Yitbarek Fantahun Mariye

12/10/2021

I know Marlene Morris while I am working as a Gynecologist and Obstetrician in Ethiopia, Marlene is one of the best and first rated professional I met. I am impressed how she was so patient, so kind and so much concerned for our labouring mothers and she has given the women a great deal of comfort and calmness during labour and delivery and I am so happy having the experience to work with her. Consideing her being so cultural competent while working here in Ethiopia and her empathy, passion, devotion and professionalism I  highly recommend her for anyone who really want such a great care, love, support, and encouragement during birth

Romanique

11/11/2021

Marlene was my Doula support for my birth. Throughout my pregnancy late calls, and texts, nomatter the reasons I felt supported. 

An Unfortunate event,  resulting in a vaginal stillbirth for me @ 40 wks & 3days. My Doula was with me the entire way. From positioning and encouraged partner support; to heading into L&D; holding my leg while pushing, and guiding me in the direction of therapy to salvage my mental state. Throughout the aftermath of my trauma; I still felt supported. 

Marlene and the experience she has, the empathy and general personality she pours into her passion, transpires and transitions others.

I am a Certified Doula today because of the Advocacy, sister strength, and support from my dear friend.  

Her services are highly recommended, for higher, deeper connections within one's being, referrals for additional support, and doula/Post partum care.

Thank you for all you do ? 

Courtney Smith

5/22/2021

Marlene is a highly skilled professional who loves her work. COVID-19 caused our entire process to become virtual. However, I can say that I truly felt she was at my side every step of the way. 

Marlene spent hours providing me information, resources, and answering my questions. By the third trimester, I had a very detailed birth plan that made me feel confident about entering this experience. 

As I've learned, no birth goes as planned. Marlene was able to adapt to every unexpected instance and, believe me, there were many. I was in labor for 2.5 days and during eight-ish hours before leaving for the hospital, Marlene was able to diagnose the position of the baby by my pain, something the doctors did not bring to my attention. She was able to instruct me how to position myself to attempt to turn my daughter over. 

Eventually, I decided to head to the hospital, Marlene stayed on the phone the entire time. It was as if she was in the room. In fact, after hours and hours more of labor, I broke down and asked for and epidural because I was completely exhausted. I must have some sort of high tolerance to the drug because I felt everything through the dosage. If it weren't for Marlene, I believe they would have let me remain in that level of pain, which would have defeated the purpose of getting the epidural. I needed sleep. Marlene fiercely, but calmly advocated for me. The nurse was receptive and I was able to finally get a break. 

Having a baby is serious work, the unknown can be frightening, and the pain along woth the exhaustion can skew your thinking. It's important to have a team that keeps your head in straight. You need people who know you and what you want, people who won't let you get taken advantage of because you're indisposed. Essentially, you need Marlene. 

My daughter and I will be forever thankful for Marlene's help, guidance, and energy. 

Mikaela Brown

2/27/2021

Marlene genuinely cares for her clients and is invested in the health of both the baby and the mama. She stays connected throughout - in preparation for, during, and post-birth - seeing things through to the end even into the fourth trimester.

Leading up to my labor she was a wonderful sounding board to help me process as I tried to navigate preparing for birth. Marlene's knowledge of birth and the birthing system helped me figure out what I wanted, didn't want, questions I had that I didn't know I had, and how to make it all happen. She also provided good resources to help my partner and I know how to prepare for birth together. Marlene helped us to achieve clarity and figure out what was next each step of the way.  She is commited to helping you achieve the birth you desire. Dad appreciated being able to check in with her during early labor when contraction timing felt unusual to first time parents. It was great to be able to call her and be comforted about what was going on before calling the hospital or midwife. Part of the success of our labor comes from being able to securely labor at home for the length of time we did (not too short and not too long), and Marlene helped make that possible.

I would absolutely recommend Marlene as your doula. She is professional and deeply relational in her wholistic care for the whole family, and will raise your confidence in and chances of being able to achieve the birth you desire.  

Jiesha Altidor

11/9/2020

Marlene is an amazing doula and resource.  I live in Phoenix, AZ and worked with Marlene remotely.  She provided me with books to read and also walked me through the birthing process.   Due to her help and techniques she shared with me, I was able to have a healthy pregnancy and vaginal labor without medicine at the age of 37.  I would recommend Marlene to any family that wants to be more prepared for both pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.  

Katrice Martin

9/10/2020

My experience with Marlene was amazing. She was an amazing support. During my labor and delivery she was the calming force for me and my entire family. She did everything she could to make me comfortable. I did about 13 hours of natural labor. Marlene stayed by my side the entire time. She indulged my 12 hour song playlist. She was so positive. She helped me create an atmosphere of love and positivity for me and my entire family. Best doula ever but I'm biased. 

Eliana

9/10/2020

The doulas from The Birthing Beautiful Community are truly  Angels... here's why. When I became pregnant having a doula wasn't something I had even considered. After being referred to their community I had the pleasure and blessing of meeting Marlene. Marlene provides knowledge about the birthing experience (especially for black women, as it differs from other ethnicities of women's typical experiences). I was completely ignorant of delivery risks, how to naturally induce labor and breastfeeding. Marlene and The Birthing Beautiful Community changed that. With out Marlene's wisdom, patience and genuine passion my birthing experience would have been incredibly traumatic. I wouldn't even be the mother I am today. I am eternally grateful for her gift of preparing women to bring life into this world. 

Tim Cable

9/21/2019

Marlene was a force of confidence and goodness during my wife's labor and the birth of our son. She was by our side at all hours of the day and night. Amid rotating shifts of nurses, nurse assistants, midwives, and doctors, she gave us steady support. From knowing where and how to put pressure on my wife's back at 3 am to figuring out how to get our son into a better position in utero to calmly coaching my wife during delivery, she came through again and again. During pregnancy, she was full of great tips and resources, and she's provided great postpartum support, too. In short, Marlene played a huge part in making our birth story positive.     

Dayshari

4/24/2019

Marlene is very resourceful, she follows up with you with in a reasonable time frame, and she faces any issue with a can do attitude. It's a pleasure working with her!

Cloteal

3/30/2019

She absolutely love her, she's very smart,caring, supportive and have insight to help on everything I've been going through. I feel as though I wouldn't have been able to be as strong as I have without having her in my corner.  Thank you so much for giving me her as a worker and friend. 

Kristin Norton

3/7/2019

    Marlene was an outstanding doula from start to finish! She not only was calm, she was also very discerning in assessing my needs during labor! She helped guide the others involved to maximize a peaceful atmosphere. She really discerned my needs without having to be told. When i was ready to push at the end of my labor, I had really hit a wall emotionally and physically and was feeling like I couldn't do it...Marlene immediately encouraged me to focus, to be calm, and take a deep breath! When I was ready...push! And three pushes later, my baby girl was out! Afterwards, the nurse who said she had been working in the unit for 5yrs said, "this was the most beautiful birth she had ever seen and was in awe of my birth team! It was so peaceful and she was so glad she could have been a part of it!" I would highly recommend Marlene as your doula! I've had 4 children and this was by far my most peaceful, most relaxed, joyful births!

Tierra

2/25/2019

Marlene provided postpartum/nightcare for me. which was a huge help when sleep deprivation was too much of an obstacle to nurse the baby. She was empathetic and was a sounding board when I needed to release stress and anxiety regarding the demands of parenting a newborn. 

I would recommend her services to all those moms who are in need of rest and support to help combat against post partum depression and lack of sleep.

Shan B

10/31/2018

My experience with Marlene as my doula was amazing. When I first met with her I told her my concerns and the type of experience I wish to have during labor. She let me know that a natural hospital birth was very possible and that I had nothing to worry about. No matter what time of the day it was, she always made herself available to answer any question I had, pre and post labor. I love bragging  about my 6 hour, non medicated labor, with no complications. She was right by my side the whole time.  I could not imagine experiencing labor without Marlene as my doula. Anytime I meet a soon to be mom, I highly suggest finding a doula. And if you’re lucky you may find a doula that is as professional and passionate as Marlene.

Joy Muda Vanhu

9/20/2018

A massive thank you for your support and help Pre& postnatal. You gave me confidence and ensured I was up on my feet soon after giving birth. This was by far such a pleasant experience and thank you so much!!

Joy M  - London England

katrice martin

7/13/2018

Marlene was an excellent doula. I'm a first time mom and I didn't know what to expect during labor. Marelene was there explaining stop by stop the entire process. She eased my fears and comforted myself and my entire family. I did 14 hours of natural labor with Marlene by my side. She was an amazing doula. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She is also very helpful post partum. She has given so many tools for breastfeeding. My baby and I were lucky to have her as a doula.

Mir Stargen

6/24/2018

Throughout my pregnancy, Marlene was an amazing support. I sought after a Doula because I felt lonely in the birthing process with just my husband being there for my first birth just 1 year prior. I felt that my preferences weren't honored the first time around and I was unable to speak for myself during labor and even pregnancy at times. Marlene stood in the gap for me; she asked questions, made suggestions, and stood up for me when I needed someone. She held my 1 year old for me at lengthy ultrasound appointments, they even formed a bond. She calls him her "little friend". At each home visit she always asked me if I needed anything and brought me meals if my son and I were hungry. She's helped me even after my birth by bringing me diapers and breast pump essentials. I know it's her job but I feel in debt to her and i feel I can call her a friend. She is one of the few people I can trust with my children. A great Woman and a Great Doula who really cares about this work.

Kelly Bayzie

4/7/2018

Marlene was quite the powerhouse in aiding our pregnancy and labor! We most benefited from her insight in creating a birth plan and proper labor positioning. She has a great amount of wisdom, plus the added benefits of mama-bear instincts. You’ll be in anointed hands, should you decide to work with her!

Amy Laughlin

3/11/2018

Marlene was our post-partum doula for fourth child, and she worked with us overnight for eight weeks. Marlene was highly recommended – and she did not disappoint. She took phenomenal care of our baby girl and enabled the rest and peace of mind we needed to take care of the rest of our family. She was reliable and professional, and also a pleasure to have in our home. We were very fortunate to have Marlene’s support during this time. We highly recommend Marlene.

Timothy Grandt

11/29/2017

My husband and I were blessed to have Marlene Morris by our sides throughout our first pregnancy with our son. From the day we met she was full of knowledge and advise we wouldn't have known we needed to know otherwise. The morning I went into labor she was only a phone call away and we were texting back and forth all day. With every little question I had up until the time came to start to push I felt her loving support. Marlene has such a kind heart and a gentle touch to her that I think anyone could click with her as well as I did. I didn't know what a doula was before my pregnancy, but meeting Marlene and sharing my birthing experience with her, I will be recommending her and the option of a doula to all of my pregnant friends and family.

Kelly Evans

10/31/2017

Marlene's doula service to us was invaluable. This was my second pregnancy/birth and I was determined to not have another c section and to do anything in my power to enable that to not take place again. Marlene was crucial to that process and success. During pregnancy, she prepared us by providing education on different positions to use to ensure correct baby positionbig, positions my husband could do to help during labor and was also connected to an organization and group of midwives that provided additional education and community support if needed. She often checked in with a phone call and visit To check in and see how I was, to hold me accountable to doing my positioning techniques and to see how I thought the baby was positioned. One aspect I didn't anticipate but appreciated about the phone calls was that it was simply a space to talk about all things pregnancy; concerns, excitement, facts, encouragement, logistics, dreams, baby, me, marriage, family. She made herself available to attend a midwife appointment and did so to make sure she was familiar to the midwife and vice versa. During the day of labor and delivery, for both my husband and I, Marlene was present, calm, informative (keeping track of contraction times/intervals), realistic, encouraging, joyful, and hopeful. She came to where we were and alternated with my husband rubbing my back during contractions. Once we were in the hospital, Marlene advocated for things I didn't even remember desiring at that moment. She had written down my requests prior and was able to convey them politely and professionally and firmly to the nurse and midwife. I remember being so grateful she was there in general and in those specific moments. She took pictures of the birth knowing my heart for documentation and I'm grateful. We have a healthy boy, VBAC!! I felt so empowered. She checked in consistently afterward as well. Thank you Marlene for all your help and service to me and my family.

Robert Kellam

8/1/2017

Amazing experience. Marlene is very knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about her job. Knows how to work well with the hospital personnel.  Patient, and is willing to go above and beyond to ensure her client is comfortable and getting the best advice, and service. Respectful of others boundaries and concerns. Great multitasker, and friendly. It was important to me that our dog wasn't forgotten about while everyone was at the hospital and Marlene made sure the little guy was well taken care of! When I wasn't able to be home while mom and the baby were resting she made sure they were looked over. would definitely recommend to anyone. She is a huge help and very good at her job.

Erin Gargiulo

11/21/2016

I couldn't speak any higher of Marlene. First of all, she came to our aid last minute on an evening no one else in Cleveland would want to offer up their free time: Game 7 of the World Series. We were in our first week home with newborn twins and Marlene just knew exactly what I needed, and what our twin girls needed. She has an incredible calming presence, and was just wonderful with the girls. I was trying to find my rhythm with breastfeeding, and Marlene was up to the task of doing whatever I needed her to do. I highly recommend Marlene for her fabulous doula services. Thank you again ??