The RollyMama
Beverly, MA Service range 60 miles
Birth Fee
$1500 to $1800
Birth Fee
$1500 to $1800
9 years and 90 births attended
Type of practice: Partnership with 1 other doula
Clients per month: 1 to 4
Attends hospital births? Some Hospitals
I am a student midwife and especially enjoy supporting home and birth center births. I also work frequently at Beverly and Mount Auburn Hospitals..
Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers
I learned to become a doula at the North Shore Birth Center when it was open, and I am currently working with a group of passionate advocates to build a new birth center on the North Shore. I am a strong believer in the midwifery model of care and am committed to improving access for all birthing families in my community.
Attends home births? Some Home Births
I am studying to become a Certified Professional Midwife in the hopes of practicing more in homes and free standing birth centers.
MA/MS
I am a volunteer doula with the Connecting Young Moms group at Beverly Hospital. It is my joy to support ALL kinds of families: LGBTQ+ families, single-parent families, no matter what your family looks like you are welcome with me and deserve birth support!
In order to have as much experience as possible in out of hospital birth, I currently offer discounted services to Homebirth and birth center clients. I would hate for anyone to miss out on support during birth due to financial strain. Please let me know if you have trouble affording my fee and we can talk about what will work for you.
Beverly, MA Service range 60 miles
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Post a testimonial for Rollyn Bornhorst
11/23/2023
To Rollyn with love and gratitude: Craig and I wanted to express just how grateful we are for your unwavering support and care during Linden's birth. Welcoming her into the world was a journey filled with many twists and turns, but having you by our sides made all the difference. In the midst of a complex birth, you guided us, helping me remain calm and confident in the choices we were making as a new family. Your care was a source of strength, and we will forever cherish the role you played in Linden's arrival. You will be a part of the story we tell her as she grows up. Thank you!
10/31/2023
Hiring Rollyn to be our doula was the best decision we made. I knew that I wanted to hire a doula, but I was nervous about finding the right one. Luckily, Rollyn was recommended by my midwife and was the perfect fit! I was very anxious throughout this pregnancy as we have a history of miscarriages, so I hired Rollyn early on around 16 weeks pregnant. During our first zoom meeting I immediately felt more calm and even a bit excited about the birth process! My husband and I also appreciated her passion for evidence based decisions and her sense of humor. Rollyn continued to support me emotionally throughout the pregnancy by checking in regularly via text, offering advice and resources when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and helping me prepare for the birth experience that I wanted. I had a long labor and she was there every step of the way supporting both me and my husband. Despite my labor not going exactly as I had originally wished, I could not be happier with the way it went and I truly believe that it’s because Rollyn was there by my side the whole time. I can’t wait to hopefully work with her again someday!
9/20/2023
It's taken me 5 months to write this review, only because I so hope to capture the magic of Rollyn's support, and I don't want to miss anything. I first met Rollyn as a fellow doula, and when my husband and I were gearing up for IVF after recurrent pregnancy loss trying on our own, I knew it was Rollyn I needed on our team. She was honest that she didn't know much about IVF, and I told her it didn't matter, because I could share what we were experiencing/deciding as it happened, as long as I had her presence.
As a sexual trauma survivor with the fresh layers of grieving our should-have-been babies and the trauma of IVF, I was immensely grateful to have Rollyn's support continue through this pregnancy & birth. She understood me at my core, she never tried to change me, she appreciated the blessing & challenge of knowing so many birth stories before my own. Rollyn was there before and after my egg retrieval, in the OR during transfers, was one of the first calls when we found out we were pregnant, then another call when we found out we were pregnant with twins, then all the waves of anxiety wondering if this pregnancy would finally be different, then in the OR when each baby was passed through the window to us & her. She was there for our babies' naming ceremonies. She was there. When I was in agony with postpartum constipation, she was there. She was one of the first people to love our kids, even before we knew they'd be ours, and I felt loved every step of the way, no matter what I chose, prioritized, valued. My husband and I both received the support we needed, even though we needed different things.
My family is so spectacularly lucky to have Rollyn forever be part of our chosen family. There are no words that could ever capture the gift of having Rollyn in our lives, or how confidently I could recommend her to anyone. I felt my birth was perfect for ME - and part of that perfection was having Rollyn.
9/18/2023
My wife and I have had the pleasure of having Rollyn as our doula for 2 very different pregnancies: 1 scheduled c-section due to a breach baby and 1 successful VBAC.
I have nothing but great things to say about Rollyn. She helped us create a rock solid VBAC birth plan (with plenty of backup plans) to help us feel empowered in the days leading up to my wife's delivery.
Over the course of 52 hours of labor, we were met with many decisions points, and Rollyn was an invaluable resource for all of it—not only for my wife, but for me too.
One of the qualities I value most in Rollyn is her emphasis on data-driven decision-making. She helps provide the context needed to feel confident in the decisions you make before and during labor and delivery.
She is also incredibly dedicated to her craft. We had a couple long nights during my wife's pregnancy, and instead of going home, Rollyn slept in her car to make sure she was always close by. If that's not commitment to your client, I don't know what is.
In short: Rollyn is kind, knowledgeable, and fully committed.
If my wife convinces me to have a third, I already know who our doula is going to be.
7/6/2023
I found Rollyn on doula match. We interviewed a few different doulas who were all wonderful in their own way but I felt an immediate connection with Rollyn.
I knew Rollyn would be the perfect person to help me through the big day, but what I didn't realize was that she would be such a critical sounding board for much of my second and third trimester. From a Gestational Diabetes scare (which I ended up not being diagnosed with thanks to Rollyn encouraging me to ask for another test), to carrying my son to almost 42 weeks because I so badly didn't want an induction, she empowered me to advocate for myself every step of the way. And when I knew my son was facing the wrong way, she sent me so many helpful Spinning Babies resources. I really felt like - along with my husband - we were in it together. She was always a text away.
Then when the big day arrived, Rollyn was every bit the doula I needed. She again empowered me to advocate for myself. For a birth experience that looked almost nothing like I planned (whose does?!) Rollyn still made sure my wishes were heard. And she definitely made sure I still had gas in the tank to push (via grape popsicles and chicken broth) after many hours of labor.
One of the things I am most thankful for is that I walked away from what could have been a traumatic birth experience feeling like I was in control and had the best team by my side. If Rollyn had not been there my son likely would have been born via C Section or other interventions - which in my case would not have been medically necessary. Our family will forever be grateful to her, and I will never look at a grape popsicle the same way again :)
4/28/2023
Rollyn absolutely transformed our birth experience in the most powerful way ??. If we're blessed with future children, she is a trusted resource I would go to again, and again, and again. I felt so held and supported by Rollyn during our birth planning, labor, and delivery and felt relief and comfort in having her guidance, mentorship, bright supportive light, and leadership through the most vulnerable moment of my life. She really helped me tap into an inner strength I didn’t know I had. She advocated for my wishes, knew exactly how to support me in the way I needed, and helped bring my birth preferences to fruition. She was genuine, loving, caring, a wonderful listener, and she was incredibly supportive to us first-time parents. We have so much love and appreciation for Rollyn and deeply appreciate her for being such an integral part of our birth story!
2/7/2023
Asking Rollyn to be our doula was a no brainer. We knew we wanted her with us on the most important -- and challenging! -- day of our lives so far because of her joyful, peaceful nature, her thorough knowledge and skillset, and her maternal warmth. It took no time at all to feel like longtime friends, and this closeness helped me feel comfortable and at ease working with her. She is a wealth of information on birthing practices, pain management strategies, and spiritual guidance, alleviating any stress we may have had about the new experience -- we knew we were in good hands and had a fierce and informed advocate on our side. It was important to us that my wife also feel supported and involved through the process, and Rollyn seamlessly gave her the tools to be included every step of the way. When it was Go Time, Rollyn was with us through it all, empowering and encouraging both me and my wife. The day we got home from the hospital, the first person we wanted over was Rollyn -- and we continue to build and nurture our closeness even now!
2/6/2023
Rollyn came highly recommended by a friend of mine and I totally see why. We started our birth journey at home (planned a home birth) and then ended in the hospital for various reasons and, ultimately, ended in a c-section at hour 34. Rollyn was there ever step of the way and I can't imagine having gone through this process without her. Both I and my other half leaned on her when we had questions about what to do next. From our initial consultation all the way through the birth and then the post-birth follow-up, Rollyn was professional, friendly, and warm. It was like having a family member looking out for us (but without the drama of actually having family there). She took the time to get to know us as people and what we were looking for out of the birth. Ultimately, we feel like everything happened the way it needed to and Rollyn was a huge part of the experience. I can't recommend her enough. She was the one who connected us with our dynamite midwife team! THANK YOU, ROLLYN!!
10/14/2022
Both my husband and I were so impressed with our first time experience with a doula, and Rollyn was absolutely outstanding to work with! We especially resonated with her because of her flexible style of working and attentiveness to all of our unique needs and concerns.
During my 12 hours of labor, Rollyn was a consistent source of strength and security in moments when both my husband and I needed encouragement, reassurance, or just a steady presence from someone who was 100% focused on our well being.
We both agreed that, from start to finish, The birth process was much less anxiety-provoking with Rollyn's presence than it would have been had we not had her! She is a wealth of knowledge, and provided us with tons of resources around any topic or question that we had. She was prompt and caring in her communication. She also offered essential information about various aspects of the labor and delivery process that I hadn't thought of or considered. So she was very good at anticipating my needs as well as meeting them!
I appreciated that in our first consult, she spent a lot of time getting to know us and our preferences, hopes, and concerns. I felt like she really understood me, saw and heard me, and was very interested in supporting my process in becoming a mother through a support style that matched what works for me. In fact, my husband and I joked that we wished she could just be our life coach, in general!
If we decide to have another child, I can already say that Rollyn will be getting a call from us! Thank you thank you thank you!
10/13/2022
One of the first things we did when I became pregnant was hire a doula. Rollyn was recommended to us by my midwife, and we could not have been happier to work with her! From our first conversation, we appreciated her warm energy and supportive, client-focused approach which put us at ease. She did an excellent job of walking us through what to expect when we arrived at the hospital and talking through a variety of sequences that may occur. She listened carefully to and respected our wishes, and helped advocate for my comfort and care at every step of the journey. Rollyn was an essential member of our birth team, and made an incredible difference throughout the experience. She managed to strike a perfect balance between actively coaching me throughout the labor and delivery process, as well as providing my husband with support as the birth partner. She has excellent communication skills grounded in empathy, compassion, and intuition. We felt empowered and supported throughout the whole experience with Rollyn on our team. She helped create a birth experience in which we felt truly cared for and we are grateful for the guidance and support she provided us. We cannot imagine having done it without her!
6/15/2022
I am so grateful I had Rollyn as a part of my birth team. I reached out to her very early on in my pregnancy and we discussed my birth wishes. She was extremely supportive throughout my whole pregnancy and on the big day. She was great about providing resources and sharing her experiences that were relevant to my situation, but not enough to overwhelm or stress me out. Her experience and connections in the birthing community were a huge asset when I thought at one point I might have to switch providers and she was able to advise on who in the area was aligned with my wishes and most likely to give me the experience I wanted, and even talked me through home birth options. She also was very knowledgeable about the hospital where I gave birth and was helpful in reassuring me that the practices there were in line with what I wanted. During labor and delivery she advised us when to go to the hospital, supported my partner and me during all stages of labor with empowering words, cool wash cloths, and position suggestions, and picked up food and flowers for us after baby arrived. I highly recommend Rollyn and I could not imagine going through this without her!
6/7/2022
As my contractions began to intensify I was able to remain calm and focused because I knew I had the best support team by my side, my husband, my midwives and the Doula they recommended, Rollyn. I knew from the very beginning of my pregnancy I wanted to hire a Doula to help guide my husband and I through the most exciting time of our life. From the very first phone call we had with Rollyn I felt confident we were choosing the right person to be by our side. She was inquisitive and really wanted to learn about us and what we needed from her. She even attended a Spinning Babies class with us to help expand her knowledge because there is always something new to learn when it comes to childbirth! We were able to implement many of the positions we learned during my birth with her support. She was able to support me emotionally when I had to have an unexpected induction and guided me on what to ask my midwives and educated me on what to expect in a hospital setting. Rollyn was able to remind me to eat, drink, encouraged me to use the peanut and birth balls and to keep moving. She knew when to stay in the background and when to be present and offer support. When my husband needed a break she climbed on the bed with me and rubbed my back. During the pushing phase she reminded me of what positions I had planned to try and helped me get into them. On my request she took pictures and videos I will cherish forever. She wrote up my entire birth story which I think is the coolest thing ever. Rollyn was reliable and prompt in her responses leading up to the birth and arrived when requested when I was in labor. I would highly recommend her services to anyone looking for an intuitive and wonderfully kind Doula to join them for their birth.
3/30/2022
Rollyn was absolutely amazing to have in my corner for the delivery of my third child. I worked with her virtually from Colorado, and she helped me through the challenges of first trimester nausea and navigating a breech baby up until 36 weeks with resources, support, and encouragement (and baby did flip!). Rollyn always felt available to me, including when I went into unexpected early labor 4 weeks early. Due to not having childcare set up for my older children that early in my pregnancy, I had to go to the hospital on my own with contractions, and Rollyn was supporting me through the whole process with encouragement, calming words, and making me feel like I had someone on my team. My labor ended up stopping, and ironically, I went all the way to 41 weeks. Rollyn was again so supportive during those impatient, uncomfortable days leading up to and beyond my due date. One thing I really appreciate about Rollyn is that she is such a knowledgable, nonjudgmental space to process what's going on and what your options are. I truly felt her support in allowing me to make the best decision for myself, and then giving me resources and ideas based on the decisions I made. No matter what type of birth you dream of and hope for, you will feel empowered and so, so grateful to have Rollyn as part of your birth team!
2/17/2022
Rollyn was absolutely amazing to work with throughout my pregnancy and labor. She was so helpful during our 36 week meeting talked my husband and I through the entire delivery process. It really helped calm us/make us feel prepared for labor. When the hospital changed policies and we had to switch to virtual support, Rollyn was helpful with pivoting and helping me mentally prepare for an adjusted birth plan. I ended up having to be induced and prior to my induction Rollyn again talked me through the entire process to help calm my nerves and prepare me for the process. I wanted an unmedicated childbirth and Rollyn was key to making this happen for me (minus the induction medications). Even virtually she was able to talk my husband through different pain management techniques to help keep me calm during labor. I will absolutely hire Rollyn again if I have more children in the furture.
2/14/2022
Rollyn was an amazing asset to our birth team! She was always available for questions leading up to our birth from phone calls to sharing links and articles that could be helpful. When our birth plan went sideways due to health complications, we still felt she had a lot of valuable information and guidance to lend. Due to COVID, Rollyn was not able to be in the room with us during labor & delivery but she was a great support to us throughout the entire journey! We would highly recommend her!
2/13/2022
Rollyn is incredible. She came with me and held my hand and cheered me on when I had an ECV to turn a breech baby. She was such a great sounding board for me as I weighed options around methods for induction when I got to 42 weeks. She was supportive of our choices and provided evidence based resources and information.
Our plan was for an unmedicated birth and Rollyn worked tirelessly for over 12 hours to try to help with different positions to help baby descend, and also help me and my partner to rest. When labor stopped progressing, Rollyn gracefully supported our decision for an epidural even though it was not our original plan. Her calm steady presence provided a low key positive energy for the entire labor.
She came to visit us after our baby was born and helped us reflect and process the birth experience. Even our shy toddler couldn’t help but love her and her gentle steady nature.
I can’t imagine anyone better suited to what they do, or anyone else we would have with us during such a tender and beautiful time.
12/15/2021
Working with Rollyn was one of the best decisions I made during the pregnancy of my first child! I came into pregnancy with a lot of fear, but she was there every step of the way as I had more questions than my doctors could really address. Rollyn, my husband, and I made such a strong team during what turned out to be a long labor with many decisions to make along the way and many situations that didn't align with my original "preferences." Regardless, the birth of my son was one of the most positive and empowering experiences of my life and that is in a large part due to Rollyn's presence. She knew exactly how to keep me comfortable, keep me informed about everything happening around me, and help me to think through each new scenario that arose. I can't recommend Rollyn enough for her experience, kindness, positivity, and genuine love for helping moms bring babies into the world.
10/15/2021
When life throws you lemons, hire Rollyn as your Doula! We found out at 36 weeks that baby Sully was a breech baby, that I was anemic, and that my entire birth plan was turned upside down.
During that time Rollyn was a huge support and comfort -- offering all the resources from spinning babies to acupuncture, to chiropractor suggestions, even setting us up with a colleague of hers who walked my husband and I through a C-section sensory experience to help set us up for success.
Before birth Rollyn and I met on several occasions to help set up exactly what I wanted since she could help advocate on my behalf while we were at the hospital.
She went above and beyond the morning of the cesarean bringing candles, little cards, pumpkin decor (since we had an October baby) treats for the nurses, and my favorite candies. One thing she gifted us with was an empowering fuzzy blanket which I used during my hospital stay. Rollyn really honed in on the celebration of my son's birth as his first birthday. This put me at ease since I was super nervous about having the procedure and she was there to remind me that this was an exciting and special day.
After my son's birth she was there with us until the afternoon making sure my husband and I were okay, and then came back again that same week bringing treats like bagel world and muffin. To this day (we're 10 days postpartum) she continuously checks in on me and asks what we need. we are forever grateful for all that she's done and I highly recommend working with her if you're in the north shore area.
9/13/2021
From our first phone call, Rollyn exuded an undeniable warmth and confidence. It was obvious she not only loved her work as a doula, but thrived in it and genuinely cared for us.
At almost 42 weeks she made sure we were familiar with our options and research as it related to induction, but also helped us understand these things in the context of our particular priorities and comfort levels. This preparation was extremely helpful as we spoke with our care team and eventually when I was induced a few days later.
Rollyn’s presence during labor was exactly what we needed. Her steady confidence helped me through each contraction, as well as I when pushed my baby into the world. Her calm demeanor put my husband at ease throughout the night, which helped me to relax even more. She didn’t bat an eye when I asked for an epidural and helped me move into positions that kept baby in an optimal position.
Giving birth was one of the most vulnerable things I’ve ever done. Rollyn held me and cheered me on throughout 22 hours of labor. Her attentiveness, creativity, humor, and endurance were invaluable to us and enhanced our birth experience ten fold. She was a light in uncertain territory and we are forever grateful for her wisdom and care.
4/1/2021
We hired Rollyn ~two months ahead of giving birth. We wanted someone to educate us on the birthing process and be an advocate-especially as this was our first baby. Articles & apps cannot substitute for lived experience & I wanted someone to act as ‘stand in’ for me mentally. I needed someone who could be rational under chaotic circumstances so that my husband could focus on me. Rollyn provided me with a wealth of resources, invaluable as I stressed over getting both work & home affairs in order. She happily (& promptly!) provided me with links, articles & advice as I crafted my birth plan. I was excited to learn that she would be allowed with us in the delivery room.
I now joke that the only part of my birth plan that was unchanged were the names. Most everything had to be modified or compromised due to complications requiring unwanted interventions. Rollyn helped us process everything. You don’t fully appreciate the emotional component of traumatic events; some of the information got lost as we processed it. This is where having Rollyn with us became so critical. She was our sounding board & advocate, helping us make decisions.
Ultimately, we ended up needing an urgent c-section. After an angry cry & brief talk we moved forward. My birth experience was disappointing, but it would have been far more traumatic without Rollyn. She stayed with us until we into recovery (Covid protocol limited us) & has checked in with us regularly thereafter. Despite not having the benefit of a more natural, vaginal birth, we were so grateful to have Rollyn to walk us through this experience. Her passion is evident, & her resources are valuable beyond measure. She has a special calming touch that reduced my pain & helped me endure contractions more easily. We would recommend Rollyn’s services to any person or family expecting a baby!
3/2/2021
I first contacted Rollyn during the first trimester of my first pregnancy. Unfortunately, this ended up being a nonviable pregnancy with followed complications. Rollyn was immensely supportive as my husband and I processed the loss of the pregnancy. A year later I became pregnant again and luckily this time around the pregnancy was indeed viable. Rollyn and I returned to working together! Naturally I had some nerves surrounding this pregnancy... and Rollyn made me feel safe, supported and cared for every step of the way! Our monthly calls became a grounding anchor for me and helped guide me as I journeyed through my pregnancy. Together we formed a “birthing wishlist” and as we neared the end of the pregnancy, she took the time to include my husband in the process. The 3 of us made a great team on the day of labor and delivery! We felt extremely comfortable in Rollyn’s presence! Her easygoing, gentle and caring personality makes for the perfect doula!
Rollyn takes the time to get to know you!
She cares deeply and is purposeful in her way of showing up. We loved the partnership we created with Rollyn and will definitely include her next time around! From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You for the love you have shown us and our son! We are forever grateful!
12/14/2020
I can't recommend Rollyn enough, she was an incredible help and a key member of our labor and delivery! After a previous traumatic birth experience, my husband and I decided to hire a doula to help support us this time for our second baby. Our first labor was incredibly difficult and ended in an emergency C-section, mostly due to the baby being in an unfavorable position. With Rollyn's help, this time around we were able to have a very successful VBAC! She was incredibly sensitive, encouraging, uplifting, and knowledgeable. She suggested various positions during labor to help the baby spin and move down. She worked so well with the other nurses and my husband, and helped create a space that was positive and peaceful. I could go on...Rollyn was a major contributor to us having a successful unmedicated VBAC and an overwhelmingly positive labor experience. Thank you Rollyn!
9/15/2020
We are so happy we worked with Rollyn, this is our first child and I was very nervous and anxious about childbirth; she provided unbelievable support and her expertise made both my husband an myself feel much more comfortable and calmer during labor. Rollyn had amazing pain-relieving methods that truly helped me get through the contractions. I can’t imagine having gone through the process without her.
1/18/2020
I chose to work with Rollyn because she conveyed the right balance of warmth, ease and professionalism. Birth is such an intimate experience— it was important to feel that I was investing in not only a service but a relationship. From our initial meetings I sensed that I would feel safe with Rollyn in my most open, vulnerable state. Most importantly, Rollyn was a supportive and loving guide on the most physically and mentally challenging day of my life. But she also went above and beyond to support my partner and me in the months leading up to the birth of our son. She was available to field questions, discuss concerns, and connect us with additional resources in the community. She encouraged me to share updates on my prenatal care. Due to my age, I had a lot of tests and monitoring in the third trimester— Rollyn always checked in to see how the baby and I were doing. Her experience working with pregnant and laboring women and their partners, as well as the labor & delivery medical team, put my partner and I at ease and gave us the confidence to pursue a low-intervention birth. In her unique role, Rollyn perfectly complemented our amazing birth team, who facilitated the positive, empowering birth experience I had hoped for. My partner referred to Rollyn as a “rock star” and "a calm and confident influence in an overwhelming situation." There were unexpected perks, too! Rollyn took photos immediately following delivery, capturing some incredibly special images of our son’s first moments Earth side. She also kept L&D notes to share at our postpartum visit. Having turned inward to cope in the latter hours of labor, my recollection of details and timelines were hazy. Rollyn’s notes were invaluable for recounting my birth story. Having shared such an extraordinary experience, we will always have a unique connection with Rollyn and won't hesitate to request her support if a second baby is in our future!
1/18/2020
I chose to work with Rollyn because she conveyed the right balance of warmth, ease and professionalism. Birth is such an intimate experience— it was important to feel that I was investing in not only a service but a relationship. From our initial meetings I sensed that I would feel safe with Rollyn in my most open, vulnerable state. Most importantly, Rollyn was a supportive and loving guide on the most physically and mentally challenging day of my life. But she also went above and beyond to support my partner and me in the months leading up to the birth of our son. She was available to field questions, discuss concerns, and connect us with additional resources in the community. She encouraged me to share updates on my prenatal care. Due to my age, I had a lot of tests and monitoring in the third trimester— Rollyn always checked in to see how the baby and I were doing. Her experience working with pregnant and laboring women and their partners, as well as the labor & delivery medical team, put my partner and I at ease and gave us the confidence to pursue a low-intervention birth. In her unique role, Rollyn perfectly complemented our amazing birth team, who facilitated the positive, empowering birth experience I had hoped for. My partner referred to Rollyn as a “rock star” and "a calm and confident influence in an overwhelming situation." There were unexpected perks, too! Rollyn took photos immediately following delivery, capturing some incredibly special images of our son’s first moments Earth side. She also kept L&D notes to share at our postpartum visit. Having turned inward to cope in the latter hours of labor, my recollection of details and timelines were hazy. Rollyn’s notes were invaluable for recounting my birth story. Having shared such an extraordinary experience— we will always have a unique connection with Rollyn and won't hesitate to request her support if a second baby is in our future!
4/12/2019
Rollyn's involvement in our birth was such a gift! Her support throughout the pregnancy was so important to our journey into parenthood - from our meetings leading up to the birth, her availability to answer questions and provide resources, she helped to put our minds at ease and did all she could to make sure our birth experience contained all of the components we desired. Rollyn's spirit is gentle, kind, and loving, she is the type of person that makes one breathe a little easier just by being with her! The birth of our dear son was intense and filled with many unexpected turns (as they all are!) and Rollyn was there for us every step of the way, providing the utmost physical, mental, and emotional support. Rollyn has gone above and beyond our expectations, visiting us after the birth and has become someone we hope continues to be a presence in all of our lives for years to come! We cannot imagine our little guy coming into the world without her there!
10/24/2018
I chose Rollyn to be our doula for the births of both our first and second baby, in 2016 and 2018 respectively.
I chatted with a few other doulas beforehand but I decided that Rollyn was the best fit for us. The reason for that was that, from our initial exploratory meeting in a coffee shop in 2016, I was struck by her positive energy.
Our experience from both births is that Rollyn will be your birth advocate, your steadfast companion, your listening ear, and your guide through the sleep-deprived days of new parenthood.
We went through a difficult time following our first birth. Rollyn's support was invaluable through those weeks.
Rollyn brings a wealth of experience but, more than that, she is just so down-to-earth, kind and good-humored. Her generosity of spirit makes her a very special and a very capable doula. My husband and our parents (baby's grandparents) are also big fans of hers, and we're all grateful to her for all that she does. Rollyn is exactly the type of person I want by my side, no matter what kind of birth I am having.
9/18/2018
My husband and I feel so lucky to have had Rollyn with us at the birth of our third child. In the months leading up to our due date, she met with us to discuss any concerns and hopes we had for the experience; this was very helpful preparation for both of us. On the day our daughter was born, Rollyn was a wonderful support to us. Her presence was steady, soothing, and non-judgmental, and knowing that my husband had a support person as well helped me to relax and have a very peaceful birth. Rollyn is kind, confident, and experienced -- we highly recommend her!
8/29/2018
I asked Rollyn to be my doula in the brith of my first baby and she helped me have an empowered, deep and meaningful experience in my pregnancy, throughout labor and post-partum.
Rollyn is so real, loving, grounded and wise. She really listened to the birth i wanted to have - she also helped me understand what was possible and all my options. Rollyn asked me profound and beautiful questions that made me connect to my experience and also helped me debrief my brith in a way that made me feel empowered. She asked me to write out my birth story which was so helpful! She was there every step of the way and I felt very connected to her. And she is so in love with my baby!
Having Rolyn as a Doula is to have the gift of a wise, intutive mother at your side, helping you make the right decisons that are best for you and your baby. I can't recommend her highly enough!
8/17/2018
We are so glad we decided to work with a doula and Rollyn in particular! From the first meeting, Rollyn was so friendly and excited about our pregnancy and birth. She came to our house to talk through our expectations and desires, including helping us put together our birth preferences. We had planned to have a natural childbirth, but after finding out our baby was breech, we had a scheduled C-section. Rollyn was so helpful as we sought information about techniques for turning breech babies, including Webster chiropractic, moxibustion, and an External Cephalic Version (ECV). It gave us so much peace to have her help us process the emotions and information when we were facing a birth experience we didn't expect. Rollyn came with us to multiple appointments as we were figuring out what to do in the final few weeks of pregnancy when our baby was breech. During the intense ECV procedure, she provided support and helped us with relaxation techniques. She also came with us to the C-section and helped us prepare for the procedure emotionally/mentally. She was not allowed in the operating room, but she kept our parents informed about all that was happening in the prep and recovery room. She also took pictures of us with our newborn when we were all together in recovery, helped us verbally process our experience, and stayed with us until we were ready to have time with family only. Throughout the entire process of pregnancy and delivery, it was such a relief to know Rollyn was with us and there to help us plan and process all that was happening. She was so supportive and encouraging and she also was so excited about our baby once he was born! She was a calming presence who undersood what we needed and wanted and was committed to us throughout the whole experience. We would recommend to anyone - no matter what kind of childbirth you plan to have - to work with Rollyn as your doula!
7/9/2018
Rollyn was such a great fit for our family as we welcomed our third child into this world. Before the birth of our daughter, Rollyn spent ample time getting to know my husband and I. She made sure to understand my two previous births and how that had shaped our feelings and emotions around labor and birth. She asked great questions to gain a better understanding of how she could best support us. Rollyn came to a prenatal visit with me and had a chance to meet my midwife before the birth.
Our darling April came into the world fast and furiously. Rollyn jumped in the car as soon as we said “go.” Luckily she made it just as I was about to push.
While there wasn’t any time to experience Rollyn’s coaching during labor and birth, I did experience her ability to support me during a postpartum hemorrhage. It was scary and the procedure was painful. Rollyn stayed at my head and held my hand while my husband cuddled our new baby. Seeing my husband holding our daughter and having Rollyn’s full attention on me gave me the strength to mentally get through the next few hours while the physicians assistant and nurse controlled my bleeding.
About a week later Rollyn was able to talk with me on the phone as I put some pieces together about the events that took place. Being able to hear her perspective and gain pieces that I was missing allowed me to heal from the trauma that occurred.
I highly recommend Rollyn as a birth doula. She is calm, intelligent, patient and understanding. Her ability to relate to a variety of personalities and support those people accordingly is a true gift.
6/15/2018
Rollyn was incredible. I engaged her quite late into my pregnancy (within weeks of my due date!) and she helped me feel totally supported throughout those final weeks of anticipation. In the days leading up to going into labor, she was encouraging and reassuring. I needed in because I was a more than 10 days overdue and starting to freak out about when the baby was going to come. When labor did start, she was waiting at the birth center for us with a warm smile. She made the experience feel supportive and nurturing for my husband and me during the whole birth process. We both couldn't imagine having another baby without her!
6/7/2018
I quickly realized that it's true what they say that every pregnancy is different - and that perhaps I needed the support of a doula with my second child even more. Rollyn was attune to the emotional and physical challenges of balancing care for myself and my baby with my toddler at home. She was critical in connecting me with resources to help address the unique needs of this pregnancy and this baby. My whole family benefited from her help throughout my pregnancy and while preparing for birth. When it came time for G's arrival, Rollyn's steady hand and encouragement were pivotal in guiding me through a difficult labor into what ultimately was an incredibly joyful and empowering birth experience.
6/7/2018
When I first met Rollyn, I had no idea what a doula was.
It was quite the crash course.
Almost instantly though it was as if I had known her for years. Rollyn made a point of having lunch dates with me up until the birth to ensure I understood everything and had every question answered so to feel as comfortable as I could for my first child.
She was there every step of the way right through the birth.
I ended up needing to be induced and Rollyn helped me with the difficult decision of needing to deviate from my original birth plan. Through Labor she held my hand like a close family member (apologies if I broke any fingers )!! And made sure to take pictures of all the moments important to me.
For many reasons my pregnancy was not very emotionally positive, but Rollyn helped change that and i could not have had a better experience bringing my little girl into the world!
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