Alicia

7/28/2023

Ellie is such a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pregnancy, postpartum, nursing, labor/delivery, and baby sleep. She was a great resource for us along our journey. She is so personable, empathetic, and a sense of calm in the delivery room. We were grateful to have her as our doula and hypnobirthing instructor!

Megan B

11/1/2021

I felt comfortable with Ellie the moment I met her and it was obvious that she would be an asset. Ellie has such a wealth of knowledge about so many aspects of birthing. She's truly done her research and is an arsenal of advice and experience. At 35 weeks, I learned that my baby was in transverse position and that I might need a C-section. This wouldn't have been the end of the world, but I was really freaked out. Ellie was the best. She reassured me that my body and baby knew what they were doing and also taught me physical exercises that could help baby to turn, which indeed happened. I had my baby when COVID restrictions peaked. Hospitals barely let anyone in. My husband was with me, but Ellie couldn't be in person. So we zoomed. I can’t express how amazing Ellie’s presence (even virtually) in the delivery room was. I felt more at ease under her direction and encouragement. She and the medical professionals in the room worked as a team. It was seamless. Ellie met me right where I was in each stage of my labor. It was almost eerie how she knew what I was thinking and what I needed to hear. Specifically, as it came time to push, she reminded me that I could trust myself and instructed me to do what my body was telling me to do. Those words got me through. I was amazed as I held my baby shortly thereafter! I also really appreciated how Ellie intentionally trained my husband. We were all the more confident because Ellie had shown him how to physically and emotionally support me. It was a precious time for the two of us as I depended on him and he was able to be there for me with all of his newfound knowledge and tactics. Probably the biggest testimonial is Ellie herself: she’s a wonderful person and perfect for this job. She’s both kind and fierce, gentle and energetic, knowledgeable, yet humble and focused on you. I look back on that time with a joy that is in part because Ellie helped to make it as peaceful and empowering as possible.

Sara Peiffer

6/7/2021

Ellie Lindenmayer was our birth doula for our first baby. She was super knowledgable, warm and inviting. She hosts several birth prep courses and my husband and I did her hypnobirthing course 3 months before I delivered. Ellie was a great teacher and also kept the mom-to-be’s calm and peaceful about what was to come. When it came to the labor and delivery part, Ellie was there from the start, and she and my husband turned into a perfect team supporting me those long hours. She offered lots of ideas and support to my husband so that he could directly support me— which preserved our partner intimacy during the birth. Ellie’s presence was peaceful, supportive and kept us both confident during the whole process. We were so grateful to have her!

Meg

11/22/2020

Ellie was an absolute God-send. She was so helpful during the prenatal and postpartum periods- so responsive, full of resources and very reassuring. Ellie was so invaluable during the labor and delivery. She was in touch throughout early labor at home and was so alert and present throughout my very long, overnight labor and delivery. She helped us work through difficult decisions. She helped me advocate for myself with the medical team. She was extremely encouraging and compassionate during the painful labor process. She used hot stones and counter pressure to help me through contractions, she suggested new positions, she was constantly putting cold cloths in my forehead and making sure I stayed hydrated. She also was a huge support for my husband too who was not comfortable in the hospital setting. She gave us both confidence and reassurance during the labor experience which is filled with uncertainty and doubt. Ellie was worth every penny and more. We nwill definitely hire her for our next child. 

Tina Wachs

7/14/2020

When my boyfriend and I received the great news that I was preganant, I knew that I wanted to hire a doula to help us navigate the birth of our first child. With so many unknowns, Ellie was that supportive and reassuring voice I could go to for any of my questions or concerns. She helped us feel ready for the big day. My birth experience didn't actually go as planned, so it was even more important to have Ellie's guidance and support during the process. She was that encouraging voice each step of the way that kept me focused and calm. Ellie helped us make educated decisions for the last minute changes that arose, while staying as close as possible to my birth plan, which was very important to me. Having Ellie there to support my boyfriend and I through the whole process was much needed. I would definitely recommend Ellie as a doula! 
 

Kimberly

5/28/2020

As a first-time parent, I had a goal of a medication-free birth. Although my husband was on board, we felt that hiring a doula would help us navigate this new experience. We found Ellie on google and scheduled an online childbirth class with her as we could not attend our hospital's classes due to work schedules.

We decided to hire her as our doula because we appreciated her incredibly supportive spirit, as well as her ability to balance the current evidence with her professional experience. She was wonderful in helping me navigate the end of the third trimester; I had a slightly complicated pregnancy that would likely lead to an induction and I was nervous about how that might affect my birth preferences and goals. I asked her all my questions: she was available and responsive. She really helped me think through what questions to ask my provider at my prenatal appointments so that I was confident in making decisions that were informed and personal.

In the end, I was able to have the birth that I had envisioned and felt so incredibly empowered by the entire experience. During labor, Ellie was a reassuring presence and was paramount in supporting my husband as he supported me. She was incredibly helpful in suggesting effective strategies to keep me focused, as well suggestions of when to transition to a different strategy to help progress labor. I undoubtedly believe that she was the key to my labor progressing so quickly and smoothly due to her timely suggestions, and effective support.

She is everything that I had hoped a doula would be for our birth situation this time around. She filled the gaps between myself, the birthing person; my husband, the birth partner; and the medical providers, beautifully-- seamlessly bouncing between them all so that I was able to focus 100% on childbirth. I am incredibly thankful for her support, and my husband and I have a beautiful and empowering memory of our daughter's entrance into this world.

Brianna Wilson

4/2/2020

From the first phone call, I knew that Ellie was going to be a great support for me and my husband as we prepared for the birth of our first child. Her remarkable skills as a listener helped me to recognize and draw on my strengths and identify and release any lingering fear or anxiety. When Ellie visited our home prior to our daughter’s birth, she came prepared with questions to help us better articulate and craft our birth wishes, and taught us both helpful strategies for anticipating and working through early labor. When my due date came and went and we were faced with the inevitability of an induction, Ellie was in close contact throughout and helped me to confront feelings of disappointment and worry about what this meant for my birth plan.

Throughout the long induction, Ellie’s continuous emotional support, guidance on what to expect, and tips on questions to ask helped us to feel informed and empowered in our decision making and manage the weight of uncertainty in the process. When I began active labor, Ellie’s arrival at the hospital brought a renewed sense of calm, reassurance, and purpose to both me and my husband. She intuitively integrated herself into the team of my husband and our nurses, and as I continued to breathe through each pitocin-spiked contraction, I could feel the unity and strength of this wonderful team around me. After a grueling four hours of pushing, our baby finally had to be born via c-section. Ellie stayed by my side until they brought me into the OR, and in the days and weeks afterward was a tremendous support in helping me process and work through complicated emotions about the c-section and my recovery.

Ellie’s wealth of knowledge and resources about childbirth, calm and caring presence, careful listening, and deep empathy and compassion make her an incredible doula. Her skill and experience were so valuable to us in the labor room and beyond!

Sarah LoVasco

1/18/2020

It has always been very important to me to have a natural child birth. Upon learning that we were pregnant with our first child, my husband and I sought the support of a doula to help us move through the hospital / medical world while keeping our natural choices a priority. We found Ellie's name through a Google search.

From the moment we met until the day our son was born, Ellie was an important fixture in our life. We took her Hypno-birthing class, which was incredibly informative and allowed us the opportunity to get to know Ellie in a greater capacity.

Ellie's suggestions and support throughout the last two months of my pregnancy were extremely helpful. She gave us a Rebozo, discussed different breathing and calming techniques, and was available to us at any time. When we received advice or updates from our Midwives, we made it a habit to check with Ellie because we knew she truly understood our mindset and had our very best intentions in mind. 

My husband and I felt completely prepared once birthing day finally came (our son was born just shy of 40 weeks!). Ellie was instrumental in keeping us calm and helping us figure out when to head to the hospital. Once there, she set up our room with candles, used essential oil and massage throughout my labor and worked professionally with our midwife. Ellie's incredible energy and extensive experience in the birthing room was evident throughout my labor- suggesting different positions, requesting a quiet, calm environment, and supporting my husband by helping him help me.

Our son Orlando was born at 4:08am, without the use of medications or epidurals. My husband and I felt prepared for the questions and decisions presented to us at the hospital for the next 48 hours. Orlando's birth was the proudest moment of my life, and we will be forever grateful for Ellie's part in the entire process; we whole-heartedly recommend her services and hope to engage her for future pregnancies.

Caitlin Haire

10/1/2019

We took Ellie’s Hypnobirthing class and worked with her as our doula. As a result, I felt educated, empowered, and in control leading up to, during, and after the birth of my son.
 
I knew early on that I wanted to do Hypnobirthing and to work with a doula – my goal was to enjoy my pregnancy and birth experience. I felt lost and shuffled through the initial prenatal appointments and, combined with an impending cross country move at 20 weeks, confirmed that I wanted a consistent presence in my corner that had the experience and knowledge to guide me through such emotional and uncharted territory. After my preliminary call with Ellie, I knew I had found that person.
 
Ellie helped me to trust my body and instincts and follow my heart, to not give into the birth narrative that permeates popular culture, and to believe that I could do it on my terms. She instilled in me the self-assurance to ask questions and advocate for myself. She was a trusted, calming voice of reason and a source of reassurance for both my husband and me. She freed us to focus on our son and ourselves and created a positive environment where we were in control. We were able to operate from a place of informed decision making based on our priorities instead of fear and protocol.
 
Ellie did all the things I had expected from a doula – a trusted advocate who could guide and support both me and my husband – and then proceeded to top that. She gave me the confidence, strength, and clarity to take charge of our birth story. I can look back now and say that because of Ellie I had a positive birth experience even when things did not go according to plan (again and again). And for that, I am forever grateful.
 
 

Fran Bevilacqua

8/28/2019

We were so fortunate to have Ellie by our side for the birth of our son. From a Dads point of view, at first I was unsure why we needed a Doula, but just one meeting with Ellie I knew we needed her guidance. We also took her 4 week birthing class and it was so helpful. Just learning from Ellie, we were able to feel so much more confident going into such a big event we have never experienced. When it came time to have the baby, she was an invaluable support to both me and my wife. Ellie is not just a great Doula but any incredible person and I would highly recommend her. 

Kari Gillmeyer

6/21/2019

As first-time parents we sought a doula to be a part of our birthing experience to help prepare us ahead of time and to ease our anxieties both before and during the birth. From our initial interaction, Ellie was responsive and knowledgeable, and she consistently exuded positivity and warmth. We felt much more confident about the process as we approached our due date because of her involvement.

During the birth, Ellie exceeded our expectations in every way. I had planned on having an epidural, though due to unforeseen circumstances ended up with an unmedicated birth. Because of Ellie’s calming presence and active involvement (including position change suggestions, cold compresses, encouragement, etc) throughout the process, I can only describe my experience as positive and powerful. And my husband, who runs on the anxious side, felt so much better about the entire process (especially the actual birth) with Ellie’s presence, experience and expertise.

We would have no reservations about recommending Ellie to our dearest friends, and absolutely will hire her again in a few years when we plan to have a second!

Skylar McAlpin

5/8/2019

My husband and I were blessed to have Ellie as our Hypnobirthing instructor and Doula for the birth of our first child. Our birth ended up being the all natural water birth we had dreamed of and we credit this greatly to our studying and practicing of Hypnobirthing under Ellie’s guidance.The truth is we discussed hiring her on the ride home from our very first class. She is an infectious presence you instantly relish being around and one we immediately connected with and trusted in countless ways. In many ways she is an open book and it was her honesty we first found so wildly comforting as first time parents to be. It was immediately obvious that she is also hugely knowledgeable in all things pregnancy, birth and infant related; she knows what to expect and what to do when unexpected things inevitably happen. Ellie is also incredibly warm, funny and fierce when the moment calls for it. She was present and proactive in ways we didn’t even know we would need - in the weeks leading up to our birth, during every active moment of labor (which for us started at midnight - sorry Ellie) and beyond, giving advice and support during the dizzying first few weeks.

It is a rare thing to love your profession on such an emotional level and to succeed at it so greatly but if anybody embodies that it is Ellie. Our birth was no doubt made better by her presence and we are certain our daughter’s life will be reflective of her peaceful entrance into this world. No matter how prepared you may feel nothing compares to the whirlwind which ensues once your surges begin. Ellie was the calming and experienced guide we needed to see it through. She was a truly massive support for all three of us - honestly just as much for my husband as for me - and we truly couldn’t imagine our birth without her. We are so grateful to have her in our universe now as a friend and look forward to working with her again when the time comes. Thank you, dear Ellie.

Lucia Parker

4/14/2019

From the first conversation we had with Ellie in the early weeks of my first pregnancy, I had a feeling she would be a special and important part of our experience bringing our daughter into the world.

She helped us achieve our hope for an unmedicated, natural birth for our baby using self hypnosis. I can't imagine having done it without her. My husband, Michael, feels the same way! Ellie is incredibly knowledgeable and kind and has a big beautiful heart and a great sense of humor. She was an excellent resource as my pregnancy (and number of questions) progressed and in the wild, blurry weeks after I gave birth. During my labor in the hospital, I was also struck by how professional Ellie is. She communicated with clarity and knew when and how to ask questions that helped us understand what was happening around us and work with the hospital staff to create the experience we hoped for.

Thinking about it weeks later, I still can hardly believe how kind, strong and wonderful Michael and Ellie were despite the exhaustion and duration of our labor. They held space around me so that I felt safe and secure, even when things did not progress the way we hoped or expected. They kept the environment soft, dark and quiet so I could be as deep within as I needed to be to bring our baby into the world without interventions. They were vigilant, talking with the hospital staff and each other so I could surrender entirely to birth. They believed in and reflected back my strength through it all. I am so grateful that Ellie was there with us. I feel certain our daughter's birth story would not have unfolded quite as beautifully as it did without Ellie.

Courtney Jacobs

1/27/2019

Ellie was so wonderful to work with on my first journey through pregnancy. We took her Hypnobirthing Classes and learned different ways to help with the birthing process. Ellie has a calm and nurturing spirit and I am so happy she was with us during the delivery. It took so much pressure off of me and my husband knowing we had someone in the room to help us the whole time. My birthing experience did not go exactly as planned but at the end I was so exhausted and felt as though I couldn’t think straight she was able to guide me through options etc that we had spoken about in my birth plan. She was so great! We loved her!

Christine Indiano

11/28/2018

Ellie was our Doula for the birth of our son in June and we could not be more thankful for her efforts and presence! We were a month early and my labor didn't quite go the way we had planned - but her ongoing communication, positivity, and support throughout the several days of my labor was amazing. We also took Ellie's hypnobirthing classes and found them very informative and helpful. We had more than a few stressful moments in labor but the calmness and breathing from hypnobirthing + Ellie's guidance made the whole process a 1000 times better. I don't want to imagine what it would have been like without her! Also- I remember thinking how well / professional she worked with the AJ nurses, midwives, doctors while truly being an advocate for my husband, little one, and I.

Jonny Peiffer

11/26/2018

It was such a privilege to work with Ellie, we were so lucky to have her along on our pregnancy journey with my wife and I. I know that her hypno-birthing classes really helped put my wife at ease preparing for the birth, which consequently put me at ease. She was also our doula, and we both knew she had our back the whole way. Which was literally true once we got to the hospital. She arrived pretty much right after we got there. The only thing that got my wife through the contractions was to hang on me while Ellie would apply pressure to her low back. It was a silent dance we did as a trio (actually quartet, with baby too) every five minutes or so for hours. And that turned into Ellie and I each grabbing one of my wife’s legs once it came time for pushing the baby out. And in between Ellie made sure we had everything we needed. She made sure my wife was fully taken care of the whole time, which allowed me to be able to just focus on being present with her and the whole experience. All of this was brand new for me, and everything about Ellie's presence and demeanor made it possible for me to never once worry about anything going wrong. She created a whole atmosphere of relaxation the entire time. It all seemed so natural and easy, I actually couldn’t imagine going through all of that without Ellie there with us guiding us through.

Elizabeth Hines

10/1/2018

After a less-than-positive first birth, I knew I wanted to have a doula by my side at the birth of my second child. I'd first heard Ellie's name in the early weeks with my first daughter -- some local moms were talking about her breastfeeding class as an absolute lifesaver. As soon as I interviewed her to be my doula, I knew why. She is such a calm, positive presence with a wealth of knowledge in all things pregnancy, childbirth, and baby. I took her Hypnobirthing course to prepare for my second labor, and I know the tools I learned were an important part of achieving a much more satisfying birth the second time around. The biggest factor, however, was Ellie herself. Her support was absolutely paramount to my positive experience birthing my second daughter. She lifted me up when I hit some unforseen, life-altering emotional challenges just before going into labor, and she carried me through those last few moments of transition when you think you can't go on anymore. I'm so glad Ellie was my doula, and I could not recommend her highly enough. 

Cara Held

8/1/2018

My husband and I used Ellie as our doula for the birth of our first little boy in June 2018. We also took hypnobirthing classes from her in preparation for his birth. With her guidance and instruction, we were able to have our little boy with no interventions and all natural. Having Ellie in the room during labor and delivery added a calming presence to the room and we could not have done it without her! She is very knowledgeable on all things childbirth and I enjoy reading her posts on all things childbirth. Ellie was also tremendously helpful post partum to answer questions related to breastfeeding.  Her support has been monumental as I continue to navigate being a new, breast feeding mom. I highly recommend!

Sara Wilhelmsen

5/24/2018

As first time parents, we were seeking someone knowledgeable who could help us navigate preparing for labor, birth and delivery. We wanted to go into the whole experience eyes wide open and we found that insightful knowledge in Ellie as our doula. Our baby presented as breech so Ellie provided resources and suggestions in order to try everything to turn our little one. She was proactive in regularly checking in and so very responsive when we had questions. Despite our very best efforts, our baby did not turn so Ellie joined us for our scheduled cesarean section at Exeter hospital’s birthing center. She arrived for the early morning surgery despite the snowy weather conditions in order to provide calming support and set the mood in prep for the big event. Hospital staff even commented on how peaceful the room felt. Following the birth, she was right there to guide first latch and offer other supportive advice as we got acquainted with our new daughter. We are so thankful to have engaged a doula even though we did not have a vaginal birth as Ellie provided consistent counsel that complemented our midwife’s. Hands down would recommend her to anyone interested in having this amazing support as you jump into parenthood!

Becky Simon

5/1/2018

Ellie is a truly amazing doula that I highly recommend! She is a kind, nurturing soul who has a wealth of knowledge and experience surrounding natural childbirth. I am so grateful she played such an integral role in bringing my son into this world. Ellie was by our side from start to finish...a total of 28 beautiful laboring hours! Her support and care was beyond exceptional! 

It was extremely important to have a doula who both my husband and I connected with. This connection seemed almost immediate! Ellie listened to our needs and wants and shaped our birth experience based upon those wishes.

Not only did we fall in love with Ellie but the staff at MGH did as well. Her warm and professional character caught the ears and eyes of the MGH staff. Multiple nurses, midwives, and doctors spoke very highly of Ellie, some even asking for her contact information for future recommendations.

Having Ellie be a part of our birth experience was the single best decision my husband and I made. Do not hesitate for a second having her peaceful, beautiful energy involved in the birth of your little one!

Cate Cioni

2/6/2018

Working with Ellie was one of the best choices my husband and I made to prepare for the birth of our third child! I was blessed with an absolute "textbook experience" for my first natural birth, but was left disappointed the second time around. Although I had a safe, natural delivery again, I didn't feel that I was in control, and therefore lost the trust I previously had in myself.  I made it my mission to find the "dream team" for baby number 3.  As soon as we met Ellie, we knew from her calm demeanor, knowledge of childbirth and confidence in the body's ability to labor naturally, that she was the perfect fit.  Ellie worked closely with us as we approached my due date and found out that my fluid levels were becoming dangerously low.  She helped me trust that I would still be able to birth naturally, and remain in control of my experience even when the decision to induce labor was made.  On the day before induction, she remained in close contact via phone, text, and email, allowing us to know she was there. When I began a Pitocin drip, she headed to the hospital to join us.  Ellie came armed with everything short of a spa.  She provided rebozo techniques, acupressure, massage, and mantra repetitions with me in the soothing environment she created through aromatherapy, music and LED candle light.  It was wonderful!  Ellie worked tirelessly with my husband and the hospital staff to create the best plan for helping to move labor along with as little intervention as possible. With her advice and guidance, we welcomed our son Thomas to the world after just 2 hours of hard labor, and an amazing 7 minutes of pushing.  The trust I had in my body, and my willingness to surrender to the idea that birth happens naturally was what made it possible...and Ellie was a huge part of that success.  I can't imagine a better way to have completed our beautiful family of 5!  

Johanna Lam

2/5/2018

We used Ellie as a birth doula for the birth of our daughter in January 2018 and then also followed up with a lactation visit. Her presence throughout the process provided us with a huge piece of mind, comfort, calm and reassurance. This was our first child. While I work in healthcare and have a good amount of medical knowledge about labor and delivery itself, there is so much I didn't know and so much that you just can't know until you've had the experience yourself. There are also a lot of factors to consider that may not be initially obvious and having the experience of someone like Ellie allowed us to be more fully equipped in navigating the process. From the initial visit with Ellie, I felt like my needs and intentions for my birth experience were truly heard and appreciated without judgement. My husband was quite nervous about the whole process and Ellie helped give him some tools to feel more empowered and ready to take on whatever came our way. I opted for an epidural and Ellie stayed with me while my husband stepped out of the room (he doesn't do well with needles)-- she even managed to keep my distracted as the resident was receiving step by step instructions on how to place the epidural!! She provided LED candles and an essential oil diffuser, ensured that lights were kept low throughout the labor and delivery process-- all creating a more calming and conducive environment for the arrival of our baby girl. Every doctor and nurse that came into the room stated they felt like they were entering a spa. Ellie worked well with the medical providers and I believe even had some things to teach them (peanut ball and pushing positions!!). Once we arrived home, Ellie continued to stay in touch with us and provide support, especially with breastfeeding which was immensely useful. Overall, having Ellie at the birth of our daughter was one of the best decisions I've ever made- I would recommend her to anyone and everyone!

Kate Stella

2/1/2018

It has taken me almost 9 months to write this review! Ellie was amazing. She had an incredibly calming presence at the birth of our son in May 2017. I wasn’t in active labor when Ellie arrived but I had already been at the hospital for about 24 hours. I was exhausted having only slept just a few hours in the last 48. My husband and I were both rather discouraged about the way things had been handled at the hospital with my unexpected induction at 41+ weeks. I was emotionally and physically drained and my labor wasn’t even underway. When Ellie arrived she jumped right, providing words of encouragement and support. Her presence energized my husband and me and gave me the boost of energy that I needed to give birth my son about 12 hours later (without an epidural!). She helped to direct me into different positions and was great at involving my husband in offering counter pressure and massage. She took photos of us throughout -- thanks to Ellie we have some amazing photos from the moments right after our son was born. They bring tears to our eyes every time we look at them. I would highly recommend Ellie!

Christina Kennedy

1/9/2018

We were so very lucky to have Ellie as our doula. My husband and I knew all along we wanted to hire a doula and knew the importance of finding someone you will feel completely comfortable with for this huge life event! Ellie was the first and only doula we interviewed because we knew she was perfect for us! Ellie is compassionate about serving families as a doula and stays on top of current science and research surrounding all things pregnancy, birth, infants & beyond. We took advantage of the class offerings including HypnoBirthing, breastfeeding, and newborn care. Having Ellie who is a certified doula, HypnoBirthing coach, and Lacation Consultant really makes her the full package. Ellie was an invaluable resource during our pregnancy journey and helped us achieve the natural birth we always dreamed of!

ina cove

12/9/2017

We found Ellie while we were looking for a hypnobirthing class in our area. Due to scheduling conflicts, we were unable to attend her class, but were immediately taken by her warmth and devotion to natural birth. I always wished I could have taken the course, so, instead, we hired her as our doula.

The process was seamless. We met at a coffee shop and got to ask each other important questions to make sure we were the right fit. Just like with my first birth, I was looking for someone whom I would like to see while I am going through something as intense as birthing. I wanted someone who would smile, be kind, remind me I was doing great, and create a pleasant atmosphere around me. We immediately hit it off, and she was an easy choice.

The week before the birth we were in touch, as I was upset that I may be late and might be induced. She assured me that there was still a good chance that it would not happen that way, and if it did, then that's what the best thing was and it was OK. There would be a happy healthy baby at the end of everything. Just talking to someone who understood had a calming effect.

A few days later I went into labor (2 days after my estimated date). She was in touch by text and made me feel like someone was watching out for me. At the birth center, she put out candles and provided what I needed most: a smiling face to turn to. I can still remember Ellie and my husband looking at me in awe when I was going through the most intense parts. Even though I kept doubting myself, their faces made me feel like they knew I could do it, and I was not about to let them down.

We were very fortunate to have someone like Ellie provide guidance and important food for thought. She was knowledgeable, receptive and considerate to our unique thoughts and wishes, and was just a pleasure to work with. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a doula.

Thanks Ellie!

ina

Erica Knowles

8/10/2017

Working with Ellie as our doula was one of the best decisions my husband and I made. Her knowledge and passion combined with her kindness and great sense of humor made it easy to work with and trust her throughout the process.

From my first phone conversation with Ellie I knew she was someone I'd like to work with. We decided to take our childbirth classes with her as well. We found this was a great way to get to know her more outside of the prenatal visits. I'm so glad we did! The class was just us and one other couple so we got lots of individual attention. It was also really nice to learn the HypnoBirthing techniques from our doula. I knew that what we were discussing in class would be exactly what we would be using during labor.

During labor/delivery, Ellie was indispensable. I don't think the day would have gone as smoothly without her. I ended up having to be induced at 42 weeks which led to a rather intense labor. With Ellie's assistance I was able to have the natural birth I was hoping for. Having her there let my husband relax and stay with me. Ellie kept everyone focused and took care of logistics based on my birth wishes as well as helping immensely with managing contractions.

Without a doubt, I would work with Ellie again for any future children. And my husband feels the same way.

Jillian Archer

4/12/2017

I was lucky to work with Ellie in two capacities. She was my hypnobirth instructor and I also hired her to be my Doula. She is amazing. Before meeting her I didn't really understand what a Doula was and now I can't imagine not having one! 

To say I was terrified to give birth is an understatement and having Ellie was invaluable. As a Hypnobirth instructor Eliie is knowledgeable and reassuring. i learned techniques that were so helpful in preparing me for childbirth and helped me turn my fear into empowerment.  After my first class, I was convinced that I wanted Ellie to be my Doula as well. Ellie is  confident, kind, and professional. She made me feel like I was her priority and she was with me (and my husband) every step of the way. She listened to my fears and helped me work through them and helped us create a birth plan that met our needs.  I felt comfortable calling her anytime to ask questions or get advice. During labor either myself or my husband was on the phone with her every couple of hours or so and she had a clear plan to help me keep my labor moving along. When it was time for her to meet us, Ellie was the calming presence I needed to stay centered and present. 

Ellie is also a lactation consultant which was an added bonus as not all Doula's have this certification.  i was so thankful to have her support with breastfeeding after my baby was born. Feeding my baby ended up being much more difficult than I had expected and having Ellie's support was extremely helpful. 

I just love Ellie and recommend her to you without reservation!

Mackenzie Peters

4/12/2017

Ellie is an amazing woman, mother and doula! She goes above and beyond the call of duty. When things didn't go as planned at the end of my pregnancy/labor/birth, Ellie was there to support and guide me through some tough decisions. Ellie helped my husband immensely in labor/delivery and he and I have both said if we have a third baby, Ellie will be the second person to know! I cannot recommend Ellie enough. She provides so much knowledge and helpful tips for making all births beautiful.

Christine Mooney

1/2/2017

My husband and I are incredibly grateful to have had Ellie as our doula for the birth of our first child. She really educated us on what to expect from the final months of pregnancy, labor and delivery, create a birth wish list to communicate our preferences, and guided us through the bumps in the road. Most importantly she gave us the confidence to follow our intuition and ask questions rather than simply follow standard procedure.

Today I’m so proud to say that we had the best birth experience possible and that it couldn’t have happened without her coaching, patience, meticulous organization and love. Thank you for being there for us, Ellie.

Abigail P

8/2/2016

Ellie gave me and my family the greatest gift: the umedicated birth of our second child. Ellie's knowledge and passion guided us to the most perfect birthing day. Our child received the gift of entering this world peacefully and without medication and I received the gift of restored confidence in myself as a mother and in my body that was designed to birth in this way.

The way in which I birthed our first child left me confused, frustrated and lacking confidence. When we became pregnant with our second, we decided to find a doula to help us have a more positive birthing experience. We couldn't be more thankful that we found Ellie. It was a perfect match. Ellie is incredibly knowledgeable, quick to respond to any questions and is the reason why we were able to have an unmedicated, peaceful and beautiful birthing day for our second child. She gave me the confidence and knowledge that I needed to birth in this most natural way. 

During the birth, Ellie used essential oils, soft lighting, coached and guided me through every surge, used the rebozo for counter pressure and fed me water and ice chips. Her presence gave me peace and strength at the same time. Post birth, she gave me an essential oil foot massage that lulled me to sleep and I was able to get some rest. Two days after our birthing day, Ellie sent us the pictures of our birth experience and they brought joyful tears to my eyes. To see how relaxed and limp my body was, even though I was working hard mentally, was a beautful sight.

This birthing experience has healed me in many ways and I will always be thankful to Ellie for this incredible gift. Because of Ellie, I no longer fear childbirth as I did after the birth of our first child. I no longer doubt my body or my mental strength. 

My husband and I have the utmost respect for Ellie and we will always be thankful for her. Should we be blessed with another pregnancy, Ellie will be one of the first to know!

Amanda Waddell

6/5/2016

After my initial doula went MIA, Ellie saved the day and took me on as a client just a few weeks before my due date. She graciously worked around our schedule and needs, and went out of her way to make my partner and I feel comfortable, ready for labor, and cared for. We kept in contact in the weeks leading up to b-day and she was always fast to respond and knowledgeable in answering my (many) questions :)

During labor, Ellie was everything you would want a doula to be--supportive, engaged, peaceful (may sound funny but it's huge), and ready to do any/everything to bring my birth wishes to fruition. My labor was filled with intense back pain, and Ellie tried EVERYTHING to help relieve that--rebozo, hypnobirthing prompts, back massage, aromatheraphy, assisting my partner and mom in techniques to support me--I could go on and on. I felt like I was on another planet throughout most of it all, but I can remember Ellie's calming voice and her confidence in me. That was key. I never would have made it unmedicated without her.

The day after giving birth to our little girl, I spoke with many of the hospital staff who attended my labor and we all agreed that Ellie was amazing (and they know their doulas!). I couldn't be more grateful for having her there with me. It was the hardest and best day of life all in one! <3

Sarah Raboin

3/16/2016

My husband Tim and I recently had the pleasure of working with Ellie throughout my pregnancy and during the birth of our first baby. A close friend recommended Ellie to us and we were immediately struck by her passion and knowledge regarding pregnancy and the birthing experience. We also had the opportunity to take the Hypnobirthing class with Ellie and found this to be incredibly beneficial in preparing for our birth as well as on the day of our birth. Ellie made herself available and was incredibly responsive and helpful in the weeks leading up to our birth. As I passed my due date and was approaching the 42 week mark, Ellie consistently checked in and provided suggestions to help us get the process moving naturally. Ellie's support throughout my labor was invaluable. She was attentive to my needs and flexible in her role. She and my husband worked as a team to support me in staying present, calm and grounded even as my labor became challenging. She also was of great support when we were faced with some difficult decisions and helped us to process the information presented and make informed decisions that were best for myself and our son. Following his birth, Ellie continued to make herself available and provide us with further information to help us adjust to all the changes associated with becoming new parents. We wholeheartedly recommend Ellie to anyone seeking support and guidance leading up to and on such an important day. 

Seth Dovev

2/8/2016

Ellie is not only an amazing Doula and HypnoBirth coach but an amazing person and the support my wife and I needed leading up to and during Labor. I first came into the course thinking this was a way for my wife to be prepared to deliver our daughter the way she wanted. Within the first 5 minutes of meeting Ellie and talking about what HypnoBirth is about, I realized this was as important to me as it was my wife. I learned a LOT. I was able to ask any question that came to mind about labor and what to expect. These were sometimes ridiculous questions, especially being a new father. Every question as odd as it sounded, was answered.The Hypnosis and breathing was extremly helpful. Our conversations with Ellie felt almost like pre-birth therapy. We were going through something we've never experience and Ellie was the support we needed to be prepared to enjoy the positive experience we were about to go through. The course was fantastic and we both learned exercises we could use if needed during labor and why and most importantly, they worked .Heading into labor, I felt prepared and confident that our first delivery would be positive. During labor, I was able to focus on supporting my wife and she was able to to deliver natuarally as we planned. My experience with HypnoBirthing was incredible and I would recommend this to any couple looking to explore ways to experience a natural birth. Ellie was available anytime we needed. When my wife went into labor, she got a call in the middle of the night and helped me focus on the hours ahead and what I needed to remind myself as we made our way to the hospital. The support during the last few hours of labor really helped my wife stay in the moment and allowed us to keep to our birth plan and enjoy our special day. My wife delivered natuarlly. We were so lucky to have her help us through this.

Erin Watson

1/2/2016

My husband and I took hypnobirthing classes through Ellie and had Ellie as our doula for the birth of our son. We're convinced both of those decisions were leading factors in having a successful, beautiful, (fast!) all-natural birthing experience.  The hypnobirthing classes prepared us for our son's birthday with relaxation techniques but most importantly, knowledge of the entire process so that we felt comfortable and confident when the day arrived.  Having Ellie as our support person leading up to, and during our labor was amazing.  Ellie checked in every week until I went into labor, patiently answered all of our questions, and when my water broke, was the first person my husband called! Ellie made our hospital room feel calm and comfortable (and not "hopspital-like") with LED-candles and essential oil diffusers. She was a constant, calming presence for both myself and my husband, helping me maintain my hypnobirthing mind-set and helping my husband be an active part of the entire labor and delivery.  We are eternally grateful to Ellie for all that she did for us and will absolutely be asking her to be our doula again! 

Coree Dovev

1/1/2016

Words can't express how thankful we are that we had Ellie to support us during pregnancy and for the birth of our daughter.  I knew from the start that I wanted to have a natural birth, and I am so glad I came across Ellie on Doula Match. In addition to our prenatal appointments with Ellie, we also took HypnoBirthing classes with her.  The information my husand and I gained from these classes was extremely valubale in preparing us to approach birth as a positive, joyful experience.  I ended up going into labor 2 days early, and Ellie's calm and peaceful presence helped me through a very quick and intense labor. By the time Ellie met us at the hospital, our daughter was about ready to make her appearance, and I was exhausted.  Ellie helped both my husand and myself remain calm and positive, and she continued to support me when I felt too tired to continue. The birth of our daughter was truly a beautiful experience; Ellie even captured photos of our special moments.  I highly recommend working with Ellie and we will certainly be using her again when we expand our family! 

Rebekah Stafford

12/30/2015

Ellie is amazing, and I can't recommend her more highly!  Our daughter surprised us by coming a bit early, and I had only met Ellie for the first time 5 days before I delivered.  We hadn't even had time to have our pre-birth plan meeting, but when I called her to say it was go-time, Ellie was at the hospital within an hour.  It was very important to me to have a natural birth, and I can say without a doubt that if Ellie had not been with us during labor, the chances of me sticking with that plan would have been pretty slim.  As a first time mother, I didn't know what to expect with labor - turns out its a pretty long and intense experience! My all things went relatively smooth, it was still 14 hours - that would have been a long time sitting in a room with my husband while the nurses occasionally checked in on us.  Having Ellie there kept both me and my husband calm.  She gave him instructions on how to support me through contractions, she reassured me that everything I was experiencing was normal, and she helped me get through each contraction.  She has a wonderful presence and she's incredibly capable - iF we are fortunate enough to have a second child, Ellie will be there with us for sure!  

Erin Haggerty

12/24/2015

Our family is so thankful that Ellie was with us during the birth of our daughter. I had a very healthy pregnancy and enjoyed the occasional phone check-ins with Ellie. When I was nine days overdue Ellie was reassuring and comforting. With Ellie's help, I felt prepared for the natural birth that I'd hoped for but after 18 hours of labor our baby was delivered via C-Section. It was important to me and my husband that Ellie be in the operating room with us. Her calming presence helped maintain the peaceful birth environment I had hoped for. Ellie was incredibly supportive to my husband in what could have been an otherwise extremely stressful situation. She equipped him with tools and strategies that allowed him to stay involved in the labor process. After the birth, my husband accompanied our daughter to the nursery for testing and Ellie stayed with me. I wholeheartedly recommend Ellie as a birth doula. The support she lent to our entire family was invaluable. 

Amy ML

11/12/2015

My husband and I decided to work with Ellie fairly late in the game (around 32 weeks) after we realized we could benefit from additional support for our labor and delivery (we are first-time parents). Ellie had just the right touch--both offering information/science/stats and providing emotional support and coaching. This was particularly helpful as we were not able to take a birthing class due to some family and scheduling issues. With her help and a few additional resources, we still felt prepared enough for the challenge. Ellie's training includes HypnoBirthing methods and rebozo techniques, which were helpful in feeling like we had some tools to work with (and we didn't have to keep them all in our own heads). She is a great listener and will truly advocate for and respect what the client wants, with no judgment. Her coaching and positive attitude during labor were invaluable--both to me and to my husband. We found it easy to trust her completely and let her share the experience with us. She took some incredible photos of the moments after birth, which we would have been too overwhelmed to capture ourselves. We'll certainly treasure those as well as the memories of the ups & downs of labor and delivery. We highly recommend working with Ellie!!

Samantha Verga

10/2/2015

My husband and I agree that working with Ellie as our Doula and Hynobirthing practitioner was the best decision we made in preparation for the birth of our first child. Our Hynobirthing classes were personal, relaxing and informative - when my labor began I felt prepared and fear free. My husband felt equally prepared for his role and it showed - he felt more comfortable and relaxed knowing we had Ellie as additional support during labor and delivery. Ellie was always available via phone, text or email if we had any questions or concerns. My labor and delivery was very quick and intense - I know having Ellie's support allowed for a quick and beautiful natural birth. I will always be grateful to her for her calm approach and incredible knowledge in helping my labor progress. We will definately be working with Ellie again when we decide to have a second child! I have already recommended her to a number of friends and family members! 

Maggie Van Camp

10/1/2015

Ellie was amazing! She was instrumental at keeping me relaxed and calm before and during labor. She taught my husband and I hypnobirthing which we practiced every day leading up to the birth. She was totally available via phone, text and email throughout my pregnancy if I had any questions or needed support. When it came time for her to come over (we had an awesome home birth!) she was there quickly and immediately set about organizing and helping both me and my midwives. I 150% reccomend her and if we have a 4th baby I will be calling her for sure!! My labor this time around was super fast and intense so having the support of a skilled and kind doula made a huge huge difference for me.

Michelle Mead

7/15/2015

I am so thankful to have had Ellie at the birth of my son. She helped both my husband and I prepare for the birth by meeting with us as we explored our desires for the birth and outlined our wishes. She supported and respected all of the decisions we made and we never felt judged. She was incredibly patient and flexible when things did not go as planned and we ended up being at the hospital for an extended period of time. Ellie was nurturing and compassionate. In addition to anticipating my needs, she made sure my husband took care of himself so that he could be present for me. They were able to work together to make sure that I was comfortable, both physically and emotionally. When it was determined that I would need to deliver via C-Section, Ellie helped my husband and I explore what this change in our birth wish meant for us, but then allowed us privacy to mourn the loss of what we had imagined for our son’s birth. Ellie was able to stay with me during the surgery and then remained with me after my son was born and my husband accompanied him to the nursery. This was a crucial time for me, as I was frightened and physically sick and would have otherwise been alone in the operating room. Ellie followed up with supportive text messages and a visit in our home when we returned home from the hospital. This visit allowed us to process the birth with someone and explore our feelings. My husband was initially skeptical about the benefits of hiring a doula, but we had such a wonderful experience with Ellie that we both feel it was well worth it. She was an amazing support to both of us and made an enormous difference in how we experienced the birth of our son.

Casey Harrison

3/4/2015

Working with Ellie was one of the best decisions we made regarding our childbirth experience. She was an invaluable resource, from the very first time we met. She came to our home before our daughter arrived and made sure that our questions were answered, and that she was aware of our wishes and priorities for the birth. During my labor and delivery, Ellie was absolutely incredible. Her help was more valuable than we could have imagined! She created a calm and pleasant environment, was encouraging and postive to my husband and I, and helped to ensure that our wishes were met and that our daughter arrived safely. Her gentle touch and pain-relieving techniques made a huge difference in the uncomfortability of contractions. 

We both couldn't stop talking about how much we appreciated Ellie's warm and nurturing presence at the birth of our daughter. She will be the first person we call if we decide to add another little one to our family! 

Jennifer Fisher

1/18/2015

The birth of my daughter was perfect – it was a day of love, calm, quiet, and laugher. Much of this was due to our amazing birth doula, Ellie. Her calming and supportive presence allowed me to relax completely and have a smooth hypnobirth. She provided physical and emotional support through massage and verbal prompts, as well as acted as an advocate to my husband and myself – she made sure nothing got in the way of us having the hypnobirth experience we wished for. She also provided all the details to make for a calm birthing environment, including candles, music, and essential oils. We cannot thank her enough for making the birth of daughter such a wonderful experience.