Jess Massey

7/1/2026

Elsa Carlson was my doula for both of my pregnancies. I became pregnant with my first winter of 2019 and by Spring 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic hit. During this time of uncertainty and confusion I was able to lean on her for support and guidance. I’m not sure how the birth of my first child would have gone if she wasn’t there to help advocate for my wishes. The isolation and fear that was brought on not only by being pregnant but it being my first pregnancy during Covid was such a learning experience that was turned into something positive by Elsa. She provided online resources, coaching and expertise that gave me the confidence to know I’m capable of giving birth to my baby in my own way.

As most first-time mothers know, pregnancy and labor don’t typically go as planned. Altogether I was in labor for about 24 hours. During the early hours of my labor, I was in constant contact with Elsa until she came to our home around 4p on July 21st. She stayed with us providing hands on support until we drove to the hospital around 6p. Thankfully the hospital policy had just changed the day before to allow two support people. Once admitted and in a birthing suite, Elsa knew exactly what to do without me having to say it. It was like she could read my mind. The oncoming Midwife brought a sense of anxiety and frustration. She was dismissive and lacked the empathy I deserved. Elsa was able to deescalate the situation and the entire room shifted back to support and teamwork. Our beautiful boy was born naturally at 11:27pm on July 21st, 2020. I can’t say enough how important this moment was for me because it could’ve gone south quickly if someone wasn’t there to advocate for my needs.

Elsa gave me that extra nudge to have faith in myself during the most transformative time in my life. She is a wonderful doula, and I would recommend her to anyone considering this path.

Jessica Massey

Sandra Fraser Maurer

3/9/2016

We hired Elsa to be our "pre-postpartum doula" as well as our postpartum doula.

I moved to the cities 33 weeks pregnant with twins and a 20 month old for my husband's PhD program.  I was unable to do most of the every day tasks due to my pelvic pain and tons of braxton hicks.  Elsa, with her birth doula background, and mothering skills (she has 4 kids of her own) was the PERFECT fit for us.

We felt/feel so blessed to have Elsa in our lives. She is on time, resourceful, flexible and knowledgeable.  Not to mention kind and caring and wonderful with out 2 year old.  She was able to help me get the WIC set up, pick up groceries, entertain my 2 year old, and when the twins were born she helped with laundry, dishes, meals, resting, nursing and general care of my new babies.  Not to mention helping me troubleshoot nursing problems with my fussier twin.

We are still working with Elsa (2 weeks postpartum) and are so grateful for her- would hire her again in a second!