive and knowledgable. She knew just what to do for me at each stage of labor. She used homeopathic remedies for my vomitting and other symptoms, she massaged me and used a rebozo to help "shimmy" the baby down. She did alot of stuff so my husband and I did not have to worry about anything. She made sure the water tub was ready and the right temperature and made it work even though our house didn't have the right connections, and she made sure everything that we were going to need was ready. After the birth of our beautiful baby boy, she helped me with breastfeeding and encapsulated my placenta. She even did laundry and cleaned up all the mess I made. She is awesome!

These ladies are super sweet and accomodating! I live 1 1/2 hours away and they came all that way just to deliver my placenta pills! Charlie even agreed to accept a post-dated check for it, since my husband would not be paid for another week or 2 (I don't remember exactly). I only wish I could've used more of their services. I will definitely recommend them to anyone needing maternity or postpartum services!

After a 36 hour induced labor (2 wks past due) and narrowly avoided c-section with my first child, I was a little obsessive about avoiding a repeat experience with my second. I chose a free-standing birth center, but was paranoid about the possibility of being left without support in the event of a hospital transfer. While I originally contacted Megan solely to provide that support, she did so much more. Megan provided comfort and the voice of reason as my due date approached and then passed. In my highly emotional state, each day seemed an enemy condemning me to another hospital induction and Megan was kindly supportive while gently reminding me that focusing on my fears was not constructive and helping me find ways to stay positive.

I could not have asked for a more perfect birth second time around. I began noticing regular contractions at 5am. I was already tired from lack of sleep. At the birth center around 10 the midwife checked me and found I was a disappointing 3cm. The midwife recommended I take some gentle medication to help me get some rest but I was terrified that if I went to sleep, contractions would stop (they had before), I would go over due and end up in the hospital again. Megan walked with me through some contractions, but a second check a couple hours later revealed I had not made much progress. Megan helped me to put my fears aside so that I could decide what would be best for my baby and I went home to do some pelvic rocks and get some sleep. Much to everyone's surprise, I was back in the birth center by 5:00 and my daughter was born around 7:00. The team that brought my daughter into the world created an amazingly positive and supportive atmosphere and that team would not have been complete without Megan's warm and sunny disposition.
 

Charlie was my doula at my homebirth a few weeks ago, and she was amazing.  She read me like a book and just her presence brought so much comfort throughout the labor.  During the easy part of labor she walked with me around the neighborhood and massaged my feet.  Toward the end, she encouraged me to eat, and as transition hit she kept water nearby.  During transition she didn't say much, but when she did it was exactly what I needed to hear - soft reminders to breathe and just go with it and reminders that my baby was almost here.  Her calm, soothing tone helped me tune out any other noise or voice and focus in on my body and baby.  When it was time for my baby to come out she quietly stood back and took pictures for us.  My husband and I love her to pieces and are so glad she was here with us. 

 We are beyond thrilled and satisfied with our experience with Charlie as our doula and midwife assistant. Throughout my entire pregnancy she gave us so many tips and advice for healthy eating and living. Her knowledge is impressive and valuable. My husband and I really love her as a person. She's incredibly easy to listen and talk to as well as get along with. Which I find important when you're talking about the most precious thing a family can experience - babies!
During our homebirth Charlie knew the perfect balance between taking care of me and allowing space when needed. She set everything up for the birth before the midwife arrived, and left our home spotless before leaving!
I feel like I can't express how much we appreciate and respect her for her diligence in research, her love and compassion for the entire family, and her beautiful cheerful self! We will always recommend her to anyone seeking her services and will absolutely use her next time! Thanks for everything Charlie!

 I was a client of Labor of Love in Lakeland Florida when I first met Charlie. I saw many midwives, but Charlie as the assistant
was a constant. She and Megan together arranged the labor and delivery classes that were required of clients to attend.
The four-class series proved to be very informative finding each time that I walked away thinking "Wow, these
ladies know their stuff!" They have a very down to earth feel about them spliced with a great sense of humor and
being that this was my first home birth I have to say that I really enjoyed and appreciated the connection that was established.
When I went into labor I knew Charlie would be there but somehow I was so out of it when she and Megan did arrive that I
didn't get to give a proper hello. (it's crazy what you think about after the fact) They were very encouraging and attentive throughout
the labor. I felt like we were all in good company which provided just the best vibe.
After my son was born, Charlie examined the placenta, explaining what she was looking for. These ladies know placentas like second
nature. Even offering encapsulation services to which I partly wish I had wanted at the time (We went the ol' planting it underneath
a tree route).
I had the best experience with these gracious ladies. So much so that when I plan for another I will definitely be wanting their
services.

Peace Always,
-Kelina

Charlie attended my home birth as a birth assistant. I had asked my midwife previously specifically for Charlie knowing that she would be a helpful support person for me. She arrived at my home while I was in labor and had such a gentle, calming presence. She helped me through transition and through the birth reminding me that the intense pressure was just my baby coming down and out. She kept encouraging me that I could do it and that I was doing it. She was such a great help once the baby was born too. She did everything like it was second nature to her with such ease. I am very happy that I asked for her ahead of time bc she made the experience that much better.

I met both Charlie & Megan through Labor of Love, in Lakeland Fl.  Megan lended continuous support with her welcoming personality. There were moments when I just didn’t know what to do or think and she was always a call away, no matter the time of day or night. My 2 children went to the birthing center to attend Megan’s sibling class and she was so attentive to their questions and curiosity with baby Gio growing within. Quinn really loved the baby and the "sac" and Megan took her time to explain to her how the baby grows. What a blessing I feel she is to me and urge anyone who is interested in a relationship with their baby catchers-this is the dynamic duo!   Now Charlie and I, we share a personal experience!!! She was rushed into the birthing center last minute as I was about to give birth. I arrived 4cm and dilated to 7cm in less than an hour.  I was lost without Charlie, but in my heart I knew she would be there! I became so close with her, Amanda and Megan, I just knew I had to have them there to make it through! With my husband by my side, my son holding one hand and my best friend holding the other I glanced up and saw my guiding light-CHARLIE! She was there and it was time to have this baby! I was at a calm piece of mind, and ready to go. My son was born after that point within 2 pushes and I couldn’t have done it with out her. Too bad I ended up throwing up all the water I digested all over her - (I am so sorry woman!!) but didn’t realize I had done so until after I was done showering and on my way home!  Charlie took the time to sit with my entire family and I right after birthing Giovanni.  Her care didn’t end there. To this day Megan, Charlie and I still keep in touch. Breastfeeding, angels! With much love for you both, I wish you the best life has to offer.  Leah - leah.avey@hotmail.com
 

We absolutely LOVE Charlie with Barefoot Birth! She attended the birth of our first daughter in October 2010. She only came at the end since she was a birth assistant to my midwife, but I thought a couple of times "when is Charlie going to be here?!" She has a presence about her that makes you feel like you can do anything. Being around her just seems to make me calm and I knew she would be such a great asset! Next time - well, if there is a next time... I definitely want her there for the entire labor! The months leading up to the birth, Charlie taught us so much about what to expect. I'm not sure I would have been nearly as prepared without her knowledge and guidance. If you are looking for a doula to attend your birth, she is amazing and I highly recommend her!

Charlie attended my home VBAC - My labor progressed really well and efficiently.  Charlie was there to help with all those simple things that seem so hard to remember when you re in labor (drinking, eating, massaging my back). It was very important to me to do my own vaginal exams - when I would do a check and describe what I was feeling she was so helpful to tell me what it was I was feeling - my bag of waters then my baby's head!

At one point in my labor, I told everyone at my birth that the baby was physically stuck, not a mental block with labor or birth.  Charlie was the only one at my birth who believed me that the baby was somehow physically stuck. I was almost in tears that I could no longer move my baby with hypnobirthing breathing. Charlie was the one who came to me and told me that if the baby is really stuck, I may have to just bear down and push him out. She understood how important laboring down was to me and helped me come to the emotional decision that this baby was going to require a little more to get him out. I am so thankful I had Charlie at my birth to help me through everything but especially this moment. When my baby was born, he had a nuchal arm and I felt so validated and understood it was likely his elbow stuck on my pelvis.

Charlie also helped me with my placenta. I wanted to consume it raw in a smoothie.  Charlie cut it into chunks and made a smoothie with some fruit from the fridge. It tasted like a fruit smoothie with a shot of Floradix Iron and Herbs. I didn't see Charlie at the moment when she was preparing the placenta, but saw pictures later. My son says that is the happy pictures of Charlie - she took so much love and care in preparing that smoothie for me and it was perfect postnatal medicine!

I am so glad I had Charlie at my birth and if we have a third, I hope she can be there for that birth as well (maybe as a midwife by then).

I met Charlie and Megan at Labor of Love where I was planning to delivery my first baby. I met Charlie through my prenatal visits (Which I strategically planned for my appointments to be on Charlie's days) and we met Megan during the series of classes taught to prepare you for Breastfeeding, Labor, etc. My husband and I both were very pleased with both Megan and Charlie. I felt calm and confident about my birth knowing that Charlie would be there to assist. Her methods for teaching and her loving demeanor was what we enjoyed most. As well as both her and Megan being capable of making my husband feel confortable and less nervous about childbirth. They were never judgemental about silly questions nor did they make us feel anything less than "at home" with the entire experience. However, I experienced some issues and was not able to birth my darling daughter at the center. Leaving me with a need to quench that thirst for the home birth experience. Although I was admitted to the local hospital I was offered Megans services. That was not something most would have done at a moments notice. I did have my hubby and did not request Megan to come assist but knowing she was available if need be made me feel even more confident. I enjoyed every moment with these ladies and would give 5+ stars and reccoment them to everyone I know who is expecting. You will not find anyone more loving and passionate! 

I first met Charlie at Labor of Love Birth Center in Lakeland, Florida where she also works as a Birth Assistant.  Her knowledge of natural birth, nutrition, child care, and natural living comes across as matter-of-fact and down-to-earth.  I really appreciated her great attitude and expertise during my pregnancy.  

Megan took care of my placenta encapsulation and courteously delivered it to my home a couple of days after I had given birth.  This was a really special treat.  The presentation of the encapsulation was great:  in a glass apothecary jar and Megan had dried the umbilical cord in the shape of a heart.  Really cool!  She also gave me The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding that day.  

Charlie and Megan are amazing women whose deep level of care for the birth process reflects in their consideration for their clients.  If you are in the greater Tampa area, call upon Barefoot Birth for your doula needs.

These two ladies are marvelous. If you want women who are not only passionate, but well-versed in their field you want one or both of these ladies at your birth. These ladies, Charlie and Megan, are professional yet compassionate... you will feel taken care of physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually... and you will have no doubt in your mind that they are confident in their abilities.

My story/labor did not go as I anticipated, which could not be helped - and these two ladies stuck it out with me. I endured 54 hours of natural labor and these ladies slept on exam tables in order to stick it out! Megan would check my vitals every contraction and EACH time she was quiet, gentle and thorough. Charlie and Megan both gave me tips and advice as I was laboring in order to help me progress, each tip worked! Talk about DEVOTED! 

 These ladies were invested in me as a woman and believed in me when no one else would have... had I been anywhere else, with anyone else, I would have been transferred hours earlier, but these ladies, along with the midwife KNEW that I needed to get to a certain place mentally before I could accept a transfer and these ladies never gave up on me, they confidently told me that NO MATTER WHAT I was going to have a baby and that I was doing my very best, encouraging me not to give up. 

I would be more than happy to answer any questions, or go into further detail about my experience, but in closing - do not hesitate in choosing Charlie and Megan to be at your birth, you will NOT regret it. :o)

Jenny Scholten

jenniferscholten@gmail.com 

I attended childbirth classes taught by Charlie & Megan, and Charlie was a midwife assistant at my son's birth. They were very knowledgeable and friendly, and made me feel comfortable and prepared for childbirth. This was my first child, but even though I had no experience with natural birth I felt very safe and capable of handling everything with their reassurance and encouragement. My birth experience was definitely better with them than it would have been without. I would recommend them to anyone, and would love to work with them again in the future.

Megan was my doula, and I was very impressed with her!  Megan is gentle, kind, and caring, providing wonderful support during labor.  I met with her pre-natal and she always listened and was very respectful of my viewpoints.  She encouraged me, especially in the times I needed it, however, did not smother me.    She provided excellent post partum care- sometimes just to talk or listen other times to provide suggestions for dealing with the overwhelming task of becoming a new mother.  I would highly recommend Megan as a doula!

My birth experience was wonderful with Charlie and Megan. From the first time they came to my house they exhibited professionalism with an aire of nurturing support. I was given feedback on the choices of my birth plan and knew I would be supported 100% with any and all choices I made the day of my child's birth. For me, their expertise and experience was invaluable. To this day I still think of them as friends. Megan came to my home to labor with me in the MIDDLE of the night when I went into labor. She helped my partner and I time contractions and guided us through each one. We laughed and joked as I nested and paced the house repeatedly. She gave me insight as to when the time to leave for the hospital should be. When I went into transition, off we went. Charlie met us at the hospital to continue supporting and encouraging Anthony and I. They knew our wishes for our birth experience and when the time came to leave the hospital against medical advice due to the abuse of power exerted by the hospital staff, having Charlie and Megan by my side made me feel very at ease with my descision. Upon arriving home they created and wonderful, calming environment for me to focus on labor in. They guided me every step of the way and when it was time to return to a different hospital, we left and had a very short drive down the road to the hospital where my daughter was born. They visited the next day and showed so much love to my new daughter, but also made sure I was taken care of. They wanted to know if there was anything I needed or wanted (which was great since most people visiting were there for the new beautiful infant I named Mirielle). I would recommend them to anyone recently preganant and will be calling on them again when the time comes to give Mirielle a little brother or sister.