Kimberly

4/28/2024

What can I say about Danette that does her justice? She's kind, supportive, funny, and exactly what I needed for the birth of my first child. Prior to delivery, she provided us with a binder of information and resources to help us feel prepared. She made sure that not only I, but my husband felt supported and prepared for the experience of labor and delivery. She was with us via phone, text, and in person as we got closer to my due date, and when baby decided to come three weeks earlier than expected, she calmed this anxious soon-to-be mom down and reminded me of all the strategies we'd learned for just this moment.

When it came time to deliver, Danette helped to protect the space I needed to breathe and mentally prepare, while maintaining calm communication with my nurse and midwife. She stayed with us until the baby and I were ready to move to recovery at the hospital, and maintained open conversations with us immediately postpartum and throughout the postpartum period. What makes Danette special is that she doesn't abandon her mothers after a couple of weeks. She continues to be a wonderful source of encouragement and knowledge, truly supporting mothers and their new babies when they might not have a village around them to help. Most recently, she has begun a mother support group of the women she's helped, and it's beautiful to experience the community she is building. Now we benefit from both her experience and from other mothers. I swear, Danette had a person to refer me to for everything I needed postpartum.

If you want a calm, informed, and mom/baby centric birth experience, then Danette is the perfect person to add to your birth team.

Andre daSilva

4/18/2024

As a first time expectant father I can say having Danette in our corner was a breath of fresh air. From the first call we had with Danette it was clear that her values aligned with ours. Sure, i had had read up on some books, blogs, and article. But the 1o1 sessions with Danette during month prior to birth were invaluable. I've learned that every single person and every single birth is unique. Our son's birth certainly had it's surprises. But the preparation Danette had undergone with us plus having her by our side to guide us at each step of the way made such a joyous occasion that much more wonderful. I can't thank Danette enough and confirm that you would be lucky to have her on your team during your birthing journey.

Dalia and ADavid

4/14/2024

Since our first chat, we knew we wanted Danette as our Doula! Her guidance, knowledge and support from pregnancy, birth and postpartum was invaluable especially as first time parents. On our prenatal visits she taught us so many things about pregnancy care/pelvic pain, the birth process, spinning babies resources, and how my husband could support me through labor. During birth things didn't go as planned, but having her at our side gave us the comfort and confidence we needed at every moment. We will always be grateful with her and couldn't imagine to have another person accompanying us in this journey. I could say so many great things about her, how knowledgeable, resourceful and hands-on she is, and how her energy, passion and positivity is so contagious. She simply is amazing and anyone having her as a doula will be so lucky!

Stephanie Janvion

12/26/2023

If you are looking for a passionate, dedicated, loyal and trustworthy doula, Danette is the one!

I could not have made it through my 23 hours of active birth without her by my side and it truly was the best investment for my birth experience. She never gave up on me! Her motivation was essential to get me through labor and most importantly help stick to my birthing desires. Especially as a FTM, Danette’s one on one attention prenatally was excellent, always going in depth to gear me up for our birth, always responding to my questions, calls, texts, etc promptly no matter what the topic was. Always sending me really helpful resources and books to read up on, not to mention teaching me all about the essential of body-work/Spinning babies in order to have the most successful birth experience.

I also appreciated how heavily involved she was with my midwives, IBC Lactation consultant (Julie Brill), and Osteopath which was really helpful as a FTM navigating so many NEW things, once baby came. Her network of providers is amazing and really helped me overcome some challenges in the first few weeks post-baby, that I otherwise would not have been able to have overcome.

I cannot wait to hire Danette again for my next birth!

Nadine Mumford

12/10/2023

I could write a 10,000 word essay on how incredible Danette is, but who has the time to read that? So I will say this: our daughter’s birth *could* have been pretty traumatic for my husband and me. Thanks to Danette, I reflect on my long labor and unplanned caesarean, and feel proud and empowered. Things did *not* go according to plan. Danette helped us honor the natural course of things for as long as possible, and gave us the support, time and empathy we needed when it was time to consider alternative options.

Danette goes above and beyond in her support of women (and families) through the most vulnerable experience(s) of their lives. And when my birth fears came to fruition, I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else by our side. I highly, highly recommend working with Danette!

Erin

12/5/2023

It took me a long time to write this review as I couldn’t quite figure out how to put into words how much Danette has changed my family’s life. We hired Danette 4 months before our due date with the intent on having an unmedicated birth at the local hospital. During our initial consultation I was impressed by her knowledge, her energy, her honestly and openness, and more importantly, her passion to have the birth you desire to have. If you have a birth plan, Danette is the person you want by your side to make that happen.
We had multiple prenatal visits leading up to birth where she coached myself and my husband on what to expect during labor, ways to support me, nutrition/ hydration, body prep work, and plan B/C/D etc. It lead us to both feel confident when going into labor regardless of any hiccups that may arise (spoiler alert: hiccups will always arise in birth no matter how much you prepare).
We ended up going the midwives route at Emerson Hospital (highly suggest). Danette helped us make decisions leading right up to and through the labor. With her help, I avoided the need for an induction at 41 weeks and gave birth at 41+6 days.
She talked us through the early stages of labor and met us at the hospital. She was there during the entire labor, helping me get into beneficial positions, keeping me in control mentally, keeping my body fueled up, and coaching me during the pushing phase. She stayed for a few hours after until we were settled in and taught me how to breastfeed since the lactation consultants were gone for the evening. Many of the nurses even commented on how amazing she was.
For the follow up visits, she taught us different techniques for getting the baby to sleep and we discussed all things post partum.
If you’re looking for a doula, seriously look no further. You would be doing a major disservice not to have Danette on your team.

Vikas Singh

11/20/2023

My wife and I had a great experience with Danette. She was very supportive, passionate and helpful throughout the process. She stayed with us through a very long labor which truly made a difference. We'd highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula.

Chrissy

10/3/2023

Danette was recommended to us by our doula from our first birth when she was not available for our second. Although I was apprehensive after being so comfortable with our first doula, Danette was EXACTLY the person we needed to help guide us through my second pregnancy and the birth of our son. Our second was a much more difficult pregnancy than our first and she was with us every step of the way.

I considered Danette a coach for pregnancy and birth. It tapped right into my track and field background. Her previous engineering background also brings a fierce analytical mind that blends beautifully with pregnancy and birth: Have a question? Danette will find answers with data-backed evidence and will stand by you as you make your decision. She will also help prepare your body to be the most efficient for birth and recovery.

Danette also went above and beyond when I started early labor/prodromal labor at 35 weeks all the way through to coaching us through the difficult decision to be induced at 41 weeks. She was available to us for each hospital visit and doctor's appointment! We are so appreciative of her guidance and she is now a member of the family!

Kristin

9/28/2023

Thank you for being a ROCK for us!

Danette helped us achieve a natural, unmedicated birth! (Despite baby girl’s hand being up at her face.)

To start, Danette helped me figure out my birth wishes and provided a wealth of evidence-based resources. She made herself available for questions throughout the pregnancy and postpartum journey.

At prenatal meetings, I like how hands-on she was and showed my husband how he could support my labor. The two of them worked wonderfully together in the labor & delivery room.

She seems to love her work as a doula and it shows! My midwife commented how much she liked Danette & her approach. Her experienced guidance during labor gave me peace of mind knowing she had my back.

If we decide to have a second babe, I will bring her back for round two!

I’m so grateful for Danette, she feels like family now, and I highly recommend her!

Laura P

9/7/2023

My experience with Dannette was great. The two sessions that we had prior to delivery allowed me and my partner time to really think through a lot of the decisions we might have to make and also helped us identify our priorities for labor and birth. I also really enjoyed the body work element of her approach - having exercises to do in advance of my due date definitely helped me feel more physically (and mentally!) prepared for labor. On the day our son was born, Danette was with my partner and me throughout the whole day and night at the hospital. During labor, she provided some coaching for my husband on how he could help me cope as the labor got harder, she collaborated closely with our labor and delivery nurse, and was a great advocate for us throughout the experience. Additionally, she was also a great resource for referrals for other professionals in the area - from birth educators to lactation consultants. I feel really positively about my birth experience and am so grateful to Danette for that. 

Sophia

8/16/2023

Danette was an invaluable resource for both our pregnancy and birth. The amount of education and visual aids she provided before the birth really helped to give us an idea of all the ways that our birth might go. She also guided us as we decided what was most important to us, which was so helpful because the amount of information about birth is immense. She gave us information about both sides of things and offered evidence-based resources. When it came to the actual birth we are so happy to have had Danette there! My labor went much faster than expected and I opted for an epidural as planned. After the epidural, I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep and Danette made sure to keep things going while I rested by moving me and setting me up with peanut balls and essential oils and more. Knowing what you want and actually carrying it out in the middle of labor is very different and I’m so grateful Danette was there to keep things going so I could focus on resting. She advocated for us with the staff and encouraged me the whole time and we had the best experience. We ended up having excellent midwives and nurses who encouraged us to have the exact birth we wanted and respected our choices and wishes (which is not the experience that many people have) and even still, we benefitted from having Danette as our doula.

Tiemi Mori

8/3/2023

We feel incredibly grateful to have had Danette as our doula during the birth of our son. Her warm and nurturing nature made us feel instantly at ease, and her exceptional organizational skills kept everything on track. From the beginning, it was evident that she was not just a doula, but a caring and supportive presence on this beautiful journey.
Danette's kindness and proactive approach were a breath of fresh air. She supplemented the birthing process with evidence-based recommendations, ensuring we had the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Her dedication to our birthing desires made all the difference, and we couldn't have achieved a successful vaginal birth without her expertise and guide.
But her support didn't stop there—Danette continued to be immensely valuable during the postpartum period. Her helpfulness and extensive knowledge provided much-needed reassurance and comfort during those early days of parenthood. She was always there to answer our questions, provide practical tips, and offer a listening ear.
If you are looking for a doula who genuinely cares about you and your birthing experience, look no further. Her energy, presence, and commitment exceeded our expectations in every way. We are eternally grateful for all that she did for us and can't imagine having gone through this journey without her by our side. Thank you, Danette, for making our birthing experience and postpartum care so special and memorable.

Melanie

7/23/2023

Danette was amazing. I was looking for support with my second birth as I was to be induced due to gestational diabetes and had terrible back labor with my first. I wanted to work with someone individually to help with my specific concerns and needs to try to create a good birthing experience. Danette created a private child birth class tailored to me, gave me personalized materials for pre labor, labor, and induction. She spent 3 hours with me helping me understand my choices and getting my body ready. I felt so prepared physically and mentally for my birth! She was so kind and so helpful. It was so easy to talk with her and I felt so safe and comfortable! She was available for support and felt she was there as I needed during this vulnerable time. I highly recommend her for your doula needs!

Kat

6/14/2023

Navigating the journey of pregnancy and childbirth can be a roller coaster ride of emotions and experiences. As a single mother by choice with a past stillbirth, my journey to motherhood was fraught with a unique mix of hope, anxiety, and grief. Embarking on this path alone was a daunting task, but I found an ally, a guide, and a cherished friend in my doula, Danette.

The moment I met Danette, I was embraced by her warmth, compassion, and understanding. She walked alongside me to create a birth plan that respected my fears stemming from my past experience and my dreams for the new life growing within me. Every step of the way, she was there, arming me with knowledge, reassuring me with her presence, and instilling in me a sense of strength that made the path towards birth feel less intimidating and more empowering.

During a a tough labor and delivery, Danette ensured I never felt unsupported, keeping me informed and ensuring that I was comfortable with the decisions being made. When complications led to surgery, her guidance and strength to my birth partner was crucial during these challenging moments.

Postpartum, Danette's guidance was just as invaluable in navigating breastfeeding, the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a new mother, and the practicalities of adjusting to life as a single parent. Her support made the chaotic postpartum period more manageable and enjoyable.

Danette's approach to doula work goes beyond just professional service; her passion shines in every interaction. She's an extraordinary support system and invaluable resource. She has a profound respect for the journeys of all parents.

If you're seeking a doula who truly cares about you, your baby, and your journey, I cannot recommend Danette highly enough. Her unwavering support was an irreplaceable gift. If you choose her, you will not regret it. I'm blessed to have had her by my side, and I'd happily include her in my journey again.

Fusun Sahin

4/7/2023

Danette is an awesome Doula!

She is a highly passionate, knowledgeable, supportive, and dedicated doula. To start with, she has a background in engineering and explains the pregnancy and birth processes in a technically sensible way rather than saying some mambo jambo happens and the baby is born. I am also a very technically minded person, I found the birth education piece of her program very satisfactory and well-rounded. It included a diversity of topi S like fetus' development, pregnancy stages, delivery, and postpartum stage. She has been very informative about how to make a birth plan and what options are available. She has been also very comforting. As someone with advanced maternal age and a rare autoimmune disease, I was scared and anxious about the later stages of pregnancy and birthing. Danette brought so much comfort and peace of mind to me that I felt easy and light. I didn't feel the need for anybody else like my mom to be present during delivery or soon after. For pregnancy support, I found the body works portion of Danette's program very well thought out and she spent the time and energy to customize it to my needs. For example, if I have some tension in a specific part of my body, she suggested exercises for releasing that particular area. She has been very dedicated during birth too. Our early labor was in new years eve but she made herself available the whole night. I felt her support throughout my pregnancy and onward with her postpartum check ins, which were very educative and supportive. She did a lot for me and my husband to become more confident in taking care of the baby and the healing process both mentally and physically. She could put us in contact with the right people like an osteopath or a pelvic floor specialist right away, who were also very instrumental and helpful. I am glad that Danette was our doula and she has become more of a friend to us. We are very thankful for her! Overall, I highly recommend her.

Brittany

2/22/2023

Danette was truly an answer to prayer for my family! I truly do not know if my pregnancy and birth would had gone so smoothly without her.

Danette is passionate, has a wealth of knowledge, and truly makes you feel safe and supported. She helped my family navigate a pretty unique pregnancy that included many things that were affecting our birth plan that I was not in control of. Despite that, Danette helped me feel completely safe and confident throughout the whole journey! 

Here are just a few of the many amazing things that Danette did for our family: 

-she helped me feel prepared for birth in all different kinds of aspects: mentally & physically. I didn't feel like another client, I felt like family with how available and supportive she was

-she created a calm space during birth and was an amazing support to have to protect my family and my birth wishes before, during, and after delivery

 Danette was a wonderful choice for my family and I'm so thankful I was able to share this incredible and vulnerable part of my family's journey with her. You can't go wrong with her as your doula! 

Laura Morin

12/16/2022

"We hired Danette to be our Doula late in our pregnancy, with roughly two months until our due date. From our first meeting, Danette brought positivity, compassion and an immense amount of resources and information related to all stages of birthing a child. She even made us our own binder stocked full of materials and information that was and still is a benefit to us! She has been there before, during and after the birth of our girl and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We had our baby girl on Sept 4, 2022 after days of long and hard labor. I had plans to have an unmedicated birth and when the plan fell apart and we were faced with many challenging moments, Danette was there every step of the way for close to four days. She remained calm supportive and extremely caring through the entire experience while helping us to make difficult decisions and to believe those decisions were the right ones. Danette’s positive impact on our birth experience will never be forgotten. We feel so grateful that she came into our lives and will forever be connected to her in the most special way. Looking back at moments of deep surrender, I hear Danette’s voice, feel her hand holding mine and see her smile, encouraging me the whole entire way. We highly recommend Danette, as her services and abilities along with her strong compassion for birth make her an absolutely fantastic doula. You will be truly thankful if you decide to include Danette as a part of your birthing team."