Bobbie Humphrey CD(DONA) Doula Profile

I used Bobbie as my doula for my home VBAC in May 2012. She was fabulous - extremely attentive during my pregnancy and full of knowledge and support for the birth itself. I bothered her quite a bit during my pregnancy with lots of questions about traditional and homeopathic medicines and asked for lots of advice in choosing a care provider after I was no longer able to use the first one I'd chosen. She fully supported my decision to have a VBAC in my own home and worked hard to make sure that I was able to fulfill my dream. All the hard work paid off! I had a wonderful birth, and that was largely due to Bobbie's expertise. She gave me some homeopathic meds during early labor to help keep my contractions going, and she was instrumental in getting my baby into a better position so that my labor would speed up. She used a rebozo scarf to get my baby to move, which was actually a relaxing experience in spite of the contractions. I highly recommend Bobbie to any expectant mom.

our experience with bobbie was wonderful. i wasnt exactly sure how much a doula could help during the whole labor process until i experienced her at my third birth. bobbie was attentive to everything i felt and needed. she guided me to more comforable postions during labor. bobbie is so kind and caring. she truly has a desire for what she does and it shows. another plus was she was previously a rn that worked as a labor and delivery nurse. bobbie literally spent all day with my husband and i walking to progress labor which was comforting. during the pushing stage i heard bobbies voice say push slowly so i didnt tear. her voice was always there even if i was in the moment her voice really helped...especially during the pushing stage. bobbie was such a wonderful doula and friend.

      Bobbie was the first doula we had met with and she impressed my husband and I so much with the vast knowledge and experience she had, we felt we didn’t need to look any further. She had worked with every one of the midwives in the practice we were going to and was very familiar with the hospital we had planned to deliver with. All three of us clicked right away, which was an extremely important factor as well.
      Our initial birth plan was to labor at home naturally until I was far enough along, upon which time we would then deliver at the hospital. That scenario didn’t work out quite as we had planned, there were potential complications and the hospital was convinced we needed to be induced. We were given a few days before our scheduled induction and during those few days I was corresponding with Bobbie daily. She was continuously giving us advice and support as to how to naturally start labor on our own to avoid the induction, as well as emotional support for me, because I was having a hard time with this decision.   I ended up laboring for 24 hours of an intense pitocin-induced labor. During labor we were lunging, squatting, swaying through contractions; utilizing the ball, a rocking chair and warm showers to help alleviate the intensity of the contractions. Given the hospital’s restrictions, Bobbie ever so effortlessly kept us on track in having a natural birth. Miraculously I made it without an epidural, which I know I couldn’t have done without her. She was by our side through it all giving both myself and my husband the emotional support and guidance we needed. Deciding upon Bobbie as our doula was the wisest decision my husband and I could have made, we knew from the moment we met her. She’s an amazing woman who is truly in her element when acting as a doula. We would recommend her in a heartbeat.
 

 Initially we hired Bobbie because my husband travels a lot and I don't have any family in the area. We wanted an experienced person to be available to me if my husband was traveling when I went into labor. Bobbie proved to be a much more valuable resource to us. My OBGYN office continued to make me feel more and more like a number as my pregnancy progressed. I would get my 5 minutes a week from one of the 9 doctors in the practice but I never really received any real information nor was anything ever discussed with me. I felt I was being shuffle through a standard process and told how my pregnancy would be. This is when I started discussing my concerns with Bobbie. She was a wealth of knowledge and support. She gave me the information to make my own decisions and was able to share facts and previous experiencthreat was so valuable to me. Additionally she was kind and extremely responsive whenever I had questions. I truly believe that I would not have had such a good birth experience if it wasn't for Bobbie!  I highly recommend her! 

Bobbie was the doula for 2 of my 3 birth experiences.  My first birth was a c-section and she has assisted with both of our successful natural VBAC births.  My husband and I have been very pleased with our experiences working with her.  She is very supportive and helpful before, during and after labor.  She is easy to work with, accessible, and knowledgeable.  I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula.

My husband and I are so grateful for Bobbie's amazing assistance and support during the birth of our daughter in Oct. 2008 and our son in Nov. 2011.  I do not think we would have been able to achieve our goal of natural birth without Bobbie's support.  Bobbie is a wonderful listener and has a very calm and reassuring manner.  She worked extremely well with our midwives and nurses.  I will always remember pacing the hallways of the hospital and Bobbie reminding me how to swing my hips through the contractions.  During our second birth, Bobbie helped us achieve our goal of trying to labor as long as possible at home before going to the hospital.  We were so pleased that our son arrived within two hours of arriving at the hospital.  Bobbie was also a wonderful resource for breast-feeding.  I phoned her numerous times after the birth of our daughter and during our post-natal visit Bobbie taught me some additional nursing positions.

Bobbie's attentiveness, confidence, and reassuring manner helped me to believe in myself and have the strength and will-power to achieve our goal of two natural births.

When I thought of having a doula, I primarily imagined the support I'd have during the hours of labor and delivery.  Bobbie was wonderful during that trying time.  My best memory of the birth of our son is Bobbie whispering in my ear during pushing contractions and giving me delicious Vitamin Water when they were over.  But Bobbie was there for support for so much more--from when I was afraid of birth weeks before to when I was having trouble nursing weeks afterwards.  I'm grateful that Bobbie helped us have the best overall birth experience possible.  I'd definitely call on her again and would recommend her without reservation to any expecting family.

Choosing Bobbie was the first and best decision I made when I found out I was pregnant. I had originally wanted a homebirth; Bobbie helped me find a few great midwives. Unfortunately, I had to switch to a hospital at 7 months, which I was very anxious about. Bobbie once again gave me a ton of resources and helped me weigh the pros and cons of each hospital, doctor, and midwife. I was especially thankful to have her when I went past my due date and had to get tests done. Bobbie told me exactly what to expect. I desperately did not want to be induced, and she helped me advocate for myself by giving me information and resources to make an informed decision (and helped me avoid getting bullied by the docs). My goal was to labor at home as long as possible. Bobbie helped me at home for several hours, in addition to my partner and some friends. She answered every, “is this normal?” question that I had, which really helped me relax throughout labor. We arrived at the hospital one hour before my beautiful boy was born- exactly as I had hoped, with no medication or intervention.

I can't write enough positive things about our experience with Bobbie. She will work with you to help you achieve your ideal birth experience and at every step along the way - before, during, and after labor - she wil be there to support you, give advice, and answer questions. My husband and I both feel that having Bobbie at the birth of our first child was a fantastic decision and we would love to work with her again for all our future deliveries.

Bobbie was a fantastic support and resource.  She was beyond helpful throughout our pregnancy.  After the birth she was instrumental in establishing a good latch and was helpful in following up with us after the birth when we were at home.  Special Beginnings was a great match for our birth experience.  The staff and the environment were great.  It also exceeded my expectations. 

Bobbie was great. I was extremely nervous about having my second child without labor medication and she was a tremendous help. She gave me great advice and helped me to understand that I could be more in control of my labor this time after a terrible experience with my first child. I didn't know what my options were and didn't want another delivery on my back, and I wanted to be more actively involved by not having an epidural. She gave me the information I needed to make my decision on whether or not to be induced (I wasn't) by helping me understand that I had a choice. Bobbie was a godsend at the delivery, she helped me find a comfortable position to labor in and really helped me focus on my breathing instead of screaming! I'm so glad I found Bobbie; she really helped to make the experience a wonderful one.

I met Bobbie just a week before I gave birth -- I'd had another doula arranged, and her circumstances made her unavailable for my birth date. Bobbie came highly recommended by my yoga teacher, and I add my voice to that recommendation for others. She is mellow and soft-spoken -- self-effacing and a good listener -- I did not know until after I'd worked with her how truly deep her experience was -- she has attended hundreds and hundreds of births. Having her present at the birth was a huge help to me and my husband, but the real differential was in the days afterwards -- I texted her with questions ranging from the mundane to the painful and embarassing, and she was direct, honest, informative and supportive. She came several times in the weeks after my birth and each time she left, I felt more prepared, informed and supported. I recommend her highly and would happily serve as a reference.  

My husband and I would recommend Bobbie in a heartbeat.  She supported and guided us through the birth of our first child and was instrumental in making it a beautiful and unforgetable experience. We are both highly trained/scientifically minded people, and Bobbie gave us the perfect mix between experience and evidence-based assistance. Beyond her extensive knowledge and experience, Bobbie's bedside manner is amazing and is what really made the difference. I felt so at ease with her, sitting in my bedroom at 4am working through the contractions... she was relaxed, helped me with positions and coping mechanisms, and helped me have the confidence and self-assurance that I needed to believe I was strong enough to get through this. Not to mention, it was a lot of fun as well! Eating breakfast at 5am between contractions... laughing, chatting... it was great. Both her pre and post partum support was tremendous as well, and she always made herself available. We will definitely be working with Bobbie again for our future deliveries!

 Bobbie was so wonderful. She made the birth of my daughter a memorable positive experience. She was with me every step of the way providing great professional guideance and emotional support. She helped me make decisions that put me in control of my birth choices before I went to the hospital and once I was in labor. It was so empowering and positive from start to finish and I couldn't have done it without her. I am so grateful to her and whole heartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a doula. 

Bobbie was an amazing, support and a knowledgeable resource throughout my second pregnancy and the birth itself. I had a successful VBAC, and largely credit Bobbie for that. Her grounded presence was so valuable throughout my pregnancy, especially when I was told the baby was large and when my son was late. She supported me and helped me through my concerns that I would not be able to try for a vaginal birth. She was a rock and a guide. During my long labor she served as a voice of calm and was an endless resource for handling pain and worry. She is friendly, confident, calm and caring. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a doula. I tend to be a little high-strung and I was very worried about my son’s size and lateness, Bobbie helped counsel and advise me without ever making me feel pressured in my decision making. Whenever I needed to talk or had questions Bobbie was available by phone and email and spent a lot of time and energy helping me remain positive. She is the definition of supportive, caring and calm. My husband also says he wishes she had been there with our first child, and is immensely thankful for her being a part of our second child’s birth. We can’t recommend her more fully; she is amazing.

I knew from the beginning of my pregnancy that I wanted a doula. It was my husband and I’s first child and he is a little squeamish about childbirth so I knew I wanted someone experienced there with us! Hiring Bobbie exceeded my expectations.

My original plan was to have a natural vaginal birth. However, at 36 weeks I found out that the baby was breach. I was devastated and felt like hiring a doula and spending weeks practicing the Hypnobabies were of no use now. I was very wrong though. When I called Bobbie in tears she gave me the support and advice I needed. She directed me to websites that had exercises I could do to encourage the baby to turn and to a chiropractor who specialized in the Webster method. She also accompanied my husband and I to the hospital when I tried a manual version to turn the baby. Ultimately the baby did not turn and I had an unplanned cesarean. Once my labor started it went very fast. It was after midnight, but Bobbie made it to the hospital before us which I was grateful for since I was already fully dilated! At the hospital, she knew exactly where to go and quickly got me to labor and delivery. She stayed with me right up until they took me into the operating room. Bobbie met back up with us in the recovery room shortly after and within minutes she was showing me how to nurse my sweet new baby. Having Bobbie there to focus on me and the baby and establishing that bond right away was wonderful. During the post-partum visits, Bobbie showed me different breastfeeding positions, the correct way to swaddle the baby and how to wear the baby using my wrap. It was all tremendously helpful.

Throughout everything Bobbie was calm and reassuring. I completely trusted her and can’t imagine what the pregnancy and birth would have been like without her guidance and support. My husband and I both feel having her be a part of the pregnancy and birth was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
 

We were very pleased with Bobbie’s doula services for our recent home birth. We were impressed with her professionalism, sensitivity and caring spirit. She supported us in the final weeks of labor by staying connected with phone calls and emails. On Birth Day, she responded quickly to our call and arrived ready to help. Between contractions, she prepared our home for the birth by setting up our birth tub and the midwife’s supplies between contractions. She also stayed in contact with our midwife by request so that she could time her arrival when it was most needed. Bobbie’s aftercare was amazing – she knew what to do and took care of things without being asked (laundry, trash, clean up, food, drink). We highly recommend her services!

Bobbie was incredibly helpful in facilitating the birth of my son.  I had a successful VBAC and I give Bobbie a lot of credit for helping me to make that happen!  She was very patient, supportive, and kind, but also was able to encourage me and propel me on with labor when I was getting tired.  I am so glad that she was a part of my son's birth and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula.

I had a very long and challenging labor (62 hours from ROM to birth of my son), and my husband and I both feel that having Bobbie's support during those days and nights was a lifesaver, and helped us have a vaginal birth despite many odds.  I needed a lot of support and encouragement during my long induction, and Bobbie had many creative ways of helping me cope with discomfort and pain, and supported and championed all of my birth preferences, encouraging me to stick with the plan even when I began to doubt myself. She also provided unexpected comforts, like lending me her headphones when mine broke, and offering a wonderful postpartum snack. My husband and I were truly grateful to have Bobbie's support at our labor and delivery.

We could not have been happier with our birth experience. From the time we met Bobbie she made us feel comfortable about the birth process through her stories of past births in which she assisted as well as through the educational materials that she recommended. Throughout my pregnancy Bobbie was available to discuss concerns or answer questions and encouraged me to phone, text or email at anytime. In addition, at 36 weeks Bobbie helped to ease our fears about the hospital in which we originally chose to deliver and suggested a hospital that was more natural birth friendly/friendly to a new mother’s needs and desires. Even though this was a stressful decision, Bobbie helped to ease our concerns over multiple phone calls. During labor Bobbie came to our house so I could labor at home until I was ready to make the transition to the hospital. While at the hospital Bobbie continued to advocate for my desires as per the birth plan I created. She helped to keep me as well as my husband focused and calm while delivering. In addition she helped to get the baby to nurse immediately after birth. Finally, even after our daughter was born Bobbie has come to our house on multiple occasions to assist with nursing to assure that I could be successful with a sometimes stressful task. Overall, Bobbie is a fantastic, extremely knowledgeable doula. I have and would recommend her to anyone seeking the assistance of a doula.

Bobbie was great! We liked her from the first time we met her, and we knew it would be a great match. We really liked her background and experience, and she has a way about her that felt very comfortable. We met with her a few times before the birth, so we could share our birth plan and ask any questions. She was incredibly supportive - both physically and emotionally - during labor and delivery. I felt at ease knowing she was there. She is caring, knowledgeable, comforting, and patient. After my baby was born, Bobbie was available over the phone and for visits, checking in to see how we were doing and answering our questions. We are so happy glad we selected Bobbie, and I highly recommend her.

We had a great experience with Bobbie, I definitely couldn't have delivered my daughter without her!!  Her vast experience as a doula and as a L&D nurse made me feel extremely comfortable and confident that she would be able to help me cope with my labor pains and know when we should head to the hospital.  I had a posterior baby so my labor was pretty difficult but she stuck by my side the entire time and helped me and my husband get through each contraction.  She even taught my doctor something new!--squatting next to the bed to begin pushing helped rotate our sweet baby and she turned!!  Bobbie was also terrific in helping me after the baby was born.  She graciously helped me settle in after the delivery and helped the baby and I begin breastfeeding.  She was terrific and I would definitely recommend her.  I will definitely be calling her when we decide to have baby #2!! :) 

Bobbie is a wonderful and invaluable doula. She supported me and my husband throughout late pregnancy, labor and the birth of our first child on 2/20/11; she also continues to provide excellent postpartum support. Specific to our birth experience, Bobbie drew upon obvious experience and passion to be both firm and compassionate. From the start of labor, Bobbie stood for our vision of a natural, vaginal birth at a birth center in MD. When I was at risk of being transferred to a hospital (my waters had been ruptured 24+ hours and I was stalled), she pushed me to focus, surrender and birth my child in love (and admittedly, urgency). At the end of the day, Bobbie was an integral part of the team of professionals --alongside my loving husband --who enabled me to have an empowered and fulfilling birth with relatively limited intervention. To the extent that there were interventions, Bobbie was knowledge, e.g., of homeopathics. I'd recommend her without reservation to anyone who wants a true and effective champion for a natural birth.

Bobbie Humphrey assisted me with the births of both of my children, now 3 years old and 9 months old. Bobbie was an invaluable resource for both of my pregnancies, deliveries, and post-partum. She is very knowledgeable able all aspect of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. If it wasn’t for Bobbie, I whole heartedly believe that I would not have been able to stick to my birth plan of having my children naturally, without medication. I have recommended Bobbie to several of my friends and will continue to recommend her to anyone who is looking for fantastic doula. Thanks Bobbie!!!

 Bobbie is fantastic. She helped us through a long and painful labor, answered all of our questions before and after birth, and made the whole process far more enjoyable and rewarding than it would have been without her. Even though the birth didn’t go completely as expected and hoped, having Bobbie by our side helped us deal with setbacks in a positive manner. Our baby is happy and healthy and we couldn’t be happier. We’ll definitely contact her again when/if we have another baby.

 We had a great experience with Bobbie Humphrey as our Doula. She was warm and friendly from the beginning and gave us such comfort for our upcoming childbirth experience. She provided us with books, videos, and relaxation techniques. She made several house calls prenatal and postnatal. She will quickly become a good friend and is so easy to confide in on many levels. Bobbie represented my husband and I during out childbirthing experience like a family member and laboring expert. I could not have made it through my labor without her knowledge, tactics, and expertise. She not only gave me great confidence, but also a great peace throughout my experience. She works well with any medical team and family, and understands the many variables and needs of an expecting mother. She has a great heart and wonderful sense-of-humor and will be an asset to any mommy! :) 

My wife and I had a great birthing experience and Bobby was a major part of that.  She was always available prior to the big day for advice and came over several times to go over our plans and answer questions. Her support during delivery was crucial.  She was a strong advocate for us in the hospital and took an active role in helping my wife birth our daughter alongside our midwife.  She also came to the house twice after the birth to check up on us and help my wife w/breastfeeding techniques as well as various other helpful hints on how to take care of a newborn (as it is our first). 

Bobby also has a ton of experience in the doula world as well as a NICU nurse and a mom herself which proved invaluable throughout the process. 

Her calm demeanor, encouraging words, and wealth of experience made her the perfect choice for my wife and I.  We hightly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula. 

My experience with Bobbie was exceptional.  We interviewed some other Doulas before choosing her but as soon as my husband and I met her we knew she was experienced, professional, caring and very friendly. She inspires trust from the beginning.  She stays in touch with you all the time and is always within reach if you have any questions. Having her gave my husband and I a lot of peace of mind knowing that we would have somebody professional and caring by our side during the birth of our daugher Fatima.  My labor was 23 hour-long and Bobbie stayed with us from 1 p.m. on a Monday helping us through labor, supporting me and my husband, giving us encouragement and coaching us...Finally Fatima was born at 4:59 a.m. the following Tuesday and Bobbie was there making sure we all were fine. She even stayed with us to make sure I knew how to breastfeed my baby for the first time. I remember being extremely exhausted after such a long labor and being in the bed waiting for the nurse to bring my daughter...I was thinking I was not going to be able to have the strength to nurse my baby, but Bobbie was there telling me: "Of course you can, you can do it" and I could !  She's amazing. Even after I went home, she came and visited me a couple of times to make sure mommy and baby were doing OK.  I called her several times after that to ask about nursing issues and she was always very responsive and friendly. I would hire her again with no doubts!

Bobbie Humphrey was my doula for the birth of my son and I can't imagine having anyone else by my side in the future.  This was my first birth and Bobbie helped me every step of the way.  When I told her how I was having trouble switching certified nurse midwives, Bobbie was able to get me an appointment with the person I really wanted to deliver my baby.  She referred me to a pediatrician whom I love and a mother's group where I have found support with other moms.  When it came time for the delivery of the baby, I could not have asked for someone to support me more than Bobbie.  My baby arrived several weeks early, but Bobbie was there.  She made it possible so that I could stay home as long as possible and even assisted me in writing a last-minute birth plan.  She stayed by my side for hours and hours and I am sure that she was a crucial reason why I didn't need to have a c-section.  After the delivery, she was available every time I would call with a question and even came over to help me with breastfeeding issues.  When I needed help with the baby, she recommended a post-partum doula.  Bobbie is a lovely person who is very knowledgeable and compassionate.  Bobbie made me feel completely comfortable and confident.  I highly recommend her.

Bobbie is wonderful!!  She came highly recommended to me and upon meeting her, I knew why.  She was very warm and welcoming and made a nervous first mom feel very comfortable.  We met about 3 times prior to my birth.  We discussed all of my concerns, as well as what I wanted my birth experience to be like.  She was very supportive and open to my wants and needs.  She was always available by phone to answer questions and to reassure. 

My son was born the morning after a huge blizzard in downtown Baltimore.  She was on the phone with me from the time I went into labor making sure I was able to get to my hospital and giving me other alternatives in case I couldn't.  She also immediately began digging herself out, while making sure there was a back up doula available for me.  In spite of all of that, and coming from near Pennsylvania (!), she arrived at the hospital right as I did!!  She was perfect.  She really helped encourage me through my labor, kept me focused and supported me.  Without her, I may not have had such a wonderful birth experience.

She came to my house after the birth for a visit, brought a meal and made sure I was doing okay.  I also called her a few weeks for her advice about cloth diapers and breastfeeding. Once again, she was so helpful and informative.  

Originally, my husband wasn't sure why a doula was so important to me.  After my son's birth and seeing how Bobbie supported us, he understands!  We are both so grateful to her and highly recommend her to everyone who needs a doula!

 FROM START TO FINISH IT WAS WONDERFUL TO HAVE BOBBIE WITH ME ON MY PREGNANCY JOURNEY. SHE WAS ALWAYS AVAILABLE IF I HAD QUESTIONS AND MADE HOUSE CALLS WHICH IS SO EASY. SHE HAS A NATURAL CALMING FEELING WHICH IS VERY SOOTHING AND HELPS YOU TO FOCUS DURING LABOR. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOBBIE TO ANYONE AND I PLAN TO USE HER SERVICES IN THE FUTURE FOR OTHER PREGNANCIES. ALSO YOU GET EXCELLENT POST PARTUM SUPPORT FOR YOURSELF AND BABY AND ALSO WITH BREASTFEEDING. (SORRY ABOUT ALL CAPS THE IPOD WILL ONLY TYPE IN CAPS) 

It is hard for me to fathom giving birth without Bobbie.  My delivery was long (over 36 hours) due to my baby being in a posterior position. Bobbie was absolutely amazing during the whole time, she stayed with my husband and I and was incredible support to us both.  She assisted me in every way, from trying all sorts of positions to try to get that stubborn baby to turn, to relaxation and breathing techiniques, and even gave me a massage at one point.  She was also great at intervening with the staff and advocating for the birth that I wanted.  When some tough decisions had to be made, Bobbie was right there with my best interests in mind without being intrusive.  She supported my decision to get an epidural 24 hours in and also in a discussion about possible c-section. 
Bobbie was patient and calm througout the process, but also firm and encouraging when I needed it. She was also great support to my husband throughout the birth and they integrated so smoothly as a team to assist me. 

Bobbie has also been very knowledgeable afterwards re breastfeeding and general new mom questions. 
I would highly recommend using Bobbie as a doula.  

Bobbie is wonderful!  I can't say enough about how knowledgeable and available she is.  She was there anytime I needed her.  In addition, she was instrumental in making the birth of my son a more comfortable and informed experience.

I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an experienced Doula.

When my husband and I found out we were expecting our first baby, we felt overwhelmed by all the information about pregnancy, birth and babies. Knowing I was interested in a natural birth, and breast feeding to follow, a coworker suggested I consider a doula. Though she had used two, she said Bobbie was her favorite.

I cannot speak highly enough of Bobbie and the services she provided. From our first conversation, I felt comfortable. She was an integral part of my pregnancy, birth and baby care. Bobbie always responded to messages immediately, never rushed me off the phone, and absolutely never seemed annoyed by my many, many questions.

Bobbie was a source of patience during the last days of pregnancy. She was a source of strength during a less than ideal induction and posterior delivery. She never made me feel like a failure when I strayed from my birthing plan, but instead she provided the support and encouragement I needed. And from nursing to cloth diapers, she was an invaluable resource. I know women who quit nursing because they didn’t have help they needed. During some difficult nursing moments, if it weren’t for Bobbie, I may have been one of them.
 

My baby is now seven months, and Bobbie remains on my speed dial. When I hear someone is expecting, immediately following “Congratulations”, I ask if they have considered a doula and give them Bobbie’s information. Whether I have one more child, or ten, I will be using Bobbie and each birth—if she’ll have me!

Bobbie is an wonderful doula and we couldn't have asked for better support during pregnancy, the birth, and post-partum.  She is an extremely warm person, very knowledgeable about all aspects of childbirth, and reassuring (which was very helpful to me as a first-time mom).  Bobbie was always reachable during the late stages of my pregnancy when I had questions, and she was fully present and attentive during my entire labor.  I think she was central in my being able to have a natural childbirth, by being a constant, kind presence and reassuring me that I was doing a good job (and that it would be over soon!)  I especially appreciated that Bobbie was reachable with questions about breasfteeding in the early weeks after my daughter was born.  She even stopped by our house a few times just to check in on us and answer questions. 

We loved having Bobbie as our doula and give her our highest recommendation! 

Bobbie was recommended by my OB after they had been snowed in at the hospital during the blizzard of 2010.  Since I had a lot of confidence in my doctor, I contacted her.  I made Bobbie aware that my interest in having a doula was centered on the fact that I have Type 1 diabetes, and I wanted to maintain control of my blood sugars while using my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor throughout labor and delivery.  My husband is very supportive so I knew he would be a good birth coach, but I was concerned that in the excitement he may not be able to be a medical advocate for me, too.  I needed Bobbie to be an advocate with the doctors/nurses to help me maintain control of my blood sugars while also having a natural birth.  Bobbie played the advocate role to a tee! 

Although I was 8 cm dilated when we got to the hospital, I labored for a while because the baby wasn't in position.  During that time, Bobbie shared strategies that helped to ease the pain, and helped me to stay calm during the strongest contractions.  She also provided extra support for Jason by offering new/different coaching suggestions.  Because I had a big baby (10 lbs 6 oz), it took me a while to push.  Once the baby was born, my husband heard the nurses congratulating the delivering doctor in the hall for being so patient and restraining her desire to 'do something.'  After having overheard that, my husband was convinced (and so was I) that my labor and delivery would have gone very differently had Bobbie not been there to facilitate our natural birth. She was fantastic and really helped me to achieve my goals of giving birth to a strong, healthy baby while also being able to maintain control of my diabetes.  My son was born naturally and my blood sugars stayed in excellent control thanks to Bobbie's advocacy, comforting, coaching, and knowledge!