Rachael Kreutzer

12/14/2021

My husband and I were advised by our pediatrician to look into hiring a Doula. We are first time parents and new we needed all the help we could get. Our pediatrician HIGHLY recommended we contact Colleen. We ended up hiring her for our labor/delivery and postpartum journey. To say her service was priceless is the best way to describe our experience. She was everything from a coach, teacher, advocate, cheerleader, and ultimately a friend. My husband new there were times he was going to feel helpless during our hospital stay and starting our new life at home. Colleen helped him tremendously and picked up where he left off. And she was with me every single minute of my labor, helping me progress and manage my pain and make our hospital stay warm and comfortable. I felt I had the best team during my labor and delivery. She was very professional but also soft, caring and considerate. Having someone like her in our corner during the most vulnerable and life changing time was so important. Things can change very quickly while in the hospital, lots of questions can come up and be overlooked by the hospital staff...so it's so nice to have someone knowledgeable and experienced there to help us navigate through it all. If you want to do something incredibly valuable as you welcome your baby into this world, hire Colleen!! 

Diana Weng

12/31/2020

Colleen was such an important part of our care team before and during delivery. Not only did she seemlessly work together with the clinical staff, but she was also respectful of my husband's and my space. She was a great advocate of my birth plan and encouraging throughout. She came with a breadth of knowledge, experience, and prepardness that helped tremendously to ease our worries through delivery. We don't know what we would have done without her. Thanks so much, Colleen!

Shital Chanthavy

12/30/2020

My husband and I welcomed our first child/daughter into the world on June 24th, 2020. We are very evidence-based when it comes to decision-making. We do our research, read studies, analyze data, and trust scientists and medicine. We believed the evidence regarding the benefits of having a doula. We interviewed a few others until our best friends recommended Colleen, and we just knew right away! We saw eye-to-eye with her and knew that she would help us get through this special time as closet as possible to our ideal way.

As a first-time mom, I was constantly paranoid! I can't even tell you how many times I picked up my phone to text Colleen. She usually responded right away with, not only an answer, but the evidence to back it up. She always made my concerns go away instantly!

The biggest thing Colleen did for us was empower us! We were so naïve in the beginning, of course! But she gave us the confidence to ask my OBGYN tons of questions, as well as make sure that this was the right hospital/doctor for us. At 30 weeks gestation, I felt comfortable switching docs and am so glad I did!

Colleen gave us a lot to think about, which led to our ideal birth plan, along with the mindset that things may not go as planned. Well, they did! She prepared me for labor weeks in advance and I called her when I was in labor. She came over and helped me labor at home with breathing techniques, massage, and movement. She trusted me to know when we had to go to the hospital. At the hospital, she guided me through practice pushes before the OB broke my water. After only 1.5 hours of being on the hospital bed and no epidural, I let out a Xena Warrior Princess scream and our baby girl was on my chest! I'm also grateful that the hospital let Colleen be there, regardless of the times we're in.

Colleen's help didn't stop there. She paid me a post-party visit and checked in often. She sure loves our daughter and I now consider Colleen a dear friend.

Shital Chanthavy

12/29/2020

My husband and I welcomed our first child/daughter into the world on June 24th, 2020. We are very evidence-based when it comes to decision-making. We do our research, read studies, analyze data, and trust scientists and medicine. We believed the evidence regarding the benefits of having a doula. We interviewed a few others until our best friends recommended Colleen, and we just knew right away! We saw eye-to-eye with her and knew that she would help us get through this special time as closet as possible to our ideal way.

As a first-time mom, I was constantly paranoid! I can't even tell you how many times I picked up my phone to text Colleen. She usually responded right away with, not only an answer, but the evidence to back it up. She always made my concerns go away instantly!

The biggest thing Colleen did for us was empower us! We were so naïve in the beginning, of course! But she gave us the confidence to ask my OBGYN tons of questions, as well as make sure that this was the right hospital/doctor for us. At 30 weeks gestation, I felt comfortable switching docs and am so glad I did!

Colleen gave us a lot to think about, which led to our ideal birth plan, along with the mindset that things may not go as planned. Well, they did! She prepared me for labor weeks in advance and I called her when I was in labor. She came over and helped me labor at home with breathing techniques, massage, and movement. She trusted me to know when we had to go to the hospital. At the hospital, she guided me through practice pushes before the OB broke my water. After only 1.5 hours of being on the hospital bed and no epidural, I let out a Xena Warrior Princess scream and our baby girl was on my chest! I'm also grateful that the hospital let Colleen be there, regardless of the times we're in.

Colleen's help didn't stop there. She paid me a post-party visit and checked in often. She sure loves our daughter and I now consider Colleen a dear friend.

Anna and Joe

5/27/2020

Having Colleen by our sides during our son’s birth was wonderful. I met with one other doula, but as soon as I met Colleen, I knew she was the right person. She is confident and strong while at the same time very nurturing and quiet. She gave us so much information before the birth, and it helped us to be prepared for our time in the hospital. 

I wanted a natural birth, but as labor progressed, I soon found out that many things would change. Colleen helped us to pause and take a little time with each decision rather than feeling rushed by the hospital staff. In the end, my son was born via cesarean and it was absolutely the right and healthy thing to do. Colleen was entirely supportive, and it was so wonderful to see her face in the recovery room. 

We are so glad she was with us. Coaching, guidance, motivation, nurturing, trust, calm. If we have another baby, we would absolutely want Colleen with us again.

Rachel Pluchar

2/7/2020

I had an absolutely beautiful experience with Colleen! She came recommended to us by our midwife and was a wealth of knowledge, reassurance, encouragement, and comfort from the very first time I first reached out to her. We knew she was a perfect match for us right away. She provided tons of solid, evidence-based advice including for the post-partum experience. She helped us formulate a birth plan and was a respectful and gentle advocate for that birth plan with the hospital staff. She was also able to guide my husband (who was very nervous as a first time dad!) throughout my whole 40-hour labor and delivery experience. She taught my husband different techniques to help alleviate pain and they both took turns applying them. She has a nurturing and gentle spirit and we would have been lost without her. I cannot even describe how comforting her presence was during the birth. She took photos of our son's birth which we will treasure forever. She was extremely responsive post-partum as well for all of my questions. Because of her, we have been singing the praises of doulas to everyone we know. I always figured I would only have a doula for my first baby because I thought I would feel comfortable being on my own after that for future births, but after our experience, we realize her tremendous value and definitely hope to have her again and again! I can't imagine not having her there!

Mandy

9/3/2019

Coleen was absolutely amazing! She knew what was needed every step of the way. This was baby #2. I knew what to expect but she was very informative and knew what I needed. She followed my birth plan and helped us along every step of the way. We loved Coleen and would recommend her to anyone!

Molly Allen

8/16/2019

My husband and I are so happy with our choice of Colleen as our doula, who helped me to achieve a natural childbirth in a hospital setting. Leading up to the birth, she checked in with me and was readily available by phone/text to provide resources (only evidence-based!) and reassurance. The prenatal visit was helpful in preparing us (especially my husband) for the big day - specifically how to advocate for ourselves in the hospital, and coping mechanisms during labor. Colleen was also super helpful over the phone when we went to the hospital earlier than we would have liked, due to my water breaking several hours before labor began - with her guidance I was confident in resisting medical interventions to start labor, and I'm glad I did - it started on it's own and then progressed very quickly! Most importantly, Colleen's presence during the delivery of my son was so helpful for both of us - she reassured me that I could do it when I doubted myself, and helped my husband to do the same. Between the two of them, I had the best support I could have asked for and I had the unmedicated labor and delivery I was hoping for, with no interventions necessary. She took photos during the birth of our son and also kept a timeline of the labor and delivery, which we are so happy to have and never would have done ourselves. She was so tactful with the hospital staff, and knew how and when to intervene or make suggestions. She stayed afterwards to help with nursing and then left us to have our special time together with our son. During the postpartum visit she helped me to process some postpartum complications I had that extended our hospital stay, made sure breastfeeding was going well, and discussed signs of PPD to look out for. Fortunately I have been nothing but overcome with love and joy since the arrival of our son, and I think a lot of that has to do with having such a positive L&D experience. Thank you, Colleen!

Shannon

5/21/2019

The more I researched childbirth the more I wanted to try to give birth unmedicated but I was scared! A friend recommended having a doula. In my search I came across Colleen through this site and after reading other's testimonials decided to get in touch with her. So glad I did! Right away my husband and I were drawn to her confidence in both the process of birth as well as her ability to support and advocate for the birth couple. It made me (and my husband) feel so much more confident to go for an unmedicated birth. Colleen made giving birth unmedicated possible for me. She was awesome during my 18 hour labor and delivery.  I knew I wouldn't be alone in communicating with the hospital staff about interventions they may suggest etc. She came to the hospital at 6am and was there until about midnight--she didn't leave my side! She was great at suggesting different positions as I labored (that's a lot of positions and time!). After 10 hours of labor when the baby's head wasn't in the right position she "sifted" me and helped get baby's head to move. It worked! She did awesome at working in the hospital setting and with the hospital staff and when the Dr. suggested she was the reason I wanted to refuse a medication she was so undefensive (she wasn't). She was encouraging through the whole process and her care came through over and over again. We weren't just a client, but real people and friends! My husband often refers to Colleen's doula service as "the best $900 we spent" in the whole delivery. And side note, we asked our nurses what they thought of Colleen and they said she was the best doula they had ever had at their hospital. You won't regret hiring Colleen as your doula!

Jennifer Moore-Curtis

12/27/2018

Colleen was an absolute sweetheart!! She assisted me in my first home birth / third childbirth and although I am a doula myself she was the first Doula I ever had assist me with one of my births and she was amazing! When she came in she moved swiftly but quietly and gently blended into the environment. She knew that photos were important to me and she helped to make sure I got some even when the photographer didn't show up! She brought an assortment of wonderfully smelling essential oils that completely changed my mode when needed and offered massage and other pain-relieving techniques and was not offended when I told her I didn't need it or didnt want to be touched, which was unexpected since I had really bad back pain with my first two and expected to want a lot of massage this time in case I had it again but I it didn't. She was the only one who is consistently by my side even when it was just as a quiet presence. It really made a difference having her there at my birth. I would highly recommend her as a birth doula.

Whitney Bryant

9/24/2018

Colleen is AMAZING! After having my first two children with epidurals, I was anxious about trying my 3rd without any pain medication. I was confident that I was at least supposed to TRY, but not very sure I would actually be able to do through with it. Well, my husband and I now believe it would almost have been impossible without Colleen's help! Through my whole pregnancy, she was faithful to stay in touch, asking me about doctor appointments and providing me with any helpful resources I requested. She was always available with words of encouragement and wisdom when I needed them. During labor she was extremely knowledgeable about the various positions that would help the baby move down with each contraction and gently challenged me to change positions every few contractions, to keep labor moving along. She was very calm and encouraging, constantly reminding me to breath low and deep, as I would always forget at the peak of contractions. She helped us make some difficult decisions in the process, without being pushy or telling us what to do. Her extensive knowledge and experience was a HUGE comfort to me. She also worked very well with my husband, giving him instructions on how to help me and encourage me. She had a very insightful way of being present and constantly helpful, without being over-bearing or intrusive. I could go on and on about how incredible she was! If we have another kid, I will definitely be calling her!

Ann

3/8/2018

Hire Colleen! You're Hiring the Best!

My husband and I knew we wanted a doula early on, but only started looking for one 3 weeks befor our due date, just days before Christmas. We met with 3 doulas, and Colleen stood out for her friendliness, knowledge, enthusiasm, and competency. Most importantly, she emphasized her approach of working with our hospitalists ain a coordinated way so that everyone could pull together for the best possible birth outcome.

We were staying in two different locations, both an hour away from Colleen, and she drove out to us to go over everything we would need to know ahead of time: positions, breathing, etc. She also sent us copies of sample birth plans to help us create one of our own, and came to my last OB check up with me, so she could meet my doctor and better understand where we might need support. She lent me her birthing ball and was not only responsive, but she also checked in with us consistently.

At my two-day followup, the doctor said I needed to be induced immediately. We notified Colleen and she dropped everything and drove out right away. It became evident it would take a few hours for me to go into active labor, so she helped my husband pack my hospital bag at home, drove my car back to the house from the hospital (we had 2 cars there), and then stayed with me while I was waiting for labor to start. She used her expertise in essential oils to help me relax and talked me through what I should be expecting in the next few hours.

When active labor did start, Colleen was by my side, helping encourage me throughout the entire rather painful process. I was able to give birth without an epidural, and with high praise from the nurses and doctors, due completely to Colleen. She also visited us twice afterwards, and even brough chocolate and wine (my favorites). I can't say enough good things about her - she comes with our highest reccomendations. We could not have picked a better doula!

Valerie Barger

3/21/2017

I had an absolutely wonderful birth experience with Colleen by my side, and I cannot imagine birthing without her! She was such a strong support to my husband and me from the day we met. Colleen helped me achieve my goal of birthing naturally, and it was a beautiful experience. She took the time to get to know us on a personal level and understand our hopes and fears that we had leading up to and surrounding our daughter's birth. Her knowledge and experience, having birthed 5 of her own children, was second to none. She was a gentle and respectful guide in helping develop our birth wishes, and she was always willing to answer any questions we had. Throughout labor, Colleen was involved from the moment I let her know I was contracting and came to my home once I felt I needed her assistance. She was patient and calm which helped produce the perfect atmosphere. Colleen was helpful in guiding us in the right direction as far as when we should leave to go to the hospital, and I was able to labor at home for most of the time, which was perfect! Once at the hospital, Colleen was amazing in continuing to support me, and was wonderful at encouraging and making sure my husband was there right alongside me. Her knowledge of labor and how to get through it naturally was so helpful. She listened to me from the moment we met through the birth of our daughter, and was amazingly aware and attentive to my needs throughout. I wish I could have had her by my side for the births of my other children, and highly recommend her to anyone who wishes to have kind, knowledgeable, gentle and respectful support through their pregnancy, regardless of how you will be delivering your baby. Colleen visited about a week after our daughter was born, and seeing her hold our baby was such a delight. Colleen has a heart for women, babies and families and was the perfect person to walk along side us. I am so thankful for her compassionate care for myself, my husband and our growing family!

Elizabeth Schwartz

11/15/2016

Where do I start?

My husband and I had interviewed with a couple doulas before meeting with Colleen. She reached out to me after I posted on a Facebook group. We met with her and were thoroughly impressed. Not only was she professional, we felt very comfortable, almost like we were already friends.

There were times through my pregnancy that Colleen reached out at random times via text just to check on how I was doing. She also came over and massaged me with essential oils toward the end when I really needed it.

Colleen leads with an open mind. She has plenty of experience and is educated, but understands that everyone is different. She does not make decisions for you, unless you want or need her to, such as at the hospital.

She came to my house when I thought I was beginning labor, and helped me relax while my husband was at work. (He would have made me more nervous anyway! Lol). Colleen made the call for when we should head to the hospital. Once we arrived, Momma Colleen took over. We had never done this before, and looking back, Colleen was extremely important to have by our side. She got along with the nurses and my OB, which helps!

I have always wanted natural childbirth. Colleen understood this. The hospital brought us a birthing ball and we went to town on different movements and stretches to aid in birthing with less pain and a quicker labor. Also, essential oils were diffused to help us all relax.

During labor, she attended to our needs. It was apparently a little busy for the nurses, so having another person on hand was wonderful. She was a huge help.

Once our was born, Colleen comforted us one last time and left, so we could bond alone with our new bundle of joy.

My husband and I highly recommend Colleen as a doula for other parents, whether it's your first or last. She's worth every penny.

Leah Neiman

11/15/2016

Colleen was wonderfully supportive throughout my whole birth experience, from our first phone call together to our postnatal visit! She was amazing during my labor, helping me with different  positions and encouraging both myself and my husband. With Colleen's help and guidance we were able to  labor at home for as long as possible, and get to the hospital just in time to push.  Both my husband and I would definitely recommend Colleen for anyone considering a doula. We loved having her as part of our birth team and would hire her again in an instant!

Ashia Lustig

6/23/2016

Colleen was amazing. She worked with me around what I wanted as well as what I actually needed during my labor. She was comforting and, when needed, had tough love spoken gently and kindly. She helped my home birth progress quickly with new positions and helped me maintain them while I was pushing. I had a great experience with her and would highly recommend her to anyone!