Hattie Engel - Hearts and Hands Doulas

Hattie was a wonderful doula! We are so lucky to have found her. Hattie met with us many times before the birth, answering questions, discussing my plans, and just getting to know us. She never put a limit on how many times we got together, or for how long. Anytime I had a random question I could email or text Hattie and I always got an immediate response. It was absolutely invaluable to have so much support, even before the birth. When I went into labor, Hattie arrived early in the process at our home, helping me set up a meditative environment and supporting me in a variety of ways during those early hours of contractions. We chose to do a natural birth with no pain medications, and Hattie was there for us every step of the way. At the hospital, she not only provided any support I needed, she was also an incredible help to my husband, reminding him to eat, holding my hand while he stepped out to take a moment, offering suggestions for ways to help me, etc. Hattie is reliable, super friendly, patient, has a great sense of humor and is extremely knowledgeable, offering a variety of tools (massage, TENS unit, hypno training, genuine caring & calmness, etc) helping to make the birthing process go as smoothly as possible. We could not have done it without her. I recommend her wholeheartedly.

Posted 9/1/2011

Hattie was awesome, very informative and supportive through the entire pregnancy, labor and birth. After delivering my first son in a birthing center with a midwife, I was nervous about delivering in a hospital this time. Hattie took plenty of time to explain all the expected procedures in the hospital and my rights as the patient. She spent time with me over the phone and spent an afternoon meeting with my husband and I to discuss our wishes, start a birth plan and answer any questions we had. Hattie was always available whenever we needed her by phone and email. She was also here in a speedy fashion when we called on her during early labor. She was nurturing, supportive and graceful with me even when I started doubting myself during labor. Having children of her own, she understood the whole process and was able to coach me through each contraction and pushing. She was supportive of my husband and the hospital staff. We were very pleased and thankful for her help and support during this special time in our lives. Having interviewed several doulas, we found Hattie to be the most professional yet, the most personable doula out there. She instantly made us feel like friends and safe with our decision to do a hospital birth this time. We HIGHLY recommend her to anyone looking for an amazing doula!!!

Posted 3/15/2011

Hattie was our doula for the birth of our son Ryder.  What to say?  Basically, Hattie rocks!  She is a quiet, constant, rock-solid presence in what was one of the most intense experiences of our lives.  For 22 hours she was unwaivering and perfectly perfect and present in her support of me, my husband and our families.  She provided the EXACT RIGHT touch, advice, reminders, support, sense of humor, seriousness, knowledge, accountability, tone, flexibility for every minute of our labor and delivery and follow up.  I can not say enough positive words about her professionalism and commitment.  This is a woman that makes a difference for women and moms and babies.  She is working towards her certification but from my stand-point Hattie is everything that you could ask for in a doula already.  WE LOVE HER!! 

-Prema, Kevin and Ryder Behan -Born 11/10/10 at 2:01pm at Marin General Hospital, Greenbrae, CA

Posted 1/14/2011