MaryBeth Nance, CD (DONA), CLD (CAPPA) Doula Profile

What a blessing to have MaryBeth Nance as our Doula not once, but twice!! She helped my husband and me experience the two wonderful births of our beautiful girls. I don't know what I would have done if she was not there to give us the support and care we needed.  We felt very blessed to have MaryBeth there and still to this day am lucky to have her in our lives. She is not just a Doula, but a life long friend. We continue to keep in touch from time to time. One of the wonderful gifts MaryBeth gives to you is a birth story of your child. With all the  excitement that is going on, you don't realize what you have missed out on. But, with MaryBeth as your Doula she will have a birth story to give to you afterwards. It's nice to have it to refiect back on from time to time and add to your child's baby book, which I have done for both of my girls. What is even more wonderful is to see their expressions and hear their thoughts as I read them their birth story. They get such a kick out of it! I am truly grateful and blessed to have had MaryBeth as our Doula. I just wish she would have been able to be with us with the third birth of our son! Unfortunately we moved from Maryland  back to our home state of Ohio. I support Doula services to anyone having a child and actually some of my friends have had a Doula with their births. What is nice about knowing a Doula is that MaryBeth has helped with assisting those friends locate Doula services where they live. I thank MaryBeth for being there as my Doula and again am so blessed!!!!

Ashley Noretto

 We hired MaryBeth Nance on the recommendation of my mother, a midwife who worked with her.  She delivered both of our children.  With our first daughter, MaryBeth was instrumental in helping us through a difficult labor and eased my disappointment with having to undergo a c-section.  She was reassuring and encouraging and never failed to do her best to advocate for us.  With our second daughter MaryBeth was just as supportive, always suggesting ways to help me through what I had hoped would be an unmedicated birth.  She kept insisting I could do it, but she never pushed so hard that it made me uncomfortable.  When I ultimately chose the epidural, MaryBeth was just as supportive and she never suggested I had somehow failed.   I believe she is one of the reasons I was able to have a VBAC which was my goal for our second child.  Another thing Ienjoyed are the pictures she took for us right after the birth as well as the birth stories she sent us which are now in our daughters' baby books.  I truly appreciated MaryBeth's calm, warm, and knowledgable presence during our labors and births and I would highly recommend her as a doula.

MaryBeth is one of the kindest, most tenderhearted, careing, and special people I have ever met.   Her faith is amazing.  Her spirit is so sweet.  Her love for family, God, and children is deep.  She is so knowledgeable and experienced yet humble.  As a doula I not only value her for her knowledge, patience and kindness but also because she is amazing at knowing exactly what you need while in labor and knowing just what to do and when.  She has been my doula for two births so far.  In 2009 I had her assist with my daughter Audrey's natural/vaginal childbirth and just recently on 7/3/2011 she was my doula for the fast and furious natural/vaginal birth of Eliana.  Without her I would have never been able to get through either of those births naturally and so succesfully.  With her my birth experiences were amazing.  When our second daughter was born with some medical complications she was the voice of calm and experience.  So important is that you can trust her.  You know she is prayerfully concerned about you and the baby and will do anything and everything in her power to ensure a succesfull birth, whether that is natural, with meds or c-section.  You can ask her opinion and based on experience and the situation you can trust she will give  you an honest answer and direction you can follow without worrying that it is wrong or not the best choice.  Her pre and post baby contact is great too.  She did my birth plan, took pictures and did the birth story for both my girls.  Lastly, I don't believe there is a judgmental bone in her body.  She supports you whomever you are, whatever your birthplan is.  She provideds guidance but is not pushy at all.  I am blessed to know Marybeth and to call her not just my Doula but my friend.  Leah, Chris, Audrey and Ellie B.

My sister actually referred Mary Beth to me when I was expecting my first daugther in 2009. Considering the circumstances that I would most likely be in labor alone, she thought the use of a doula would be necessary. She was right. From the first time I met MaryBeth, I was so excited to have join me in this expereinece. She is was close to helping 100 babies at that time. Having given birth 3 times herself and with her experience of all those other mother's and babies I had complete trust in her from the beginning. We worked to plan my ideal birth plan and stayed in contact throughout my pregancy. I was induced at 41 weeks and MaryBeth arrived late at night when acutal labor had begun. She came with all her tools to help assist me in everyway. I had discussed having a natural birth and along with MaryBeth, the Midwife and nurses on staff i was able to do just that. I may not have had the strength to do it without MaryBeth. As part of her service she took wonderful pictures of Ryann and myself and family that came in after the delievery and wrote a timeline of the events from my arrival at the hospital until just after Ryann's arrival. If I still lieved in the MD area and were planning to have another baby, there is no doubt I would work with MaryBeth again! I highly recommend her services!

I hired MaryBeth to assist me in having a natural childbirth with my second child. My first experience with childbirth was difficult and I believed that having a doula the second time around would improve my experience. Indeed, my expectations were met and exceeded. MaryBeth was there to answer my many questions during pregnancy. She was gentle, reassuring, and very knowledgeable. I could trust her from the moment I met her at our initial interview. I was admitted to the hospital at 42 weeks to be induced. Upon admission, not only was Marybeth in correspondence with me over the phone but also with my nurse. She followed my progression of labor and arrived at the hospital at the perfect time. She could see how nervous I was that my birthplan would be ignored due to the induction. That was when she became the best advocate I could have hoped for. MaryBeth ran small errands, assisted in pain relief measures, and consistently communicated to my nurse and midwife how I was progressing. With her advocacy, I was permitted to come off of the medicine and allowed to walk the halls. She instructed me in how to position myself to allow my contractions to work optimally. Eventually, I was able to get in the shower and then the labor tub. Before long, my baby girl entered the world. MaryBeth captured beautiful pictures and wrote a very detailed birth story for my baby to read one day. I was successful in reaching my goal of a natural childbirth because MaryBeth was there every step of the way. My husband states over and over that her services were worth every penny. We were highly impressed by the great rapport MaryBeth has with the medical staff at Upper Chesapeake.The nurses and midwives alike told me how much they enjoy working with MaryBeth. We are definitely going to hire MaryBeth to assist with the next one, coming soon!

MaryBeth was a vital part of our two childbirth experiences.  She supported, coached, guided, and encouraged me during labor and childbirth. My husband and I are so thankful for her great work.  With MaryBeth's assistance, I delivered my children naturally.  With my first child, MaryBeth was a great help in communicating with our midwife, who was called into another delivery room to assist with an emergency C-section.  MaryBeth was able to go in and out of both rooms and let the midwife know when I was ready to push.  While she was doing that, my husband was able to stay by my side.  In our second birth, MaryBeth coached me while I relaxed in the large tub in the labor room, and then continued to guide me through the delivery.  I especially appreciated that MaryBeth was calm and peaceful during the entire process.  She worked well with the midwives and nurses that were in the room and helped create a supportive atmosphere.  My husband and I enjoyed the process of meeting with her ahead of time to create our birth plan, and it was wonderful to see her post-partum to receive our birth story, photos, and to have her visit with our new baby in our home.  I whole-heartedly recommend MaryBeth Nance as a doula and I will always be thankful for her presence at the birth of our children.

MaryBeth was an excellent source of comfort and support during the birth of our second child.  She was professional, timely and reliable during the entire labor.  Her relationship with the midwives at Upper Chesapeake allowed us to have an easy check in and labor experience.  We were very fortunate to be introduced to MaryBeth, she is a blessing to any expecting mom. 

My husband and I had a wonderful experience with MaryBeth! We planned to use her doula services for the birth of our son in 2005. We met with her several times leading up to the delivery. She helped us develop our birth plan and was available for any questions as my pregnancy progressed. My son decided to make a dramatic entry to the world 4 weeks early. MaryBeth was not "on call" for us that far ahead and was not able to attend due to a scheduled doula workshop she was already attending. But, she sent her backup doula which worked out really well for us. I was so happy with the service she provided! When I was pregnant again last year there was only one person I would call for doula services, MaryBeth! This time we were so excited to have her in the delivery room. She was very calming and reassuring when things were not progressing as I had hoped that they would. Eventually, she joined us in the OR for a C-section. She held my hand the entire time! My husband was able to enjoy the birth experiences knowing that I was being taken care of by loving hands. Additionally, she was willing to work with our budget to make doula services affordable for our family.

 MaryBeth was such an amazing blessing to my husband and I during the end of my pregnancy, labor & delivery of our daughter, and post-partum period.  Her experience and contagious personality made us feel comfortable and confident that we could do it!  We felt as though she truly knew us and would do everything in her power to advocate on my (and our daughter's) behalf.  MaryBeth was not only a blessing to my husband and I, but also to our family/friends anxiously awaiting at the hospital!  She kept them up to date and educated about every step along the way.   After our daughter was born, MaryBeth came to our home for a visit and she presented us with a beautiful written account of our daughter's birth.   We reflected on the birthing experience and discussed some of the struggles I was having with nursing.   When her job was technically finished, MaryBeth continued to support and educate, providing me with suggestions and resources to promote a smooth transition to parenthood.  

MaryBeth is dedicated to excellence and will take on whatever role you're comfortable with, in the birth you're hopeful for.   She is wonderfully compassionate, funny, and experienced.  I recommend her to every expecting Mommy or Daddy that I meet, and like our family, you will be SO pleased that you chose MaryBeth!!

MaryBeth was such a comfort during the birth of our daughter.  I was really worried about feeling manipulated by doctors, or not feeling in control at a time when important decision decisions need to be made, but not being in the right mindset to make them.  MaryBeth helped my husband and me understand the different options available to us, made us feel confident with the decisions we were making, and allowed us to have the best birth possible for us.  Not only did we love her, while I was pregnant, all the midwives I spoke with about having a doula know who MaryBeth is and were very glad we chose her.  I would absolutely recommend her to anyone considering a doula and would love to have her be our doula again if we have another baby.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about MaryBeth.  I found her randomly by doing an online search and I am so glad I did. We labored for 26 hours - 18 of those hours was without an epidural and with having massive back labor... but MaryBeth kept me focused and used some amazing tricks to get me through one at a time. She helped cordinate the staff and my family. She made sure my husband was as involved as he could be. And when labor wasnt progressing and we had to go for a c-section - not only did she come into the OR with my husband and I, but took some AMAZING pictures of my sons birth. While my husband went to be with our son immediately after the csection, Marybeth stayed right by my side holding my hand until we were out of the OR. And best of all - the birth story written from her to my little man.  My husband was initially alittle skeptical that we needed her or the cost involved - afterwards he said he would have paid anything to have her there! 

Its now 4 years later and we are pregnant with number 2 and are attempting a vaginal birth after cesearean (VBAC). The first call was to my midwife to make a pregnancy confirmation appt. The second was to Marybeth to make sure she was free... we couldnt imagine doing this without her! 

In my opinion I could not have had the natural childbirth that I had been planning for without MaryBeth on my team.  From our first meeting she was so possitive and helpful.  If I had any questions during my pregnancy she was quick to answer them.  While I was in labor MaryBeth was such a calming presence.  One of my fondest memories of being in labor was MaryBeths calming voice as I had contractions while laboring in the tub.  After the birth of my son MaryBeth sent us beautiful pictures that she took while Landon was being born and also wrote an amazing timeline for Landon of the day he was born.  I would highly recommend MaryBeth and I will 100% be using her services for my second child. 

I worked with MaryBeth in our first pregnancy in 2007/2008.  Our first thought when we found out we were pregnant again was to call MaryBeth infact she was the first one to know besides my husband and I.  MaryBeth and I communicated via e-mail and facebook throughout my pregnancy at my request.  She was able to provide support through emotional moments and facts when I had questions.  She helped coach me with questions for my providers.  I was scheduled for an induction on my due date but my daughter decided she wanted to come a litle earlier.  My waterbroke the day of a snow and horrible traffic. My husband immediately relaxed when MaryBeth got there as now the person he knew he could talk to was here.  My husband isn't someone who is comfortable talking to people and MaryBeth always made him feel that his questions were important and expected.  MaryBeth provided me the calm support that I needed.  She helped me relax.  As my labor intesified MaryBeth talked me throough each contraction with visualization and positive thoughts.  Her caring and professional demeanor was appreciated.  The staff of the hospital very much likes and respects MaryBeth so when she communicates with them a suggestion or a need they listen. MaryBeth knew I was bearing down without me having to say anything.  She took beautful pictures after the birth that my husband and I didnt  notce she was taking and are priceless to have.  She stayed after the birth to help me breastfeed and to make sure I was okay.  She even sent my older daughter a big sister card. I would recommend MaryBeth to anyone.  She will be our first call if we get pregnant again.

 Marybeth had assisted my husband and myself through the births of both of my boys.  My first birth was very traumatic ending in an emergency c-section and my second birth was a successful vaginal birth.  Marybeth provided us with invaluable prebirth support, labor/birth support, and post support.  At times her voice was the only one I heard.  What I heard was "you can do this, focus, and stay grounded."  Those were not always her words but that is what I internalized.  We will be trying for a third child soon and Marybeth will be called to be our doula again.  When I think of giving birth apart from my husband I need her there to guide me through.  Finally, she was an amazing support for my husband as he felt helpless in the first birth to help me.  Without her helping him I think the first birth may have been our last birth.  We have healed enough to have a second child and will be working on a third.  Marybeth loves what she does and it REALLY shows.

What can I say... MaryBeth is just the best!  During pregnancy she is such a calming support system to turn to.  She's an amazing person & doula!!  She helped prevent a c-section which nurses in the hospital were leaning towards because I had such a long labor.  I was totally willing to wait out & have a long labor if it meant preventing having surgery (of course as long as the baby was ok).  She slept in the hospital with us for 2 nights and looked after me & my husband.  Who does that?!While we were at the hospital, my doctor & a nurse or 2 all said "You have one of the good doulas.  We like MaryBeth."    Also, there were several times that nurses used hospital terminology that we weren't familiar with and she would do the normal person's translation for us.  She is truly just a good hearted person & a blessing on this earth.  I treasure the birth story she wrote for us as it really captured the experience.  I can't wait to go through my 2nd birth experience with her which is coming up very shortly.  She is just awesome!

MaryBeth attended the birth of my son.  My only regret is that I didn't hire her for the birth of my first child!

She was very calm and patient throughout the entire experience.  When I was having some complications with the pregnancy, she reassured me that everything would be fine and we'd handle it if it wasn't.

I was interested in going natural, but ended up getting pain medication and an epidural anyway, and she was fully supportive of my decision.  She was very familiar with the hospital and was able to get me water, a nurse, the midwife, and anything else I needed right away.

I ended up being whisked back very quickly for an emergency c-section.  So fast, in fact, that the doctors and midwives weren't going to take the time to explain.  MaryBeth was able to  step in and quickly explain to me what was going on, and that I hadn't done anything wrong and that they needed to do the c-section to make sure the baby was okay.  While I was in the OR, she was supporting my husband and extremely frantic mother.

She took a bunch of really nice pictures after he was born, and wrote a beautiful birth story as well.

Should we ever have another child, I am booking MaryBeth immediately!

Althought MaryBeth has attended both of my births, I didn't hire her for my first birth.  She was getting her certification at the time, and needed one final birth to obtain her certification.  She was very attentive, came to my house in the middle of the night and stayed with me, eventually following me and my husband to the hospital.  I had a very long labor, and labored naturally.  She supported me through it all.  After my son was born, he had some complications and ended up in the NICU.  Her own personal experience with a NICU gave me great support and comfort. I felt so fortunate to have had her as part of my birthing team.  When I got pregnant with my daughter, I knew I wanted MaryBeth to be there.  In addition I wanted to try hypnosis for laboring and delivery.  MaryBeth recommended an excellent home study course.  Once again, she came in the middle of the night, followed us to the hospital and stayed throughout the whole event.  She was aware of my needs, and my preferences during labor.  It was nice not to have to worry about anything while I was hynobirthing. I can't imagine having a baby and not having MaryBeth present.  She truly has a gift for what she does.  

MaryBeth recently helped my husband and I welcome our daughter into the world.  We didn't hesitate to hire her after the wonderful service she provided at the birth of our son 2 years ago.  Once again we were more than delighted to have her present.  I had two long labors that required a great support team.  MaryBeth was calm, attentive, sympathetic and more than knowledgable in answering any questions my husband and I had.  When I opted for an epidural after many hours of tiring labor I felt that MaryBeth understood and supported my decision fully.  Her familiarity with both my hospital and care provider was also a great plus (someone who can find the orange jello at a moment's notice is of great value, I can attest to that!)

I am more than confident in my willingness and desire to recommend MaryBeth to anyone seeking an attendant for their labor and delivery.  She truly provides a priceless service to her lucky mamas-to-be.

Marybeth attended the births of both my daughter and son.  My husband and I are active duty military and were not sure my husband would be home for my daughter's birth because of the travel demands of his assignment.  Being in a new town, far from family, and not sure whether my husband would be there, I was very nervous about delivering our first baby.  My midwives recommended Marybeth and love working with her.  it really showed.  Her presence relieved a lot of worry for both myself and my husband, who wasn't able to attend a lot of my appointments and childbirth classes.  She helped support me through all of my concerns, lowering my stress and helping me to deliver following a medical induction completely without pain medication.  It was such a fabulous experience that I knew I wanted her with us for my son's delivery, which I also did without pain medication.  With her help, both my deliveries have been incredible memories for both my husband and I.  I absolutely love the pictures she took and the birth story she wrote for us.  I tell all the new moms-to-be to call Marybeth because I know she'll answer all their questions and help them to make the best decision for themselves, even if it's not to hire a doula.  She is a true gem and anyone would be blessed to have her share that special moment.

1800 characters is not enough space to sing MaryBeth's praises. After a horrible non-doula assisted first birthing experience, I hired MaryBeth, mostly b/c I was terrified of having to go through the whole birthing experience again. MaryBeth reassured me through complications in my second pregnancy, and she supported my need for an eqidural to push. With my 3rd pregnancy, I was determined to go natural, and MaryBeth helped me prepare for that; and, when I panicked during the very last few minutes before pushing, she told me exactly what to do and reassured me the entire time. I liked that I could ask her any question, any time (she's always available). The pictures that she took post-delivery were wonderful b/c they allowed my husband and I to really just enjoy and be in the moment. Her birth stories are overwhelmingly wonderful. I owe two of the happiest days of my life to her.

MaryBeth was a huge help to me last year with the birth of my daughter; long before I even knew I wanted a doula.  Her experience and recommendations put me very at ease (I'd told her up front I wasn't getting a doula but she spent a lot of time answering questions through many emails anyway) and I decided to hire her.  I have always been glad that I did-- she is amazing.  She does whatever she can to make your birth a beautiful and wonderful experience and she's attended so many births, her experience really shows.  I'd recommend her to anyone!