Yelena

4/10/2019

Rena was recommended to me by my doula becuase mine got sick last minute so Rena came to the rescue and my husband and I couldn't be happier. Rena respected our wishes about having an epidural and she was very supportive. Other doulas I interviewed kept trying to convince me not to have an epidural but with Rena I never felt guilty for my decision. I was induced so while I was in active labor in the hospital the doctors kept checking up on me and waiting for me to dilate; Rena helped translate what the doctors were saying and she kept my husband and I calm then entire time. The doctors (residents) kept implying I wasn't dilating quick enough and pushing me to get a c-section however Rena coached me through what questions to ask and I'm so grateful to her becuase I ended up having a natural birth (which I was very scared of!) and it was the right decision for me and my family. Rena was very supportive throughout the entire time (20 hours of active labor) and helped keep me comfortable and confident in what I was doing. This was my first birth and I didn't know what to do or expect so I'm so grateful to Rena for helping me through it and ensuring the safe arrival of my baby.  Even though we met for the first time in person when I was already in the hospital (because she was subbing in for my doula) we hit it off right away because of her great personality and demeanor. Even though a post-partum visit wasn't part of my package with my original doula, Rena visited us 1 week post-partum free of charge and answered our questions and reviewed our birthing experience. I will definitely be using Rena again and can't recommend her enough.

Stephanie Green

7/29/2017

Hiring Rena was the best decision I made during my pregnancy. Ever since I was a little girl my number one fear was always giving birth. I suffered from anxiety throughout my entire life with needles, Doctors, hospitals, etc. and I didn't know what to do to prepare for my first child. After a lot of research on doulas, I came across Rena's profile and setup a meeting for my husband and I to meet her. From the moment we met, we clicked and I knew there was something special about her. Rena isn't your typical doula and she caters to your specific fears, questions and desires. I knew I wanted pain medication during my labor and Rena was very supportive with my wishes. I cannot imagine going through the birth without her support and encouragement. She not only helped me remain calm but also helped my husband and I understand what was taking place throughout labor. I will definitely use Rena for my next birth. She helped me overcome my biggest fear and found a strength inside I never knew existed, which I will be forever grateful for.

Shari Astalos

4/4/2017

I cannot recommend Rena more highly. It is immediately clear that Rena is very passionate and enthusiastic about her job, and that your birthing experience is a priority to her. She was kind and patient from the moment that we started working together, and this followed through to my delivery experience. She was an advocate for me in the hospital and she was a positive and calming force for me during the entire process, from explaining to me what to expect, suggesting reading materials, meeting with me and my husband and going over techniques, being at my house with me as my labor progressed and then traveling with me to the hospital and staying by my side the entire time. Rena is knowledgeable, competent, and caring. Basically, she is everything you would want in a doula!

Cheryl Weiss

4/3/2017

Hiring a doula is an empowering decision. Hiring Rena as a doula embodies the meaning of modern empowerment. Rena was my doula for 2 very different births and through her guidance I felt in control and calm. One thing that makes Rena unique from other doulas is that her main goal is to educate without judgement. She will talk to you about what kind of birth you want, teach you about it, and support you though it. She does not believe there is one right way, but that you should be able to make informed choices and follow through with them.
My first birth was in an environment with doctors that were very unsupportive of my birth choices, and Rena talked me through it, and with the nurses guidance assured me and my baby were safe. Because of her I was able to have an experience that I chose. My second birth Rena recommended a women's group, and a hospital, and I had a wonderful birth experience. She helped to make a good experience truly memorable, calm, and peaceful. Most importantly, I never felt fear during the emotional experience of giving birth because I was well prepared and well cared for. I cannot recommend Rena highly enough.