Dana Scarano Doula Profile

We feel so blessed to have had Dana attend the homebirth of our daughter, Ella. From the very first visit Dana was friendly, open, thoughtful, and sincere. I felt very connected to her from the beginning. Dana has an innate ability to create a safe, non-judgmental, supportive space where I felt comfortable talking about my fears, concerns, desires, and what I wanted the birth of our daughter to look like. Dana was always available to discuss questions, concerns, and break-through’s as they came up. She provided information as far as what to expect during labor, cloth diapering, and co-sleeping. And my very favorite part of prenatal care – massage!! Dana provided several prenatal massages that were so relaxing. As I progressed into my pregnancy, I noticed areas of my body that felt 'off' or uncomfortable – after one of Dana’s massages I felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated.

During Ella’s birth, Dana was extremely present. She was very intuitive in regards to what I needed without me having to tell her. She made sure that I was hydrated and that I had enough energy to continue laboring. Dana was very re-assuring during my labor, arriving several hours before our mid-wife, providing support, and encouraging me when I ‘knew’ that I couldn’t continue on. I highly recommend Dana - she is amazing and added such sweetness to my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences.
 

I went through my first and only pregnancy at age 42-43 years old. Dana was the doula, and we prepared for a tub birth. She was supportive, warm, nurturing and encouraging. Unfortunately, my uterus didn't cooperate, and after six hours of painful and unsuccessful labor, it became clar that a c-section was the only way through. Dana was flexible and helpful with the changing circumstances, making me feel accepting of the changed plans, helpful and supportive throughout the birth, and wonderful with the follow-up. I very highly recommend her however your pathway to birth takes place. Seven years later, she still stays in touch with my family.

Dana is an extremely caring and experienced doula who helped me through two natural childbirths, 3 and 5 years ago. She is a soothing and helpful presence who mixes well with other family members and knows when to stand back and let nature, or the medical staff, take over. My first labor was 18 hours long and very difficult, and she stuck it out for the duration, making sure we all had what we needed. Dana is also a good person to know during the pregnancy and afterward. She helped me through some lactation issues and is well connected to other experts and caregivers for issues outside of her scope. I would highly recommend Dana to expectant parents in the Hudson Valley area.

  I did not even know what a doula was before I met Dana. I was pregnant with my first child and her sister introduced us. Once I heard about what a doula did, I was very excited. My husband was working in New York City at the time and there was the fear that he would not be able to make the long commute back in time. I was so relieved to have someone I trusted close by. We started with an initial meeting where we got to know each other to see if I would be comfortable with her. We hit it off right away and she put me immediatly at ease. She then called me every week to check in on me and to see how a doctor's appointment went. Any questions that I had, I could call and ask her. I even took advantage of her being a massage therapist!

  After being 10 days overdue, we went to the hospital where I was induced. We had already discussed all my plans and what could be expected. It was so nice not to have to worry about anything but myself. She took care of any communication with the nurses and doctors and there was little stress on that end. For example, at one point, the nurse came in with a bunch of students that wanted to observe. All I had to do was look at Dana and she got them all out of the room! It was great! I had a difficult labor, and she stuck by me through all of it (even when I threw up on her shoes!). My husband was also happy to have her there, because it allowed him to concentrate on me and not worry about forgetting something. Dana also helped after the baby was born with breast feeding and further follow ups. I would HIGHLY recommend having Dana as a doula, especially if it is your 1st baby. It made a scary experience much less stressful and I will always be greatful!

Dana was the best part of my whole birthing experience. I had a very rough time since I was hospitalized at 32 weeks with severe preeclampsia with the threat and ultimate premature birth of my daughter. Dana came to the hospital and stayed the whole 4 days with us. Due to Dana's additional skills of being a massage therapist (that's how we met!) she was the one to bring down my blood pressure with her techniques. I truly believe she saved not only my life but my daughters too. She was there for the whole birthing experience helping my Husband and I get through all the ups and downs over the days prior to the birth. Dana assisted throughout the days with her caring and loving ways. She made the experience much more tolerable. Without her assistance, skills, and knowledge I believe our experience would have been much more traumatic. During the birth, she was there lending her support to guide and encourage me. Looking back, I don't know how I would have done it without her. My Husband feels that having Dana there was a huge comfort to him too. Dana was there to support us both and helped with keeping our experience as close to what we wanted given the situation. I don’t think we can ever thank her enough for all she has done for us!! Dana is the BEST!! Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any other questions. Best of luck and know that you will be in great hands with Dana!