Leslie Cuffee Doula Profile

Leslie Cuffee a stranger in Virginia that became part of our lives by
being our Doula. Leslie radiates a sense of calmness and assurance
that is needed when a mother goes into labor. Her knowledge eases the
pain of labor but at the same time gives you the strength to bring a
tiny bundle of joy into this world.

I will always be grateful for her assistance in my labor. My husband
was away and I was home alone when our son decided to explore this
world three weeks earlier. I didn’t know who else to call but Leslie
who like a God sent Angel came to my rescue. We had to call an
ambulance as my contractions were too close to drive ourselves to the
hospital.  Her nurturing spirit and kind words made the contractions
more bearable. She followed the ambulance and met me in the hospital.

While in the hospital and in the second phase of labor her assistance
and presence was instrumental in me having a natural drug free
birth.  She was my voice to the nurses and doctors while I was
concentrating on the birth of my son. I can assure you a familiar face
that you can trust is a must have in a delivery of your bundle of joy.
Memories are precious moments kept forever in the pages of the heart.
And Leslie forever will have a page in the most wonderful adventure of
our lives; the birth of our son.

Everyone should have Leslie there for thier birth, no matter what kind of birth you are planning.

Not only did she ease my fears, but my husbands as well.  Thinking about it later, I realized she was very smart in getting to know me and asking me about things that made me happy when things got intense during my labor. 

It was as if when she touched me and squeezed my hips during contractions, the pain just disappeared.  It was also so comforting to have her there to tell me things like "All that blood is normal."  so I didn't freak out.

Also, when it came time to push, I had a few complications, and her straight face and peaceful demeaner really helped me feel in control and I was able to push my baby out in enough time that we were both healthy and happy.

I came away with a feeling of gratitude that I could never quite put into words.   She was born to do this and I couldn't thank her enough.

Hire Leslie! I promise you wont regret it.

Our experience with Leslie was wonderful! We decided on hiring a doula sorta last minute (I was already 30 weeks along by the time I started looking into having one). We are able to meet Leslie fairly quickly and we hit it off immediately. She was available when I needed her and always sent me information on anything I was even slightly concerned about. She was very supportive of all our decisions. During our birth she was the calming knowledgable prescence we needed. I don't believe that our birth experience would have been as wonderful without her. One of my fond memories of our birth is where we were all in the room trying to rest up and ended up chatting like old friends as we waited for me to progress further. I love all the information that she provides through various avenues.
 

I was impressed by the testimonials I read about Leslie when I was early on in my pregnancy. We spoke on the phone and I intuitively felt her calm, wise energy would be essential in the birth of my child. We met and I was pleased with her professionalism and knowledge. When I informed  one of my midwives that my husband and I had chosen her as our doula I was told we "would not be disappointed. She is wonderful". She was amazing during the journey of pregnancy; she was happy to hear from me and was readily available to answer questions or hear about our progress.

Leslie is very active and connected in the birth community as well. She happily recommended articles and groups for education and support. Again, her excellent reputation was reinforced as I met people who knew her.

My labor did not happen as I had expected (very common) but Leslie seamlessly supported me. Her experience, positivity, and patience were unrelenting. She remembered my wishes and never waivered with solutions as the situation changed. She guided my husband as he supported me and advocated for me when I had trouble asking for things. My husband still tells everyone, "I am so glad Leslie was there. I don't know what we would have done without her". She took pictures and even helped me attempt to breastfeed soon after the birth of my son.

There were times in pregnancy, labor and the post partum period that I felt not quite myself and it was so reassuring that Leslie never judged. She was steadfast in her peaceful energy and support.

In sum, the testimonials I read were spot-on. Leslie was an integral part of the journey to motherhood. My husband and I are so happy she was a part of the entire experience, particularly the birth of my son. Leslie is the epitome of a doula. She is truly following a calling. The midwives were also right; she is wonderful.

 My experience with Leslie was GREAT! She was friendly, calming, soothing she was everything I needed her to be. I only meet Leslie a handful of times because I didn’t think of having a doula till last minute and I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t alone and have someone help keep me calm since my husband was deployed and I was having a c-section. Leslie was okay with whatever choice I made and never pushed anything on me. Choose Leslie as your doula and you won’t regret! I cannot put Leslie into words on how awesome she was. 

 was a wonderful blessing!!  She made the birth of my daughter enjoyable and less stressful. I went into labor with high expectations, and after the delivery I was very happy.  I wanted to have a natural birth with little medical intervention.  Leslie used many techniques to help me cope with the pain.  It was amazing!  The techniques she used were very effective and not difficult.  Whenever I had a contraction, I needed Leslie or my fiance by my side.  Their patience and love made the contractions easier to tell with.  They were not as bad as many of us women have been taught to believe, but that is because my doula knew what to do to help me cope.  When my other family members came to support my labor, Leslie was very welcoming towards them.  My labor lasted at least 16 hours, and Leslie was there for all of it.  She came when I wasnt even sure if I was in labor.  She was also available to anwser questions when I thought I was going into labor. This is significant because I had only met Leslie a few days before I went into labor.  Yet she made me feel very comfortable and safe during a life changing event.  I am so thankful she was there, as I know I would have been very stressed without her.  Stress is bad for mom and baby, especially during delivery.  Having Leslie as a doula allowed me to have a safe and happy birth, and I recommend her to all pregnant women.   Leslie is very patient, very kind. very smart women. She is dedicated to helping families and a worthwhile element of any pregnancy. 

Well, I, like many others, don't know exactly where to start, but I will say that Leslie was just tremendous.  As a first time dad, I went to the classes and such and thought I would have a pretty good handle on things, but WOW was Leslie GREAT.  She initially met us in our home and we knew it would be a good fit, from her personality to her philosophy.  Also from a logistics stand point it really couldn't have worked out better.  If dads are on the fence about having a Doula at all, let me just say that Leslie helped make the entire experience so special by taking some of the stress off of both of us and reminding both of us about different techniques to help things along.  In the "heat of battle" it is so great to have a calming and confident influence there to focus everything.  If anyone is on the fence about sharing the event with someone outside of the family, let me just say that Leslie reads everyone so well that she can feel when to be involved for Mom or for Dad, she really has a talent for the whole thing, I NEVER felt like anyone else was there, even when she was coaching and activly involved, she was just so much part of the team that it couldn't have felt more natural.  From a dads stand point I couldn't say more about how much she really did to make our birth the most special moment of my life, at the same time never imposing and really feeling the entire event right along with us.  Leslie is truely a very special person, and I feel so fortunate that she was there for both of us. 

My family and I absolutely LOVE Leslie!

I connected with Leslie online and we met a few weeks later at a group baby shower. I kept her in mind throughout my pregnancy. She helped me with questions/concerns I had, even before we hired her as our doula. We arranged for her to meet my husband and the rest of my family. They all loved her immediately as well! Leslie has such an amazing energy. Something about her just makes you feel at ease and like you've known her forever.

My due date came and went. With our induction deadline quickly approaching, I contacted Leslie quite a few times when I had doubts about my son coming before then. Even though I knew exactly what was right for us and our baby, the few times I was worried, she knew exactly what to say to reinforce what we knew/believed. She supported everything my husband and I wanted. I think he just wanted to make us sweat a bit. Leslie had a training program she had to leave for Monday morning, so she arranged a backup doula just in case. Oscar was born at 11:30pm Sunday night, in the middle of a thunderstorm. I think he wanted to meet Leslie before she left! :) Even though she had to be up early the next morning for her training, she stayed with us for a few hours after his birth. Before she left, she made sure we were nursing, everyone was doing well and even took some pics for us! 

I wish we had Leslie there for my oldest son's birth! I am so happy we hired her as our doula and she is now a family friend.  My little guy will by one tomorrow - wow! We can't wait to see Leslie at his party next week! :) 

When both my doula and backup doula were out of town, Leslie was available as I was nearing closer and closer to my due date. Her knowledge and care put this first-time mother's fears at ease, especially as my contractions were well on their way. Through her phone support, she answered my questions and equipped me to understand the various symptoms I was experiencing. Though one of my doulas came back in time for the birth, I was very thankful for Leslie's support and encouragement. Her level of knowledge, caring, and service make her a doula to definitely consider!

Ok so the vaginal birth was amazing. I had the most wonderful husband to support me. I was blessed to have the best doula in the world. Leslie Cuffee was there until the very end. She captured the amazing moment my baby came out. The moments that I could not have seen cause, it went by so fast. She helped my husband to keep a clear mind and helped me to stand for what my heart really wanted for my birth. She educated me about all my options before hand. I felt so comfortable with her being in the room and I even felt supported after my little angel was born.
Now do not get me wrong the contractions were hard, my husband and Leslie got my through every one of the right to the birth. I did not have to have an epidural. I was having contractions for 15 hours. I did not have to push or anything. Leslie thought us pressure points to calm me down and music to relax me. By time I begged them to give me the epidural, her head was right there. I could not even sit on the edge of the bed to get that needle in my back. When they laid me back down she slide out. I was one of the lucky ones to have an orgasmic birth. I went from 4 cm to 8cm in like 5 seconds. Crazy right, I know I feel blessed I did not have to push for hours. I just had to go through the contractions. She weighted 4.3lb and 18 ¼ in. She had to stay in nicu for like 10 days, but I was so happy to bring her home. I feel that Leslie helped me to make this a successful vaginal birth.

Thank you Leslie....all love!

I didnt get ahold of Leslie until i was maybe three weeks or four from my due date but even at the first meeting I felt like i had known her for months. She is very personable and friendly, she came to the house and met my husband and i and was even friendly to our dogs. I didnt know anything about what a doula was and what she did, all i knew was that my sister had one and thought she would be very helpful as i was and am 12 hours away from my family so i would be going through my birth by myself aside from my husband. There was even a time that we thought that my husband may have been out to sea for my daughters birth and i actually felt some what ok with that because of Leslie. . I went into labor at about 4am so my husband called and even though she had been asleep she asked if she could take a shower, My husband being a first time dad didnt really know what to say, i guess he sound a little panicked because i was in a bit of pain so she came right back.. I had expressed my want to have no pain medication so as i progressed in my labor she helped me with my breathing and rubbing my feet (this was very relaxing to me)I made it to 9cm with out needing the epidural. I ended up needing to have a c section, and Leslie helped me not to panic. Leslie stayed and waited until i came out of the c section and even a while after before leaving. She then came back the next day and then 2 days after to see how i was doing. Leslie helped me a lot and still does, when i have a question about the baby all i have to do is email her or call if i so chose and she is always right there ready and willing to help me.I would and do recomend having a doula to any one and I recomend Leslie as well. Leslie is a great person and an amazing doula!

From our first introduction to Leslie, she surrounded us with amazing energy, optimism and complete encouragement in all areas of our lives. She was an instant forever-friend!  She puts you at ease from them moment she walks through your door.

Our birth experience with Leslie was incredible. I honestly could never have done it without her! She was always available, always encouraging, always made me feel like I was the entire focus of her life.  At the hospital, Leslie was an amazing support, and my family and friends fell in love with her immediately! She was extremely knowledgeable, and was always making recommendations that would make things easier. She knew our birth plan backwards and forwards, always making sure that anyone who entered the room respected us and our choices. When it was time to push, Leslie made sure that I was in the position of my choice, that I was as comfortable as possible, and that I felt respected by the medical team. Because my wishes were honored, and I had someone there advocating for me, I had the best birth experience - I've given birth four times, and this was by far the most amazing!

The love and peace that emanates from Leslie is amazing. She engages everyone with calm respect and such positive energy. She was always willing to step in and do anything for anyone; she has such a genuine servant's heart! We had never used a doula before, but I wish that we had Leslie there for all of our kids! Leslie was a tremendous asset, and should we have another baby, she will be on speed dial from the moment I find out we're expecting! I truly believe that a good doula, like Leslie, should be a part of every woman's birth experience, especially for those women who want a natural, hands-off labor and delivery. It was truly an honor and blessing to have had this amazing woman present for the birth of our child! We adore her and are so thankful to have her in our lives!
 

On August 31, 2009 at 3:38am, i delivered my baby girl. Leslie was there to comfort and support me in every way possible. From rubbing my feet to playing with my hair, she made sure my needs were met. Nine months prior, when i found out i was pregnant, she informed me of her practice and from then on i spoke with her almost every day. If i needed someone just to talk to she was the one or if i had a question and she didnt exactly know the answer, she waould stay on ythe phone while finding other references to answer my questions. im the baby of the family and i knew i would need this type of attention during my pregnancy and labor and she was definatley the one for the job. she also worked with the babys father and the rest of the family in amazing ways i never thought possible. once llabor really kicked in though i wanted to be left alone and as i wished she stayed by my side giving me my space helping me when being asked to do so and making suggestions. my birthing exp[erience was the most amazing experience of my life. i couldnt have done it with out her knowledge, carefullness, and determination.

Leslie was such a blessing to me and my Husband. She knew just what to do when we felt like all of our options had been exhausted. The birth of our daughter was a long one and without the help of Leslie, I am sure I would have given up much sooner. I spent 4 days in early labor and Leslie was such an inspiration. I was in and out of the hospital thinking each time that I would be leaving with my baby.  When I was finally admitted for delivery, Leslie came to the hospital at 3:00 a.m. to be with us. She rubbed my back and feet to help ease the pain of Pitocin induced contractions. She reminded me of simple ways to keep my mind occupied and didnt get discouraged when I kept saying "I can't do this anymore". She didnt leave my side for well over 24 hours and when Zoey was born at 3:00 a.m the next day, she still wanted to be there to help me get started with breastfeeding. My baby was born via C section...the hospital where I delivered only allows one person to be in the room with the mother, so I chose my Husband. Leslie waited out in the waiting room with our families, giving them encouraging words. My mother even told me after everything was said and done how wonderful Leslie was. I have reccomended Leslie to several of my friends who also wish to have a positive birth experience with a Doula. I am so thankful to have met Leslie while I was pregnant. She is an amazing spirit and wonderful person.