Costa Family

11/23/2024

When I mentioned wanting a doula my husband was skeptical of what one would provide, but after giving birth he said having Barbie was the best decision we made. Barbie played a dynamic role throughout pregnancy, delivery and beyond. From the first conversation, it was clear that Barbie had a kind, understanding and supportive demeanor. The weekly contact with updates on baby's growth and opportunities to prepare for birth was something I looked forward to. When Barbie came to our home, she provided handouts and discussed options with my husband and I. I especially loved that she never tried to convince us of anything or alter our views, she simply provided us with information allowing us to determine what is best for our family. 

Barbie took our wishes and created a birth plan for us to have on hand when the time came. Barbie had sent a message to remind me that she was available any time in my last two weeks and to contact her when anything happened. When the time came, it felt a bit unnatural to call someone twice in the middle of the night, but each time Barbie answered as if it was a normal midmorning. She listened to my symptoms and was able to help us identify the stage I was in and if it was time to go to the hospital. Our last call was around 2:45 am. Unbenowst to any of us, I progressed quickly and was on the way to the hospital in a precipitous labor at 4am. Barbie must have already been dressed because she arrived shortly after us. Although my labor was short, Barbie's presence was profound. It was great to have someone we knew and trusted along side us. There was no nurse that was familar with the alternative birthing center, but Barbie knew where everything was. She handed my midwife warm compresses as I pushed, she assisted me in adjusting positions and ulitmately delivering our beautiful baby girl. I will definitely reach out to Barbie again when it is time to welcome our next child.

Liza

11/12/2024

I and my partner had Barbie's support for both of our children's births. She was an incredible source of calm. In our most recent birth, she provided company and distraction while we anxiously waited to be called to the operating room for a scheduled surgical birth. I would highly recommend having Barbie accompany you on your birth journey, whether you plan to have a surgical or non-surgical birth. She supported both me and my partner, helping us to know what to expect. Her calm allowed us to enjoy evey aspect of the day. She also helped in very tangible ways such as getting us food and drinks, taking pictures throughout the day which we continue to cherish, and aiding in positioning our newborn following my surgery to facilitate nursing. Barbie is incredible, and a wonderful person to share a birth day with. 

Raschel

11/5/2024

When we found out that we were pregnant for a second time, we immediately reached out to Barbie with no doubts that we wanted her by our side again! She had to be a part of our birth team! She provided so much value during our first pregnancy/birth that we knew we needed her care, support and knowledge - even with it being our second time. With my second pregnancy I was aiming for a VBAC, Barbie fully supported this decision. During birth when at moments it was looking like it could become a C-section or I was doubting myself after hours of pushing, Barbie reminded me of my strength and how I could achieve the VBAC I was deeply hoping for - It was the encouragement I so truly needed and it got me through. When she notices that something could be done to improve comfort (that others may not see, including medical staff) she calmly and politely makes suggestions to the team - She is your advocate. Her tips and tricks are endless with her extensive experience (yes, there is a way to control the hormone shakes ??). I have so many amazing things to say about Barbie - If you are thinking of having a Doula as part of your birth Team don't think twice about reaching out to Barbie! She will become the auntie/friend you didn't know you were going to gain from this experience! 

Janelle D’Ambrosia

9/24/2024

After struggling for a few years with infertility, once I was finally pregnant I knew I wanted to surround myself with as much support as possible. Barbie came highly recommended by multiple people in our lives and hiring her was one of the best decisions my husband and I have made!

I was unaware of the exact benefits of working with a doula but after our consultation call, we knew we needed Barbie by our side. She was friendly, warm, and made us feel comfortable right off the bat. I was worried that working with a doula meant I would be pressured to have an unmedicated birth but I was happy to learn Barbie has an openminded approach to all births.

We felt heard and understood at each of our prenatal visits and all of the information she provided us. I was so grateful for her presence at our son’s birth as she provided comfort and advocated for us, all while collaborating seamlessly with the hospital nurses and doctors. I felt empowered and grounded throughout my labor and birth thanks to her support and calm demeanor.

We enjoyed our time with her so much, we even joined the expecting parents circle and summer parents circle she facilitates with another doula and really enjoyed the welcoming space she provided. Our postpartum visits were a helpful way to catch up on household tasks and receive help with our baby. Knowing she is always a phone call or text away has been helpful as we navigate this new chapter as parents.

I would highly recommend Barbie to anyone thinking of hiring a doula and am already planning on welcoming her back once we are ready to grow our family again!

Katie

9/20/2024

We had the pleasure of working with Barbie throughout my pregnancy and the birth of our first child. Barbie was a wealth of knowledge and was able to answer any questions we asked her. She was able to give recommendations for many things, just not birth, based on her own experience and previous clients experiences. The prenatal visits were very thorough and Barbie made sure to cover anything you wanted. She made sure to take my history into consideration and my decisions on where to birth/who to birth with were accepted. I thought it was neat that she would send a weekly update about your baby and what was going on with your body. Barbie was helpful when I went into labor talking to my husband about where they thought I was in the process. She stayed with us until our sweet baby made her entrance after the birth turned out very different than we envisioned. She was super helpful to have to advocate in the hospital. We enjoyed working with Barbie and she helped make our birth experience a positive one even when everything was changing.  

Brian Trubia

9/19/2024

I'm not sure words can describe how unbelievably grateful we were to have Barbie as our doula. She helped guide us through a completely new experience and made us feel as comfortable and confident as possible. She was with us every step of the way as our pregnancy plans changed multiple times. Once we got to labor she was at our side quickly and was 100% engaged with helping us through the experience. She provided us with so many tools to help through labor. She was able to help explain the things that were happening and was an invaluable advocate for us. I cannot imagine having gone through that without her. After talking to several friends about their experiences with their doula it made me realize just how lucky we were to have Barbie. Nobody else received anywhere near. the attention, compassion and care that she provided us. We only hope that she's able to be with us for any future births. 

Rachael

9/19/2024

We had the privilege of having Barbie as part of our journey throughout pregnancy and welcoming our little one into the world. I could not have imagined my pregnancy and labor without Barbie. She was always a text or call away and supported us through the entire journey answering any and all questions we had. She provided us with research to all the answers of our questions we had. When faced with difficult decisions she helped us to better understand what was going on and best decide on a solution that fit our values and beliefs. Barbie supported my husband throughout the labor, explaining what was going on and providing positions/exercises that would best help with contractions throughout each stage of labor. Our labor experience would not have been the same without her! 

Samantha Graul

9/7/2024

I knew I wanted a doula for my second pregnancy as I was attempting a VBAC, and Barbie came extremely recommended from almost every single person I talked to about wanting a doula. I could not have asked for a better person on my team, I knew I wanted her by my side when she called me at 10pm one night before I even officially secured her, to talk through some news I was having a hard time with.

Though my delivery ended in another c-section and not my desired outcome of a VBAC, Barbie was still a huge support for me and my husband to lean on through a whirlwind of a day. She was there for me through all my questions, concerns, emotions, and especially postpartum when I was having difficulty processing what happened and needed someone additional to lean on.

I could not recommend Barbie enough if you are looking for a doula in the area. She is so knowledgeable of all the hospitals here in RI and almost any professional (nurse, chiro, pelvic pt, acupuncture, lactation) I came in contact with related to my pregnancy and birth knew who she was and had nothing but amazing things to say. I look forward to working with Barbie again in my future pregnancies. ??

Gina

9/5/2024

We have had the pleasure of working with Barbie through the birth of both of our children and I feel so fortunate and grateful that we were able to share such special experiences with her! I was very interested in all things  pregnancy, birth and labor when pregnant with my first and wanted to try and educate myself as best as possible for a natural birthing experience. Barbie was a great asset and resource to guide me through that and be there as our advocate. While not everything went as expected (like any other birth!) Barbie was by our sides through a difficult 56 hour labor and delivery. For our second pregnancy, I followed more of her spinning babies recommendations on preparing my body to help ensure that baby was in an ideal position for labor and delivery. After having painful back labor and such a long process due to my daughters position, I was extremely motivated to take all of her advice and guidance in to ensure a much different experience the second time around. The labor was night and day, with active labor starting around 5pm and baby being born by 9:13pm. Barbie helped to coach me through this much quicker experience and it was like everything she said or did during my labor was exactly what I needed in that moment to keep pushing through. It is also really nice to have a doula that the majority of health care providers knows and has worked with before because of her true dedication to the field. The midwife group all knew her and were thrilled to hear I was working with her. If you are interested in learning more about doulas or expanding your knowledge on the birth world, i absolutely cannot recommend her enough. Thank you again Barbie! Love Gina, Chris, Lola and Ryan

Becky Sousa

9/3/2024

We are so thankful to have had Barbie as part of our birth story and team. Her knowledge and experience is vast, encompassing and comforting as a new parent. On top of that, she is also an incredibly warm and someone easy to feel comfortable with- very important when going through such a vulnerable experience! Highly recommend!

Sydney

8/5/2024

I really enjoyed working with Barbie throughout my pregnancy and birth experience. Barbie draws from her wealth of knowledge and experience to help you have the birth you envision. Each week of pregnancy, Barbie sends updates on your progression and your baby's development. Barbie spent time getting to know our family during prenatal home visits and helped us put together birth preferences that aligned with our goals of delivering a healthy baby!

Throughout labor, Barbie's guidance helped us to make informed decisions. She encouraged us to think about our options each step of the way. This approach truly helped us to limit pain and interventions. During delivery, Barbie was encouraging and supportive. She captured beautiful photos of our daughter's birth that we will cherish forever. 

Barbie also hosts a new parents circle and many events to foster connection and community for families. I highly recommend working with her! 

Heather

8/2/2024

We had an amazing experience with Barbie and couldn't recommend her highly enough. Giving birth for the first time away from family and in a foreign country could have been a daunting prospect but Barbie helped us feel at ease. We always felt like we had someone to call and a friendly face to share the journey with. Barbie freely shared her extensive knowledge and we never felt rushed at our meetings. She was able to meet us where we were at- myself as a former healthcare professional and my husband as someone with no experience with pregnancy or birth. With Barbie's help I was able to experience a natural birth without an epidural and my husband had the confidence he needed to be the best support person I could have!

Cat R

7/4/2024

I honestly don’t know how we would have navigated birth and postpartum without Barbie. 

Her calm, knowledgeable, and joyful presence calmed my nerves throughout our journey. Barbie was a constant source of knowledge and support throughout pregnancy, helping us switch providers when mine went on leave at 7 months. She is a steadfast advocate and source of insider knowledge on how the hospitals work and how to navigate access to care in an opaque system. She took professional-level birth photos that we will cherish forever. She visits postpartum and takes work off of your plate when you’re exhausted. She honestly does it all, and with such grace and humility. After a very long and somewhat traumatic birth (nuchal cord), I would have been lost without her to help me make sense of it all. 

Thank you Barbie for being you and helping people during one of the most beautiful, but vulnerable, times in their lives. ♥? 

Abby

6/30/2024

Our experience with Barbie was wonderful! She came highly recommended from two separate friends, and was a fantastic guide throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum. We worked with her during my second pregnancy -- we didn't have a doula in my first birth and really felt like it would be helpful to have one for our second (based on how the first went). Barbie gave us great advice and guidance throughout my pregnancy and always respected our choices and desires. She was especially helpful in helping decide when to go to the hospital, ensuring that I could advocate for myself in labor, and gave great advice on positioning to ease labor pain. Her calm voice and positive energy are one of the things I remember most strongly from my labor process! She was also helpful in recommending pelvic floor therapists & lactation consultants postpartum, since the last time I wanted to do with a newborn and toddler was more research. I'm so glad we worked with her, and would recommend her to anyone in need of a doula. 

Elizabeth

5/28/2024

We loved our time with Barbie and having her as our doula. Our prenatal sessions were so helpful (and fun!) for us to learn and ask questions as first time parents, and Barbie provided us with the perfect prompts to move us through the decision-making and planning ahead of our baby's birth. We really valued her insights, especially as it got closer to game time and we had some unexpected twists and turns to navigate. Barbie is encouraging without being directive, and always walked us through the options with both evidence and experience to support. Our baby's actual birth went much differently from our birth plan, and it was incredible to have Barbie with us to guide us through as someone who knows us, and knows the birth process and hospital context. We are so happy to have worked with Barbie and cannot recommend her enough. We had a really wonderful, celebratory birth experience, and we are so grateful for her presence in the room that day.

Jess J.

5/20/2024

We can't recommend working with Barbie enough. She was an asset to have during our labor prepz . She suggested exercises and activities to prepare my body for birth and helped us develop a birth plan. She supported us during the labor and provided lactation resources thereafter. This was our first pregnancy and having someone with so much experience supporting us, really made a difference. 

Katie M

5/2/2024

Everyone should have a doula as part of their pregnancy and birth journey. The support and knowledge that was provided by Barbie could never be replaced. We entered the journey feeling empowered. We learned how to advocate our needs with the healthcare providers and used Barbie is a sounding board. She was always relaxed, comforting and supportive. 

Madison

4/8/2024

Barbie is such a gentle soul and an amazing support person during pregnancy, delivery, and beyond. She supported us during the pregnancy, birth and postpartum period with our first (now almost 3 years old) and we asked her to join us again for our second (now 8 months old). I can definitely say that my/our experience would have been completely different for both pregnancies/births without the loving, nonjudgmental, and compassionate support of Barbie. Two very different births, both of which Barbie added so much value to with her wealth of knowledge and ability to empower us with the autonomy to make our own decisions under the sometimes inadvertent pressures of the hospital setting. We are beyond grateful for Barbie's time and presence during both of these precious times in our lives! We would highly recommend her to other families! 

Jen

4/5/2024

Going into my second pregnancy I knew I wanted more support at birth and postpartum. Barbie is so knowledgeable and such a calming presence. She was always available for any questions I had leading up to birth. I don't think I would have had the birth experience I had without her. She supported me through out and helped me every time I felt like I couldn't go on. My daughter was stuck and with her knowledge and assist during a contraction it helped change my daughters position for a beautiful delivery. She continued to support me postpartum with anything I needed. From meals to continued texts checking in, she even came shopping with me so I could have the extra help with my daughters while I tried on clothes to fit my postpartum body. She is literally there for whatever you need. She is so patient and understanding. You can tell she truly loves this work.

Alyssa

3/31/2024

I truly cannot recommend Barbie enough.  She is knowledable, thorough, thoughtful and kind. Her guidance throughout my pregnancy was so valuable, taking so much time and care every time we met to thoughtfully walk my husband and I through how to prepare for labor.  With her help I was empowered to make choices about my labor and birth that allowed my baby to come into the world on her divine schedule. Having her by our side through my very long labor was so comforting and my husband and I consistantly say to one another how grateful we are that she was there. Her guidance for postpartum also gave me permission to rest, accept help, and allowed me to heal peacefully and completely.  My hope for all future parents is to have this type of support and care with them through this challenging, yet amazing journey! 

Lindsay

3/30/2024

Everyone going through pregnancy and childbirth should have a doula—especially a doula as wonderful as Barbie.

Barbie has a wealth of information from her extensive experience assisting births that was incredibly helpful at every stage, from pregnancy to postpartum. Her familiarity with our hospital and midwives was a great bonus. When the birth didn’t go according to plan, she was informative and comforting in facing unexpected circumstances and tough decisions, and the detailed notes she took have allowed us to better recount and process our experience.

Barbie is also a genuinely lovely person and getting to know her has been a pleasure. Her presence during the long, late hours at the hospital was a great comfort and we’re very grateful to have had her as our doula.

Lindsay

3/30/2024

Everyone going through pregnancy and childbirth should have a doula—especially a doula as wonderful as Barbie.

Barbie has a wealth of information from her extensive experience assisting births that was incredibly helpful at every stage, from pregnancy to postpartum. Her familiarity with our hospital and midwives was a great bonus. When the birth didn’t go according to plan, she was informative and comforting in facing unexpected circumstances and tough decisions, and the detailed notes she took have allowed us to better recount and process our experience.

Barbie is also a genuinely lovely person and getting to know her has been a pleasure. Her presence during the long, late hours at the hospital was a great comfort and we’re very grateful to have had her as our doula.

Pavithra G

3/28/2024

We had an amazing time working with Barbie. As first time parents we were clueless going into the pregnancy and birth experience and Barbie was there for us every step of the way. She would sit with us for hours during the 3rd trimester to truly get to know us, our birth preferences and she was very meticulous with her explanations about the hospital process and procedures. I truly do not know how we would have survived the birth experience at the hospital without Barbie. She was there with us right from the second we entered the hospital and stayed with us the entire day explaining every little detail. She was not just there for the birth mother, she stayed alongside me as the partner and did everything she could to calm my nerves. Our birth experience at the hospital went significantly smoother because of Barbie. Even after our baby was home, she spent hours with us helping us navigate 4th trimester. A very very sincere thank you Barbie, you were the key to making our birth experience more memorable!  

Sarah and Josh Mason

3/26/2024

Barbie has been our doula for both of our children's pregnancies and births. During the first pregnancy my husband was hesitant to hire a doula because he didn't understand the purpose. However, after our first meeting with her he was instantly thrilled to have her support and already saw how helpful she was going to be during both the pregnancy and birth. When we got pregnant the second time we knew we wanted her there but didn't realize how much additional knowledge she was going to provide us regarding now having 2 kids. Barbie continues to be a wealth of knowledge and the first person we turn to with any questions. I find myself asking my husband for advice and the first thing he says is "have you talked to Barbie yet". We highly recommend her services and are lucky to have her!! 

Jessica D’Andre

3/26/2024

Barbie has been an absolute blessing throughout my entire pregnancy and birth journey. From our very first meeting, she exuded a genuine warmth and compassion that instantly made me feel comfortable and supported. Her wealth of knowledge and experience were evident in every interaction, as she provided invaluable guidance and reassurance every step of the way.

During labor, Barbie was an unwavering source of strength and encouragement. Her calming presence and expert techniques helped me navigate through the intensity of childbirth with confidence and grace. She anticipated my needs before I even knew them myself, ensuring that I felt empowered and in control throughout the entire process. She also is very respected among the medical community and collaborated well with all medical personnel on board.

Thanks to Barbie's incredible support, I was  able to achieve the birth experience I had hoped for – one filled with love, empowerment, and a deep sense of connection. I am forever grateful for her dedication and compassion, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services to any expecting parent. Five stars simply aren't enough to express my gratitude!

Emily

3/6/2024

As I sit here 3 weeks postpartum feeding my beautiful baby girl and am reflecting on her journey into the world, one aspect that I wholeheartedly believe made the transition for motherhood and new life easier was hiring Barbie as my doula.

As a first time mom, I had only glimpses into what labor would entail and was intimidated by (ironically enough) both the surplus and lack there of information.

My primary goal, besides a healthy baby, was to have a positive birth experience for both my partner and I where we felt both in control and grounded. Barbie was instrumental in this. Our prenatal visits were incredibly warm and constructive, Barbie took her time and gave us her full attention as we explored different scenarios and provided balanced and educational feedback which I could tell was drawn off her vast experience. She is incredibly inclusive and I felt absolutely no judgement or discernible bias - she truly met us where we were at, enthusiastically.

During labor, which took an unexpected turn towards induction, Barbie was incredibly supportive and available through a stressful time. She heard my concerns and fears, validated and affirmed me and ultimately - she empowered a beautiful, positive birth for myself and my husband.

If you are on the fence about whether or not to hire a doula, I strongly encourage you to speak to Barbie and consider having her as part of your birth or postpartum story. If we decide to have another child in the future, I will be calling to have her support in both these areas!

Doug McCann

2/18/2024

I cannot recommend working with a Doula and specifically Barbie French enough.  In our modern, fast paced and somewhat disconnected society, the pregancy and birthing journey has lost touch with the wisdom and support systems needed to navigate through so many of the challenges with a clear mind and confidence.  Barbie gifted us these things, and so much more.  She became a mentor, an 'auntie', an amazing friend and the most dependable source of calmness and knowledge that we relied upon throughout the entire experience.  She possesses an absolutely incredible dedication and whole hearted conviction in her work, and after experiencing this journey with her and our first child, I cannot think of a situation where we all need such a beaming light of love and support more then the pregnancy and birthing journey.  Forever grateful for her hard work, dedication, love and support. 

Hillary McCann

2/17/2024

As first time parents, my husband and I knew we wanted a doula by our side as we learned and grew through pregnancy and childbirth. We searched for the right fit and instantly in speaking with Barbie, knew she was the absolute perfect fit for us. Her incredible energy, sincere approach and professional knowledge is exactly what we needed as we embarked on this journey. We couldn't be more grateful for her and all she shared with us prior to birth, her perfect guidance & support during labor, and her tireless assistance postpartum. We trusted every step of the process and her advocacy is the reason our birth was such a favorable experience for the both of us. Barbie has become a true part of our family and we consistently turn to her for her incredible expertise. We are so looking forward to continuing to have her by our sides as we grow our family. Working with her is a true gift and honor. 

Sarah Hammer

2/1/2024

We absolutely loved working with Barbie! For our first pregnancy we were a bit lost with all of the information available to us and the often conflicting information we received. Barbie helped us with the "we don't know what we don't know" by asking questions and providing detailed information on the things that mattered most. During labor and delivery we were faced with what seemed like an impossible decision. At this stage Barbie provided details about each path and what the process would look like for both options in a clear, supportive and completely unbiased way. She never pushed her opinion but gave us facts to help us come to a decision that worked best for our family and supported us throughout the entire journey. I don't know what we would have done without her. 

Emily Stoukides

1/30/2024

After an extremely long + painful labor with my first, I reached out to Barbie at the recommendation of a family member. Within a few minutes of our initial phone call, I knew that we needed to have Barbie as a part of our team for our second baby. Her support was never ending through pregnancy, with prenatal visits to get to know each other + help my husband and I prepare not only ourselves, but my toddler for welcoming a new baby. She helped us prepare our birth plan, without judgement of any choice we made. Barbie supported us as my due date came and went without labor beginning, and when we eventually chose induction to keep our little guy safe, Barbie was by our side every step of the way. Her experience made my induction move so quickly, and she was able to anticipate all of my needs and support me every moment of labor. Barbie was constantly thinking of the next step, and always had suggestions of what we could do to help my labor progress, what position changes would help, and how to best choose what steps I took for pain relief. I’m confident without her, my labor and birth would not have been anywhere near as quick or smooth! When my son needed some observation immediately after birth, Barbie held my hand so I was never alone as my husband stayed with our baby. When they returned, Barbie supported us through his first latch. Postpartum, Barbie has continued to support us with regular check ins + postpartum visits. When I was having some struggles nursing, Barbie helped connect me with lactation counselor who came to my home the following day. I truly cannot imagine this experience without her by our side + would recommend her to everyone we know. You won’t find a more caring person to be a part of your birth team

Erica

1/29/2024

When I first found out that I was pregnant, I knew I wanted an unmedicated birth with as little interventions as possible. A family member recomended that I reach out to a doula to help make this an easier process, so I reached out to Barbie and with her help, we drew up a beautiful birth plan.  A few weeks before my delivery however, we found out that baby was breech and my dreams of an unmedicated birth went out the window.  On the way home from finding out this news, Barbie called and immediatly eased my fears and assured me that the new way my baby would enter the world could be just as magical as the birth I had previously had in mind.  With her help this became a reality.  We quickly drew up a new birth plan tailored to a C-section and Barbie made sure that critical elements were still included such as remaining with baby for testing/procedures and the importance of immediate skin-to-skin and breastfeeding.  Barbie also was critical in ensuring that the care team that surrounded me was a care team that I was comfortable with.  Because she attends so many births at so many settings, she has invaluable knowledge and suggestions about picking the right surgeons, midwifery team, lactation consultants, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and more.  To top it off, her photography skills in the OR were top notch!  My wife and I still look at the photos and get teary eyed, as she captured the absolute best moments of the most special day of our lives.  I cannot express enough how highly we reccomend Barbie for your birth experience, no matter the type of birth!

Victoria Dallas

1/21/2024

From the first prenatal meeting, answering all of our questions up until our newborn baby was in our arms, Barbie provided unwavering support. She shows up to all of your prenatal meetings and gives you her undivided attention, just wonderful bedside manner! She is very motherly and kind. Barbie sends out easy to use online questionnaires that together you guys will use to create your birth plan which she eventually types up beautifully for you ! She is a certified yoga instructor and will help you and your birthing partner learn what exercises to do together throughout pregnancy in order to keep baby in an optimal position. (My baby was born so fast and I really believe it was thanks to these exercises!!!!) Barbie will also bring very clearly constructed handouts (how do you know when labor begins, stages of labor, etc.) to keep close by for reference. Lastly, I just have to mention how much I loved having her by my side at birth. She helped me reach my goal of an unmedicated birth. She was there with a cold cloth and sips of water without me having to ask (did not have energy or brain capacity to ask for that) which felt so nice. Barbie is the best, I love her!!!!

Alex

1/19/2024

We had a great experience with Barbie! She was so kind, supportive and knowledgeable. This was my second birth with her and she was just as helpful as the first one. She gave lots of helpful information before and after the birth. During the birth, she explained all the medications and their side effects so that I made decisions that I felt comfortable with. She also helped interface with the hospital staff when we were all there to create the best possible environment. This time, the baby was in a more difficult position and she gave me birthing positions that were instrumental in helping the baby come out quickly and safely. Having her expertise and experience was so valuable. 

Alex Romano

1/18/2024

I cannot express enough gratitude for the support and guidance Barbie provided throughout my pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey. From the very beginning, Barbie not only supported me but my entire family. She anticipated our needs, offering support in ways we hadn't even realized we needed. Through sharing her own stories and experience as well as providing me with other resources, Barbie helped me to build confidence in my decision to have a VBAC and trust in my body.

During our hospital experience, I felt more calm and confident knowing that Barbie would be there to provide physical comfort and also to ensure that my wishes were heard and respected. The outcome—a successful VBAC—owes much to Barbie’'s encouragement, expertise, and support. She not only provided tips and tools that helped to make my dream birth a reality, but also made it an empowering and transformative experience for me. Following our son’s birthday, in the thick of postpartum fog, it was comforting to know that Barbie was there to help us.

I wholeheartedly recommend Barbie to anyone seeking not just a doula, but an extraordinary guide and exceptional support person in one of life's most precious moments.

Nicole McGuire

12/8/2023

When my husband and I first found out we were pregnant, we were on the fence about hiring a doula. Initially, I was convinced that my husband should be my only support person during birth to create a more intimate environment. That said, as time went on and we learned more about the significant impact doulas have on improving birth outcomes, we realized that a doula could be well worth it and could support my husband in supporting me. We found Barbie on the DONA website and after an initial phone call felt that she was a great fit for us, but I'm realizing now that it's not just about fit — I think she'd be the perfect doula for any family! Her knowledge, compassion, and commitment to being totally available to families as birth nears (plus during the postpartum period) provided so much reassuring comfort as we navigated our first pregnancy/first delivery! I had hopes of delivering in a hospital setting with minimal intervention, and once the intensity of labor and transition set in, Barbie's presence, support, and gentle reassurances really helped us stay on that course. I am so grateful for the birth experience I had, and I truly don't think it would have been the same without Barbie in the room. She meshed so well with our midwives/nurses/everyone we encountered in the hospital. It truly felt like we had a dream team working with us throughout the process. We are so grateful and would absolutely recommend her to any of our future birthing friends in the area! One last thing I want to add — when we mentioned to our midwives that we planned to work with Barbie, they were all ecstatic to hear that and only had wonderful things to say, which only added to our confidence! It was nice to be working with someone who had extensive experience in the area and whose reputation preceded her.

Emily

12/3/2023

I had a traumatic first birth and I did not want to go down that path again with my second baby. After talking to Barbie and deciding to hire her as my doula, I felt such a sense of relief and confidence that she would be with me through my second pregnancy and delivery. She came to me with a wealth of knowledge for pregnancy and labor prep but what I found the most invaluable was the ability to consult her for recommendations and decisions while in labor. While my delivery was still long and hard, I truly believe that with her gentle yet steadfast guidance, I was able to have a beautiful delivery and baby girl with no trauma. It was very healing after my first birth and I could not have done it without her. 

Chelsea H-G

11/30/2023

My husband and I were hesitant to hire another doula after a very poor birth and doula experience with our first child.  Barbie came highly recommended by a family member and from our first conversation with her were immediately put at ease.  Barbie's depth of knowledge of the birth process, local resources and her ability to listen to what we did and did not want, made her the perfect fit for us.  In labor, she supported not only me, but my husband by gently guiding him to assist with comforting me and explaining what medical peofessionals were saying/doing. Her guidance helped us achieve our goal of an unmedicated VBAC with a birth that the midwives called, "textbook," a vast difference from our birth experience last with our son, which ended in an emergency C-Sevtion.  After labor, Barbie continued to support us through early postpartum, checking in on our transition to a family of four, providing local resources, and making sure we were emotionally, physically and mentally well. I would not recommend anyone but Barbie to support and guide you through your pregnancy, labor and postpartum experiences! She is truely a treasure. 

Becky

10/21/2023

We highly recommend working with Barbie. She was with us through the whole pregnancy and birth journey and her guidance was so helpful. She had all the insight into the local hospitals and what we could expect during labor. I tried for a natural birth and Barbie was super knowledgeable about pain management, labor positions, etc. Our plans changed after a long pushing stage and I ended up with a C-section. Even though things took a complete turn, Barbie was a comforting presence and she was able to change gears and guide us through something entirely different. Even though labor may not have gone as planned, Barbie helped both my husband and I through it. She even stayed late into the night to help us in the post-op room. It was a long day for all involved and our family of (now) 3 is very grateful!

Melanie H

10/13/2023

My husband and I found Barbie online via our local town's Facebook page. I reached out to her to set up an initial consultation and we knew from that point forward that we wanted to have her join us for our birth journey. We were looking for someone who was local, was familiar with the hospital/medical provider I was using, who had a lot of experience and children of their own, who would be comfortable answering our billions of questions, and whose personality clicked with ours. Barbie was very communicative throughout our time together and provided us with information on anything we asked about prior to the birth (we were first-timers so this was key for us). We never felt pushed to do one thing or another and felt very supported by her in all the decisions we made (while also taking her experience and knowledge into account) while formulating our birth plan. Barbie was very responsive via texting once labor began and joined us in the hospital when things picked up. She provided my husband and I with some extra strength during an emotionally-charged birth (we had some complications) and she knew exactly how to support me physically and mentally/emotionally with encouragement and coaching. She also served as a go-between for us and the medical staff, asking them questions and making sure that things went according to our birth plan as much as possible. We asked her to take photos for us and she got so many beautiful pictures of our experience. Post-partum, she checked in with us frequently via texting to make sure we were all doing ok and had what we needed. She also came over for post-partum visits where she helped us process the birth and answered more questions, offering to help us with whatever we needed. Overall, we really appreciate her for her advice, warmth, professionalism, communication, and flexibility during this life-changing time.

Britni

10/12/2023

The best decision we didn't know we needed. My husband and I went back and forth with adding a Doula to our pregnancy journey. We were late to the game of deciding to add extra support and we could not have been more fortunate that Barbie happened to have availability around our due date. Never really putting too much thought on what having a doula would actually look like for our growing family, we took a leap of faith after meeting Barbie. We could not be more impressed and happy that we did. Not only did we learn an emense amount of skills and tips, we had the support and experience of a professional by our side throughout the entire labor and delivery process. Barbie took on the roll of our family and friends. She was always there when we needed her and gave us advice along the way. She was there with us throughout our lengthy labor and delivery process and helped us stick to our birth plan when we became tired. I am beyond thankful to have had Barbie by our side and to also have memories captured through pictures. Above everything, I am thankful to have Barbie as a member of our family to watch our son grow-up. If you are on the fence about adding Barbie, or a doula, to your birth plan, do not hesitate! It was the best decision we could have made for our birth plan and our family. 

Michelle Sandorse

8/23/2023

We can’t begin to say how thankful we are to have found Barbie as our doula. We did not have any background on doulas before finding her, and were a bit hesitant on having someone we did not know there as part of our birth experience, but I honestly don’t think I could have gotten through a very difficult birth experience without Barbie there by my side. I am SO thankful for her! She is extremely warm, listens to your preferences and concerns without judgement, and honestly feels like a close friend after going through everything pregnancy, labor and postpartum with her. We highly recommend Barbie and will absolutely be working with her for any future children we decide to have! Thank you for everything, Barbie!! ♥?

Jackie

8/21/2023

When we found out we would be expecting our second, we contacted Barbie. We knew she needed to be apart of our team as she played a pivotal role with our first.  Barbie was supportive throughout my pregnancy, checking in and making sure I knew she was there.  My pregnancy felt very similar to my first right down to the day I was induced at 42 weeks. Barbie navigates the whole birthing journey seamlessly.  She was conscientious of my husband and I and helped support us immensely on the day of our son’s birth even before either of us realized we needed the support.  Barbie was wonderful at the art of distraction during labor and her ability to know what to do next made her presence that much more appreciated.  Our son’s birth happened much faster than I anticipated and having Barbie in our corner with her extensive knowledge bolstered our confidence with the delivery process.  My husband and I highly recommend Barbie and feel very grateful to have had her by our side again.

Emily G

8/17/2023

Barbie is hands down one of the best parts of our pregnancy and delivery journey. Before meeting Barbie (and several times throughout my pregnancy and labor journey) I didn’t even know how to articulate what may be helpful for me. Barbie helped me figure out how to identify the support I needed. She’s readily available, always accepting and non-judgmental of any questions, and a wealth of emotional and practical support. She provided excellent wisdom and resources for whatever came up prenatal or postpartum. Barbie is incredibly perceptive. She really understood what support I needed even when I didn’t know how to ask for it.

Practically, Barbie clearly explained to us from the outset what the process of working with her would be like. I appreciated that we were able to arrange prenatal and postpartum visits flexibly based on our needs and am so glad that this allowed for our process with Barbie to continue post partum.

Before working with Barbie, I wondered whether having another person in our intimate moment would take away from the experience- that could not have been further from the truth. If anything, Barbie helped us create more space to focus on each precious moments. Now, Barbie will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts.

Tegwyn Lacz

8/16/2023

I cannot say enough wonderful things. Barbie worked with us first with our daughter born in May 2021 and when I found out I was pregnant again with our son, I knew I had to have her on our team again! For both pregnancies and births, Barbie has provided information, insight and so much reassurance. My two pregnancies and births were quite a bit different from each other, and Barbie met these differences respectively with the kindness and compassion that is so appreciated during the vulnerabilities of these times. She was engaging and helpful to my husband who had his own set of concerns and questions and she really fostered the feeling of being on a team… a team who would welcome into the world a sweet baby safely, considerately, and with open loving arms. For both of my children I had C-sections, and I cannot say enough how good to felt to be welcomed with open arms back into our room- with helpful suggestions, beautiful photos, an organized and welcoming atmosphere (with speak little lights hung up!). If you are expecting and looking for someone to patiently, kindly and lovingly open their arms to you, Barbie is your pick. While we are done having children and will not need her in THAT capacity, we look forward to keeping in touch with her and continuing to share our family with her as she is an integral part of our story.  

Hayley B

8/15/2023

We were so lucky to have Barbie as our doula for the birth of our second child. We had just moved to Rhode Island and considered having the baby without a doula (thinking that our experience with our first child had prepared us for the second one) but we were wrong. We met Barbie when I was about 38 weeks pregnant (don't wait this long to reach out to Barbie, we got really lucky that she had last minute availability). In the few weeks leading up to the birth, Barbie's insight and expertise helped prepare and remind us about the type of birth/birthing preferences we had. Because we were new to RI and the hospital, it was also great to have Barbie's help with hospital logistics (e.g. where to park) as well as the connections that she has within the community (e.g. prental massage, pelvic floor PT, etc). During labor and delivery, Barbie was instrumental in reminding us of (and helping us advocate for) our birthing preferences. For example, I delivered our baby at a training hospital and was not comfortable with a resident administering the epidural. If it were not for Barbie's familiarity with the hospital nurses/doctors, we would have not known that the individual who first came in to administer the epidural was a resident. Barbie has so much knowledge and experience to share about the entire process from pregnancy to postpartum and it was comforting knowing that she was on our team (even though I had been through it before, I had forgotten so many things). I feel so grateful to have had Barbie on our team for this birth and would highly recommend working with her regardless of the type of birth you think you will have. 

Victoria Gao

8/14/2023

Pregnancy was an overwhelming and challenging experience for me, especially during the first half, so I knew I needed some extra support before the birth of our baby girl. Barbie was the perfect person for this. She was always available to answer questions and provided an abundance of tools in preparation for the big day. Her guidance was especially appreciated when I did finally go into labor while my partner was stuck at an overnight shift. She repeatedly checked in and talked me thru everything during all hours of the night and even the following morning (I made the decision to labor at home for as long as I could) until it was time to meet her at the hospital. In the hospital she seamlessly fit in with the staff and was a vital part of the birthing team- helping them maneuver me to move baby into an optimal position, feeding me water, making sure my birth plan was followed thru, assisting with breastfeeding, and so much more. She even took photos that we will cherish for a lifetime. Birth is an intimidating and anxiety provoking experience that we could all use extra support for- Barbie is the perfect person to fulfill this role. If you are looking for a passionate and educated doula I highly recommend connecting with her, we’re convinced she’s the best!

Martha

7/13/2023

Barbie is an amazing doula that helped me and my husband through our first pregnancy. Aside from being there for the actual labor and delivery, she met us twice beforehand to help us put together a birth plan, answer questions, and give us helpful tips to prepare for the big day. Her personality made it so that we felt at ease immediately upon meeting her and that continued throughout the whole pregnancy and postpartum.

Her calming energy, insights, and presence in general were invaluable on delivery day. She was even on limited sleep because of a delivery she attended hours before ours and you wouldn't even know it! She walked me through many different pushing positions to try to coax the baby out and supported us with all the decisions we had to make throughout that day. Post-birth was amazing as well as she helped with initial bonding and breastfeeding. And somehow through all of that, she took some really great photos and captured the whole day of events in detail for us to remember the day in the future.

If you are looking for a doula, I would look no further!

Julia Lizotte

7/4/2023

At the start of our pregnancy we were overwhelmed with joy as well as nervousness of all the unknown to come our way. A friend of mine had referred me to reach out to Barbie since she had such a great experience with her. After having an introductory phone call, I immediately felt so comfortable with Barbie and knew I wanted her to be a part of our journey.

Barbie was phenomenal from the initial meeting up until our birth. It was really beneficial for my husband and I to have a neutral third party person to speak to about our worries, wishes, milestones, and  questions we had that came up along the way. Barbie was always supportive of our choices and made sure we had a clear understanding on all of our available options. I feel this made us confident while in labor with advocating for what we wanted and denying options we weren’t comfortable with.

While in labor, Barbie was very involved and my husband was able to get a hold of her immediately when labor progressed sooner than expected. She was present during delivery and captured some amazing photos for us to have. Even during post partum, Barbie continued to check in on us and answer any questions we still had.

Birth was always something that made me anxious, with Barbie’s support, it was such a beautiful and empowering experience. Should we continue to grow our family in the future, we will be including Barbie in that journey as well!

Meghan Odell

7/3/2023

Hiring Barbie was the best decision we made! Her calming demeanor and attitude were a welcome presence in the birthing center. The support during and after our pregnancy journey was extremely helpful in calming our nerves especially because we didn’t know what to expect becoming first time parents. When I went into labor a few days early, Barbie was easy to communicate.  And although she was at another client’s birth when I was admitted into the hospital, she kept in touch and gave the option of having another doula come until she could make it. Barbie came to the hospital just in time for the end of labor and the delivery! It was helpful having the extra support and voice in the room- suggesting position changes, giving guidance with breathing through contractions and helping keep me comfortable. And as an added bonus she took beautiful pictures that we’ll forever treasure of the delivery of our daughter!

Kristen

6/28/2023

I was introduced to Barbie at a 'meet the doulas' event. I instantly found her to be warm, knowledgeable, fun, approachable, and just generally provided good vibes. Throughout my pregnancy and birth she consistently went above and beyond the expected. She always answered my questions promptly and had a vast array of knowledge to assist with every question I had! She also provided wonderful support to my significant other throughout the process, we remain eternity grateful. If you are able to have her as your doula you are very very lucky- you got the best!

Alexandra

6/2/2023

After a wonderful experience having Barbie support us during the birth of our first son and during the postpartum period, we hired Barbie for the birth of our second son this spring. Barbie is a tremendous source of warm, compassionate, non-judgmental support and useful, well-researched information. I will truly never forget her hands on support and words of encouragement during this birth! In addition, I love that she is an experienced mom herself. She has so many great suggestions for newborn care and is the perfect person to help your family adjust postpartum. Barbie truly feels like a member of our family at this point and I can’t recommend her highly enough. If you’re on the fence about getting a doula, just talk to Barbie! 

Lauren T

5/24/2023

I cannot express enough how wonderful it was having Barbie in our corner leading up to and during the birth of our first son. She has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to birth and her support is unmatched!

My pregnancy was pretty standard and uncomplicated up until 38 weeks when I had a few high blood pressure readings and the doctor suggested an induction. Barbie helped ensure me everything was going to work out.

Barbie was available for me and guided me every step of the way via text and call which was amazing since I had no idea what to expect. She helped me understand my options and was able to meet me at the hospital the night before the induction began.

I truly believe Barbie is the reason I made it through to the end of my 36 hour labor. She listened to my needs and advised me when necessary. Even postpartum, we spoke almost daily about what I was going through. I highly recommend Barbie to anyone looking to improve their birth journey.

Laura

5/24/2023

Barbie is hands down the most genuine, caring, and knowledgeable doula you could find!

We just moved to RI and once we found out we were expecting, I quickly researched doulas in the area and Barbie came highly recommended… and I know why! She is so supportive of your birthing decisions, she is flexible and understanding to accommodate your needs and schedule, and she is so knowledgeable about all things prenatal/birthing/postpartum!

Barbie has a calming and comfortable presence yet can be firm to stand up for you and your wishes if needed! She also is well-connected and has recommendations and referrals for any specialists you might need!

I am confident in recommending her to any expecting mamas and will 100% be contacting her when we are expecting again! Even though we’ve known each other for a short time, she feels like a very close friend and we are so thankful for her! Thank you Barbie!!

Julia C

5/20/2023

I cannot emphasize enough the invaluable support and care I received from my doula, Barbie, during my recent childbirth experience. From the moment my husband and I rushed to the hospital due to unexpected bleeding, to the emergency c-section and the subsequent challenges that arose, Barbie was there every step of the way, providing comfort, guidance, and a sense of calm that I desperately needed.

When we arrived at the hospital, we were immediately met with a whirlwind of tests and the news that we would need an emergency c-section. I was taken aback and unprepared to have my baby so early, with five weeks still to go. At that moment, Barbie was on her way to the hospital, and I only had a brief conversation with her over the phone. However, those few minutes on the phone were enough to remove any fears and doubts that I had. Her soothing words and reassuring presence gave me the strength to face the situation with confidence.

She stayed with me as my husband left to follow our baby to another hospital's NICU, ensuring that I was never alone during this challenging time. And she didn't leave my side until I felt settled and reassured. 

One aspect of Barbie's support that I truly appreciated was her familiarity with the hospital staff and her knowledge of the hospital's layout. It was evident that she had established strong relationships with the medical team, as they expressed their admiration for her during our hospital tour.

Barbie's commitment to my well-being and emotional stability was truly remarkable and made all the difference in turning what could have been a traumatic experience into one of strength and empowerment. I would highly recommend her services to any expectant mother seeking a doula who goes above and beyond to ensure a positive birth journey.

Mara and Dave

4/22/2023

Barbie was the doula for the birth of our second son and it was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy. We did not have a doula for the birth of our first, and it made an immeasurable difference. Barbie is a guiding light through the entire birth experience. She offers warmth, support and expertise and is the utmost expert in all things related to labor and delivery. As my due date approached, there were many changes made to my original birth plan, and Barbie helped us adapt to the changes with ease and confidence. The whole experience made me feel empowered and autonomous. I will never be able to thank her enough for supporting us through this redemptive birth experience. 

Marybeth Briano

4/10/2023

My husband Brian and I cannot thank Barbie enough for all her help throughout the journey to our son Ben ! 
When I first reached out to her, I was only 8 weeks pregnant and did not think I would find someone so quickly (I thought I was just going to shop around and that it would take a while to find the right fit) . We spoke on the phone for 2 hours and her knowledge and compassion was undeniable ! I knew I needed her as part of my birthing team ! 
Whenever I had questions she was there with open arms to walk me through the process. I went into preterm labor around 31 weeks and Barbie was always checking on me and seeing how I was doing. Her help throughout my pregnancy was more than I could of asked for and she always put me at ease. 
Even after giving birth she was checking up on us to see how we were doing and even did some post partum care for us which was extremely helpful as a first time mom! 
Barbie is truly one of the best and My husband and I would not have felt so calm and prepared if it wasn't for her! 

Ali Castrovillari

3/25/2023

Barbie is AMAZING. We are beyond thankful we reached out to her. She was there from the start to the end and I couldn't imagine this journey without her. Barbie was completely on board with our birth wishes and created a wonderful plan for us. She helped educate us on things we needed more clarification on. Her knowledge and experience is incredible. Barbie came to us in Barrington. She was so thorough with her prenatal and post natal visits. She did NOT rush and was here to answer any and all questions. When it was time to go to the hospital, Barbie was there to tuck us in and arrived FAST on Winston's birthday :) I could not imagine giving birth without having her by my side. She was there to make me feel very comfortable and calm and played music at the right time when it was very scary. Barbie helped Winston latch right away and stayed with us hours after he was born to help us. I feel so close to her and can't wait to use her in the future and recommend her to all my friends/ family who are having babies. 

Marce

2/23/2023

When I meet Barbie it was an instant match, her kindness and knowledge made me decide that she was the right one who shares with me this huge experience. She was such an amazing company through my pregnancy and the guidance she game me was so necessary and helpful.

Hiring Barbie was my best decision, I can say that every pregnant woman needs a doula and most importantly one that makes you feel safe and comfortable.

I went through so many things during my pregnancy and I was sure Barbie had my back so at the end my emotions didn’t get so triggered and I could had a peaceful pregnancy.

My labor was easy because of her guidance that was amazing. I can't think what it would have been without her.

Liza and Alex

2/15/2023

We are writing this note nearly two months post-partum, meaning that we've had enough time to look back at our birthing journey with clarity. In retrospect, it was as smooth, and low-stress as it could have been, largely thanks to Barbie. We met with her several times while pregnant, planning, discussing, and working on not only our pregnancy itself, but also a birth plan. Barbie was knowledgable, kind, and warm throughout. She was simply terrific.

And when it came time to give birth to our little one, she was an absolute godsend. Why? Because what we expected to happen during our child's birth wound up changing rapidly, and she was right there with us, armed with information and context and care. She was especially supportive of our non-birthing partner, providing direction during our c-section that we simply had not expected to need. 

If, like ourselves, you are preparing for your first baby and want to work with a doula who knows the local medical scene, the path to birth, and wants to support your family as it fits your goals, Barbie is a wonderful match for you. We frankly can't recommend her highly enough. We are so very grateful for her, and fully intend on asking for her support again in the future.  

Michelle

2/10/2023

We had a wonderful experience with Barbie as our doula! This was our second baby, yet each pregnancy and birth experience is so different so it was so helpful to have Barbie as a resource and support! Leading up to delivery we met in person and really enjoyed getting to know her and learning some spinning babies techniques that we could use prenatally. She was always so cheerful, caring, and aware of my preferences for delivery, a true advocate! I am grateful for her support in the postpartum period, juggling the two while my husband was back at work. I can't say enough about how wonderful of a person she is! So fortunate to have had her be a part of such a special time in our lives. 

Noor

2/6/2023

My partner and I decided to hire Barbie for the birth of our first baby and we are so thankful we did! I had always been afraid of giving birth, but Barbie was able to guide us in a way that helped me educate and prep myself for birth in a positive way. She met with us twice before the birth and gave us tons of information (we wrote so many notes!) She recommended a birth class that was seriously life changing. When it was time to give birth, there were many things that didn't go according to my "plan" or what I expected of my birth. I truly believe that if it wasn't for Barbie, I may have had a traumatic birth experience. But instead, during the super scary moments of my birth, Barbie was there, always encouraging and patient. She did a great job recommending different pain mangement techniques and giving me her feedback to help me and my partner make medical decisions in each moment. It seemed like she knew all the doctors and nurses in the hospital, so I felt like she was a great advocate. It was wonderful to share such a momentous family experience with Barbie, and we'll always remember her presence and help as part of our happy birth story!  

Gina Kerwin

12/16/2022

After connecting with Barbie, we talked to her on the phone for an hour and just felt immediately connected to her. We decided to book her as our doula. She was immediately supportive, sending weekly articles and updates about pregnancy, and responsive to questions. She spent time talking us through our birth wishes, potential outcomes, and fears we had. Even with my immense preparation and education, she was extremely helpful just redirecting my anxieties. She was available throughout my entire 56 hour labor. My husband and I spent the first 18 hours at home, and supported us over text and phone when we questioned when to go to the hospital, and offered advise on ways to cope. At the hospital, we had a somewhat difficult experience with the triage staff, Barbie helped to keep me confident in my decisions. I continued to labor naturally for an additional 18 hours in the hospital, where barbie helped motivate me to manage with the pain. I was stuck at 6cm dialated for a long time, the back labor was unbearable, and I could not get any rest. After 36 hours, I brought up getting an epidural. Barbie talked through all the options with me in a realistic way and helped me come to the final conclusion on my own as to what would be the best call. I finally made it to 10 cm and Barbie directed me through several different types of pushing positions which I wouldn't have known to do. After 3 hours of pushing, my little girl finally made her way into the world. Barbie took amazing photos of the whole process, and narrated for me after she was born everything that was happening. I feel so honored to have her as part of my birth experience, and don't know how I would have done it without her. I will be using her for my future births and recommending her to all of my friends. I think it's imperative that you have an advocate for yourself during childbirth to ensure that it's as least of a traumatic experience as possible, and tl harness the beauty and power in the journey.

Christopher Kerwin

12/16/2022

As a Dad my review will likely be a bit different then those before mine.
My Wife and I had the pleasure of Barbie French being our Doula. Ill give everyone the long story short. I cant say enough good things about Barbie. As a doula her ability to listen, understand and action plan based on your personal needs for your upcoming birth was astounding.
Amazingly as well, her ability to execute/help execute techniques and methods discussed was above and beyond.
Last but not least, this woman’s patience and support. She was with us every step of the way. Whether it was scheduled visits, impromptu middle of the night calls/ texts and as expected with us for the whole birth.
What was not expected(by me) was Barbie meeting us @ triage for 830am on Sunday 12/4 and didn't leave until about 11pm on Monday 12/5 when we finally settled in after the birth of our daughter.
Honestly I could keep going.
We are more than fortunate to have met Barbie and to have her been apart of the birth of our Daughter and hope she can join us for any future births.
What Barbie brought to the table could never be put in words or described. This isn't a woman who is “just” a Doula, she is the embodiment of a Doula. She put her everything into what became our everything in a single moment, and for that I am forever thankful of Barbie French.
Hopefully this review speaks volumes to the woman and person Barbie French is.

Amanda Zarriello

12/7/2022

Barbie French: Having her by my side for the birth of my second child made the experience an enjoyable, less stressful and exciting one. The knowledge and support she provided me helped me to feel confident and empowered while delivering in a large hospital setting. I knew what I wanted and I wasn’t bullied by the hospital staff to do it “their” way.  She spent so much time with us prior to my birth to prepare my husband and I, teach us things we didn’t know and support us along the way. She helped to prepare my body, my mind as well as my family’s transition to a family of four. I was two weeks late with my second and she helped me navigate through that difficult waiting period and was “My Person” throughout all of it. Additionally our postpartum session helped both my husband and I to better understand the healing process which ultimately helped my family and I design a recovery plan, something so important to us mothers!  The experience I had with Barbie was amazing and I highly recommend anyone having a baby to bring a birth doula with you! You won’t regret it! Thank you so much Barbie for an experience I will never forget, for the love and all the support.
 

Nancy Persson

11/25/2022

When I found out I was expecting our first baby, I was scared to death thinking about the delivery day. After doing some research into the pros of having a doula present during birth, I found and connected with Barbie! Looking back it was the best thing I could have done for my mind and spirit to both prep for and get through child birth.

From our first visit, Barbie took the time to listen and answer any questions I had, even though I was only 10 weeks pregnant at the time. She checked in on a weekly basis, sending positive affirmations and reliable informational links on what to expect on a week to week basis. As we all know, it can be difficult to weed through reliable sources on the internet, so this was very important to me. 

The labor and delivery experience with Barbie was like no other and I could not have done it without her. She kept me moving throughout the laboring process to help cope with pain. She resssured both my husband and I as to what was normal and what we should be expecting during the process. She was a medical advocate for me, during a time I felt I had little say and little knowledge. I couldn't imagine bringing my son into the world without her there. 

If you're like me and your pregnancy/birth anxiety is high, having a doula on your side is a must and Barbie is the best of the best!

Emily McKenna

11/15/2022

My husband and I could not be more appreciative of Barbie and all the support she gave us throughout the birth process. She was such an important part of my labor experience both on my baby’s big day and leading up to it. I was very grateful to have her incredible insight prior to labor and her calm presence with us from the middle of the night when my contractions started until my son was in the world. Barbie was a very important, special part of my pregnancy journey and I would highly recommend her to any expecting parents!

Jaime

11/7/2022

Working with Barbie was so lovely. From the very first meeting, we immediately knew she would be wonderful -- we wished we had met her with our first baby! She is warm, knowledgeable and so supportive. She provided excellent care and very helpful insights and support throughout my pregnancy journey, as well as great overnight care afterwards that helped us get some sleep! We felt like she really understood us and was able to match her care with our approach to the pregnancy and postpartum period. Barbie is a lovely person and we would most definitely recommend her! 

Emily Real

10/29/2022

Barbie was incredible and I cant imagine my birth experience without her support. I wanted an unmedicated natural birth and Barbie helped us achieve that goal through educating us and empowering us with resources. She also prepared us for alternative paths and was a great sounding board. She was also emotional support and interfaced with my medical team when my husband and I were busy bonding with our babygirl. For anyone thinking about getting a doula or contacting Barbie I strongly recommend you go for it! I would be contacting Barbie again for my next birth and would recommend her to everyone!

Melanie Nomura

10/28/2022

Having Barbie be a part of our birth experience was one of the best decisions we have ever made as first time parents. My husband and I were on the fence about needing a doula, and after much research we decided to move forward with Barbie. Barbie is extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and nonjudgemental. She helped educate us prior to birth, and was a wonderful advocate for us during. Our birth was absolutely nothing that we hoped or planned for, and when we were faced with a c section, Barbie was there at 4am and helped us stay calm. She provided support to my husband outside of the OR and prepped him for what was to come, and she held my hand in the OR when I needed her. She captured the most amazing photos of our daughter coming into the world and helped her latch latch while we were in recovery. Although our birth was different that we imagined, it was still the most amazing experience thanks to her. If you are on the fence we promise you won’t regret it!!

Julie

10/5/2022

I reached out to Barbie based on her years of experience, interests & services. My husband and I met and talked with her for over an hour and left knowing that we’d found our support person. Barbie’s knowledge, personality, and passion for being a doula is what sealed our decision.

A few weeks later we had our first meeting to discuss my birth plan and more. Barbie gave insights on what we should expect, offered suggestions, and provided information that we would not have known otherwise. Leading up the birth, she's available 24/7, so when I had a question about what I was feeling she was less than a phone call away. When it came down to the big day, Barbie was our teacher, cheerleader, and friend! My husband sent her text updates while I labored at home, and she met us in the hospital early Sunday morning. She took me on walks around the halls to help ease me through labor, set up a calming atmosphere in my hospital room, walked my husband through poses and positions to help me with pain and getting baby to go further downward. She was with us through the entire labor/delivery, attentive to each detail the midwife and nurses discussed with us and would elaborate more on it so that my husband and I fully understood. This gave us the peace of mind when it came to making decisions about our baby’s birth, like if I should break my water and when, etc. Barbie made us feel at ease and confident in our journey. I absolutely loved my labor and son’s birth; it was everything I wanted and then some. I would not have had the same experience had it not been for Barbie.

I could go on and on writing more nice things about her but the short of it is: if you are looking for a doula, reach out to Barbie. I’m so happy she was a meaningful part of my labor and son’s birth, and we will never forget Barbie and all of the support she provided!

Megan Moore

9/14/2022

The concept of allowing a person into a vulnerable and intimate space in birthing your child is strange to comprehend, but after meeting Barbie and learning about her values and approach, many of my doubts dissolved. I had real concerns that I might be alone in labor (despite a scheduled C section), so we both desired to have Barbie participate in our birthing journey. We worked out a contract that truly benefited our specific needs. Barbie answered my call at 4am when I was laboring alone with two toddlers fast asleep, advised me on how to care for myself and to rest with the impending birth. She offered me professional advice and a secure feeling at a time of day where it was hard to rely on anyone else. In the ER she occupied a role of interpreting doctor language and monitoring my well being and emotional state. Barbie supported me during moments of distress where I retreated to former trauma and was stable and clear minded, she prepped my sister to support me in the OR and nourished her with snacks and she accompanied us in surgery and captured incredible photos of my son's arrival to share with my husband. Barbie encouraged extra time holding baby and went with him to recovery, allowing my sister to be with me for the rest of surgery. It's hard to find words to describe Barbie's worth--she's an invaluable contributor and I'm grateful the universe allowed for me to know her and include her in my story. She's been so reliable postpartum: besides the initial meeting to reflect on the birth, she's been by my side to nourish us AND to help feed my newborn formula when his brother was hospitalized. I'm emotional just thinking about it and so fortunate to have connected with this wonderful human who identifies with where I'm at in life-- leading an unconventional lifestyle raising 3 boys, often alone due to my partner's career--and is encouraging me with the knowledge and tools to help me as I grow into this next version of myself. Thank you Barbie, forever!

Heidi

9/7/2022

Barbie was wonderful to work with throughout my pregnancy and the birth of my daughter. She was very knowledgeable about not only the process leading up to and of birthing itself, but how to navigate the larger hospital and healthcare systems in place successfully. It was very apparent that she knows what she is doing and I would trust her again with this process in a heartbeat. My only regret was not hiring her for her postpartum services as well! Barbie will support your birth preferences and do all she can to help you to advocate and navigate the complicated and overwhelming space that can be giving birth in America. She also is well connected in this space and can offer top referrals as well, treating you as a whole human being. If you're on the fence, don't be! She's great! 

David Bilow

9/4/2022

Barbie is amazing! From the preparation/planning process and educationa resources to the superior communication and laboring/birthing process, our first birth experience was made so much easier and smoother. 

In addition to the wealth of knowledge, Barbie is on standby to answer any questions and help guide you through a birth process that you truly desire. She advocates for you at all times and we couldn't be more happy with our experience!

Alexa

8/26/2022

Barbie is absolutely wonderful to say the least. She is a mother herself, which makes her empathetic, understanding, and most importantly compassionate. She offers two initial prenatal visits right to your home and during those visits tells you exactly what to expect about pregnancy, the birthing process, breastfeeding, exercises, and so much more! Which was amazing since I am an anxious first time mom! She is thorough and makes you feel comfortable with what you wish to experience. She has been at hundreds of births, which made me trust her completely. She has a neutral standpoint and encourages you to focus on the birth wishes YOU want. She offers support and helps guide you to the BEST possible plan for your personal wishes. My personal birth did NOT go as planned. It happened 3 weeks earlier than expected, my son was breech, and my husband was across the country at the time. Barbie was with me by my side from the moment I called her and she met us in triage, up until I was in the recovery room after my C-section. Not to mention, she was by my head the entire time of my c-section along with my Mom. She was calm, levelheaded, positive, and encouraging and explained exactly what I can expect througout my entire birthing process. It felt so good to have someone with me whom I trusted so much and made me feel calm and comfortable. She is one of the biggest reasons I was able to give birth the night I did. Barbie met us at our home for a post birth meeting and she brought notes of my entire birth experience so my husband could hear everything that happened from start to finish, and incase I forgot anything about the night. It was one of the nicest things anyone has EVER done. Barbie is incredible at what she does. She will always be apart of our son's (and my) birth story! I cannot think of anyone better. We truly cannot recommend her enough. Everyone deserves to have Barbie at their birth! 

Sarah Mason

8/18/2022

I'm not sure where to start with my review because my husband and I can't say enough great things about our experience with Barbie! My first phone call with Barbie just to inquire about her services was what sealed the deal. She helped me understand what I was really looking for in a doula and in the birth experience. She informed me how a midwife practice differed from your typical OB which pushed me to do more research and switch my care. I felt like a number at my OB practice, but after my first appointment with a midwife I felt heard and like they truly cared. I wouldn't have switched if it wasn't for Barbie and I couldn't be happier about my decision. Before our first actual meeting with Barbie my husband was very hesitant about hiring a doula. However, after our first meeting he was so excited to have her be a part of this and so grateful for her knowledge and experience. She guided us with what to expect and what decisions we would have to make. We would have been 3 steps behind in the process had we not had her help. Barbie helped us labor at home as long as possible and gave us confidence in how we were handling it, and when we got to the hospital I was 7 centimeters and able to get admitted . It was so comforting to have Babrie with us during our very spontaneous delivery and after our baby girl arrived. She added a calm and confident energy to the entire experience that we couldn't have provided ourselves and it's truly what made our experience so great. Barbie feels like she is part of our family and will absolutely be a part of our future births!

Brittney Marie

8/17/2022

When I learned I couldn’t have a home birth due to my chronic illnesses, I was determined to make my birthing experience as close to what I had envisioned, and hiring a doula was my first step. I read a ton of reviews of different area doulas, but after reading Barbie’s and then speaking with her on the phone, I knew she was the best person for our family's needs.

Barbie was 100% behind my birth plan of doing early labor at home and natural vaginal delivery and helped us to write said birth plan, but during my labor and delivery, nothing went as planned. I ended up needing to be induced due to high blood pressure with various methods, including an epidural after two days of labor and a Cesarean section when labor was on the third day, not progressing. We later learned that baby was head down but ear up, and my pelvis was narrow, so baby wouldn’t have been able to come vaginally despite what I had envisioned. During these twists and turns, Barbie was there for us when we didn’t understand what the nurses, midwives, or doctors had told us, she advocated when it was necessary, and most importantly for me, was that she was a gentle support for my spouse and baby after the C-section. I couldn’t breathe, resulting in the rapid response team of 20 medical professionals coming into my room. I also spiked a fever (something Barbie had been concerned about since they broke my waters), and my blood pressure got excessively high.

Even though it had been a traumatic experience, I felt supported and cared for by Barbie before, during, and after the birth. I’d highly recommend her for any birth plan you may have. I’m so very grateful she was there during the worst and best of times. We were so impressed that we plan on hiring her for extra postpartum care. I hope whatever birthing experience you want, you get, but even if you don’t, Barbie will be able to gently guide you through anything that comes your way.

Brandon A.

8/17/2022

As a first time father I wasn't aware of a lot of the ins and outs of having children. My wife told me we were going to hire a Doula, I was unsure about the necessity and value of this in the beginning.

After meeting Barbie I got a great feeling about her and the knowledge she had to offer. While preparing for the birth, she provided quick feedback to answer all of our questions and helped settle our nerves.

The real value however started once we were at the hospital having our son. My wife was induced due to high blood pressure, and this resulted in 3 days of labor followed by an unplanned c-section. During this time Barbie was there to answer all my questions via cell until my wife progressed into active labor. Barbie stayed by my side and gave me guidance in uncharted waters.

There were many twists and turns throughout the whole process, but I was able to be strong for my wife and be knowledgeable for my family thanks to Barbie. We are planning to have another child and I can't wait to work with Barbie again on that journey.

Raschel Rodriguez

7/21/2022

Beyond grateful to have had Barbie as our doula on our journey to welcoming our baby girl into the world! With Barbie by our side, we felt informed, empowered, supported and at ease. She was our biggest advocate and truly supported our wants/needs as part of our birth team. The prenatal at home visits were incredibly helpful! Barbie answered any/all of our questions, talked through concerns, offered comfort, shared resources (she has a great network, is well-known and we benefitted from many recommendations she made) and educated us (what to expect before and at hospital, pregnancy stretches/positions, breastfeeding and many other topics). She was truly there for both of us - my husband felt equally included and day of delivery really appreciated her guidance on ways to support, her communication/accessibility during early labor at home (no matter the time of morning) and having her there to talk through decisions/emotions. During labor/delivery Barbie provided me reassurance when I doubted myself, a calm environment with sound/massage/energy and helped me find ways of comfort whether it be trying a new labor position, walking, breathing or never leaving my side when I ended up having a cesarean. We felt she was always there if we needed her and looked forward to her weekly check-ins to say hi, see how we were doing and provide fun/educational pregnancy milestone guides/write-ups. From prenatal visits, laboring, delivery to recovery/postpartum visit (loved that she made sure we were ok and answered any questions we had weeks after coming home), Barbie was there for us and we consider her family - I can’t imagine my experience without her!

Jessica Goodwin

7/12/2022

If you’re looking to hire a doula (and you should because they are angels on earth), BARBIE IS THE BEST! My husband and I reached out to Barbie after she came as a recommendation from our doctor and scheduled a time to meet with her over coffee where we immediately knew she was the perfect fit for our family. She is a wealth of knowledge from her years of experience as a doula and mother of 3, she’s extremely personable and kind, supportive, available, flexible - the list of redeeming qualities goes on and on. Barbie was always just a phone call or text away throughout my entire pregnancy, she kept in touch and kept us informed throughout each stage, came over for educational classes before birth, helped us make informed decisions and create a birth plan, and was the absolute perfect support person at the hospital! Most of the staff at Women & Infants knew her and loved her and constantly reminded us how lucky we were to have her, but we already knew. :) We’ve also met with her and have stayed in touch with her after our son was born - she truly is the best! We will 100% hire her again!

KayLoni

6/30/2022

Barbie is amazing—-We are so grateful for her!!! She is warm, kind, and brings a wonderful energy to the process of preparing for and completing childbirth. From our first informal meeting with her and onward, she was generous with her time, knowledge and support. In our pre delivery meetings she shared her knowledge and experience with us in a way that helped us fill in the blanks left behind by books that cover the birthing process in 1.5 pages. This information helped us develop a much greater understanding of the birthing process, how the medical system often handles the birthing process, as well as logistics about the hospital (rooms, layout). Every step of the way she provided information to us in a matter of fact way with pros and cons of different choices. This empowered us to make informed decisions aligned with our priorities and values. Barbie quickly became a trusted resource. She helped us navigate unexpected medical concerns, ED visits and conflicting medical perspectives with the same care that she had provided in our delivery prep. During labor, she continued to help us understand and navigate changing circumstances in the labor process. She advocated for us in the moment and supported us in advocating for ourselves. Not to mention, she was an amazing source of comfort for both of us throughout the day.

It’s hard to capture in a brief statement all of the ways she made an invaluable impact on our pregnancy and delivery experience.  We can say with absolute confidence that Barbie’s role in our labor was crucial to having a birth experience consistent with our wishes. In short—-Barbie is a wonderful and kind person and we can’t imagine going through this without her!

Chelsea H.

6/27/2022

I am a first-time mom with a history of pregnancy losses, and I had severe hyperemesis gravidarum for most of my pregnancy. Having Barbie as my doula was exactly what I needed on every level. I cannot imagine my pregnancy, and especially my labor, without her. Not only was she helpful with all the physical issues but her emotional support was truly invaluable. Barbie is a true professional with an abundance of knowledge on everything pregnancy.  She was also an amazing source of support for my husband. I had a very fast and intense labor and with her guidance, my husband was able to support me in a very beautiful way. She also freed him up to take care of me while she dealt with the hospital staff and really ensured both my baby and I were getting the proper attention and care.  It wasn’t until she came for the postpartum visit that I became aware of some of the scarier points of my labor and truly understood how beautifully she advocated for both me and my baby. The hospital staff was overall great, but the entire process was very overwhelming and Barbie ensured that my wishes were followed and wasn’t afraid to lean in and speak up when she saw issues. Barbie had a very intuitive and special way of dealing with me (and I’m sure all her clients) where I felt very informed and supported yet I was making all my own decisions. Barbie gives you all the info without ever being pushy or having an agenda. She really allows mamas to use their own intuition and learn to trust themselves and their bodies which has been so helpful in caring for my newborn. As a family, we highly recommend Barbie as a birth doula. She is forever part of our family. Again, I really thought a doula was mostly for the mama but her impact on my husband and baby is also quite amazing and profound. We are so grateful for her services and her presence in our lives. Barbie is a very special and genuine person; we highly recommend her! 

Julie

6/27/2022

After chatting with a handful of birth doulas, we instantly knew Barbie was the perfect fit for us after chatting with her. She has a way of making you feel like shes known you forever; easy to talk to, genuine, and truly cares about supporting you the best way possible. She never left our side during our entire journey from pregnancy, to labor & delivery, and post partum. She comes with a wealth of knowledge. During our prenatal visits, she discussed what to expect in depth, reviewed various movement techniques for optimal birth positions for baby, and asked how we would like to be best supported during L&D.  She offered great referrals for services we were intested in; prenatal massage therapists, acpunturists, chiropracters, lactation consultants, etc. All who turned out to also be an amazing part of our journey as well. She was just a text or phone call away with any questions during pregnancy and early labor. During labor & delivery, she assessed our progress & needs and cotinued to offer various suggestions to help ensure a smooth, peaceful environment including breath work, positions, and movements. During post partum, she has maintainted communication, assitsed with insurance reimbursement paperwork, and followed up to ensure we were all adjusting ok. We couldnt have brought our little baby girl into this world without her support!!!

Tara

5/23/2022

My husband and I hired Barbie to help us throughout the pregnancy, birthing and postpartum process. As first-time parents, her knowledge and support were and continue to be invaluable. Barbie is extremely well-informed, and shares useful information without trying to push her clients in any one particular direction. She is extremely supportive of her clients' birth wishes, even when they change during the course of labor. During the birthing process, it was great having someone there to help us advocate for our choices, and the fact that she knows the majority of midwives and nurses on the labor & delivery floor at Women and Infant's Hospital made us feel much more comfortable during what is naturally a very overwhelming period of time. We've continued to work with Barbie throughout the postpartum period and would highly recommend her to anyone considering doula support. 

Lindsay

4/11/2022

Barbie was an amazing person to have by my side while preparing for and during birth. It was clear that she was quite experienced and knowledgeable about what to expect and how to make the process as special as possible. Prior to labor, she was available, responsive, organized and responsible. She stayed in touch and provided written resources and educational materials. Barbie met with us on Zoom and in person and made us feel comfortable and prepared for what was to come. 

During birth, Barbie was calming, confident, and in addition to providing me emotional support and guidance on breathwork/mental work, she also provided hands-on pain management relief with tools and counter pressure. She helped me consider the options my OBGYN provided and helped me to feel empowered and postitive about the choices I made. Thanks to Barbie I was able to have the kind of birth I wanted and felt fully supported throughout the process. 

Katie Anderson

3/12/2022

This was our second time working with the incredible Barbie French. In both instances, she was flexible and adaptive, caring and compassionate, knowledgeable, person-centered, fully present and focused, and helpful resource and advocate. Some mistakenly believe that doulas are for one type of mother or one type of birth -- but Barbie was non-judgmental and fully in support of my journey, regardless of my path. I ultimately had two C-sections and, in both cases, my physical, mental, and spiritual health was infinitely stronger thanks to her gentle, loving guidance. As I praperd for birth, her wisdom and support helped me feel calm, confident, and prepared, which I am certain resulted in better outcomes. In my first birth, I had some unanticipated events occur, and Barbie helped me heal and make peace. In my second birth she helped spot and rectify a serious medical error that could have been disastrous, so her being by my side was certainly more than just for reassurance. When the medical professional did not take me seriously, Barbie made sure my voice mattered. I'm not surprised to see such overwhelming research that proves birthing persons and babies are safer and healthier when well-trained, qualified doulas are involved. Investing in a doula (which is now covered by insurance in Rhode Island) is the greatest gift you can give yourself, your family, and your new baby -- and Barbie is truly the best! Barbie is forever a part of my family's story, and for that I am so grateful. 

Elizabeth Almeida

3/7/2022

Hiring Barbie as my doula was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! After our first meeting with her I felt so calm and relaxed! Like the weight of the world (all my labor fears) had been lifted off of my shoulders.

Barbie was so kind, genuine and intelligent! She took charge of helping craft our birth plan and was so experienced and knowledgeable on all things baby and delivery! She walked my husband and I through everything to come with care! Even though we had been through it before it had been 3 years and we definitely needed the refresher course! She came right to our home and was so kind and welcoming to our son as well.

My first pregnancy had ended in a C-section and long recovery and I was really motivated to have a VBAC for my second pregnancy and with the help of Barbie I was able to accomplish this amazing feat! I so wished that I had had her in my corner advocating for me during my first pregnancy. Oh how different it would have been! I had certainly not researched enough and my husband was not prepared for the role of advocating for my wishes. In the sometimes craziness of labor and delivery you really need someone who can talk with the nurses and or midwives and doctors and really let them know what your wants and needs are! Barbie is this someone!

Barbie is the perfect support system! She was there to help me through my contractions, pushing, the many position changes and the wonderful miraculous natural birth of my son! She took beautiful photos of me and my baby and husband and stayed with us for a few hours while we rested as well. I was so thankful to have her there by my side during delivery and by the baby’s side after while he was being weighed and measured. It’s just such a relief to find someone you can really trust who has your best interests at heart!

Thank you Barbie! We are forever grateful!

Jessica D’Andrea

3/3/2022

I had a wonderful labor and delivery  experience and I'm so grateful to have found Barbie French to act as my Doula. She is so full of knowledge and did a great job guiding us through our pregnancy journey. I found her to be extremely helpful in explaining things to my husband. He felt more prepared and knew what his role was once Barbie met with us. I highly recommend Barbie French to anyone looking for a Doula who is respected by the docs, loved by her clients and is truly passionate about what she does: You will not be disappointed. 

Sam

1/23/2022

As a partner supporting my birthing wife, having a doula went beyond my expectations. I learned how to support my partner long before our daughter's delivery. Some specific assets I learned to improve my partner's birthing experience incldued: physically supporting her including spinning babies poses, mastering massage techniqes, learning about pressure points, understanding the birthing process (dialation, station, effacement), and gaining the skills and knowledge to advocate for my partner during labor in a hospital setting. My partner and I were able to feel confident and we also felt like we had ownership/autonomy over the entire birthing process because Barbie French taught us the skills to manage our communications in such as way that the people involved thoughoughly understood our goals (birth plan, goals, expectations). Also, my parnter and I felt extremely comfortable with Barbie  - she soon became a part of the family. I appreciated Babie's experience, expertise, kindness, and empathy, and highly recommend her.

Aurielle

1/10/2022

Our goal for the birth process was to gain insight about the process and advocate for ourselves in labor and delivery. Our experience with Barbie went above and beyond our expectations. The thoughtful, empathetic, kind, expert, and poised deliver of services helped me and my partner remain balanced throughout the process. We learned about spinning babies poses, positioning of the baby in utero, techniques for navigating our care, tips to help us verbalize our preferences and build our overall birth plan. As a birthing mother, I felt beyond supported with her guidance and advice. Barbie is an expert doula! Her loving presence made my partner and I feel safe and secure throughout the entire process leading up to the delivery.

I actually can’t imagine a birth without Barbie French. My delivery was a better outcome than I could have imagined. I know Barbie’s mentorship and guidance were instrumental to my experience and the way I navigated my birth plan and delivery – Barbie’s wisdom and support allowed for me to have a beautiful and memorable birth.

Jenn F

1/3/2022

I worked with Barbie for my second childbirth and could not have been more pleased with the choice. Since this was not my first time having a baby I was skeptical I even needed support, but I am so glad I heeded the advice of a close friend to at least meet with Barbie and talk to her. She was very communicative, upbeat and considerate of our situation and points of view. She offered helpful advice not only for our coming baby, but for our toddler as well. I never felt pressured to do things a certain way and from the get-go let her know I was open to different things, but not dead set on any one way. She fully supported this approach and answered questions along the way honestly. The day of delivery could not have gone better. It was fast and furious, but Barbie was there for it all. From the phone call when my contractions started, to triage when my water broke, to the delivery room one hour later where I birthed our son naturally - I never actually thought I'd be in that club or be able to do that after opting for an epidural with our first child, but Barbie was one of the key reasons I did. I am grateful for all of her guidance and support mentally, physically and emotionally. She was a pleasure to work with. I would recommend her to anyone having a baby that wants a friendly, professional to talk through options, provide support and welcome your baby into the world. 

Talya

11/25/2021

Having Barbie French as our doula may have been the best investment in our baby’s future that we made. Childbirth is something that we cannot control and has an element of the unknown – it’s very scary that it can result in serious injury or death, as well as traumatic memories. Having Barbie there by our side to inform us and help us make decisions was invaluable. Her home visits were also incredibly helpful to help position the baby into the best position and learn about newborn care. At first my husband felt that a doula would be unnecessary since he was there. He quickly realized that Barbie’s support allowed him to feel more present at the birth, helped us navigate the hospital system, allowed us as a couple to make more informed and thoughtful decisions during childbirth, and ensured that I felt more stable and in control of scary situations. 

Amalia

11/18/2021

Barbie is an amazing human and doula. As a healthcare professional, I already had a good understanding of the medical system and birthing process and was unsure if I needed/wanted a doula. The concept of having someone that I did not know well with me during labor and delivery was somewhat uncomfortable to me. I am SO glad I decided to get a doula, and more importantly to work with Barbie. Even though we met a few times before labor and delivery, she made me feel at ease, she was quick to respond to my message, she was reliable, and caring. She also has a calming presence and she is a great listener. Without judgement she listened to some of my concerns and my partners concerns prior and during birth. In particular,  I appreciated her expertise and her knowledge of resources in the area. One of the most calming aspects was her ability to tactfully help us advocate for ourselves, and navigate very challenging decisions and situations during labor and delivery. She was able to intuitively attend  and meet the needs of our family during labor and delivery. She was a great support to my partner when I was feeling exhausted during labor and delivery, and could not be there for him. That provided much relief, I knew he was well taken care of with Barbie's support. We had a challenging labor and delivery period and without her support I am sure we would be feeling more overwhelmed by the experience today. Thank you Barbie for all you do. I recommend Barbie without hesitation.

Laurel

11/13/2021

Barbie was recommended by a dear friend. I was a first time mama to be and was striving for a natural, unmedicated birth and wanted to ensure I had the support needed to do everything in my power to make this a reality. We didn’t know at the time JUST how beneficial doula services would be but working with Barbie was above and beyond! After our initial consultation, we both felt at ease with Barbie. She was an unparalleled resource of information and we hired her that day! Throughout my 3rd trimester, she continued to offer support and guidance, answering my questions and prepping me for what to expect in my pregnancy, labor and delivery. When my water broke Hurricane Henri was reported to be hitting Newport the next day.  When my labor hadn’t progressed as quickly as we had hoped, she called me as she was concerned she wouldn’t be able to get over the bridges w the weather. I braced myself, thinking she was calling to let me know she may not be able to make it, but she was instead calling to ask if she could come to Newport earlier so that she didn’t miss the birth! She waited at our house until I was in active labor, providing support over the phone, then joined us at the hospital. She was so helpful to both my husband and I, providing pain management techniques and positions to help baby descend further. Even my nurses and midwife commented on how knowledgeable she was. Our baby boy didn’t arrive for another 24 hours or so and Barbie was there the whole time supporting not just me but my husband. After his birth, she helped with getting baby to latch and also took so many photos of him and us within minutes of his birth so that my husband and I could be fully present. Giving birth is surreal and you’re both there but not there during labor and delivery so having Barbie there to help advocate for us when baby boy had plans of his own was the single best investment we made leading up his birth. 10/10 recommend! 

Aisha & Jareth

11/12/2021

Our midwifery practice referred us to Belwether Doulas. When we asked them about availability, they unfortunately were already booked for our due date. However, one of the doulas worked with Barbie and recommended we contact her. Thankfully, Barbie was available! From the beginning, Barbie was friendly and communicated promptly. She worked well around our schedule and met with us to discuss goals and review basic birthing information. Not once did she ever rush our conversations, and it was clear spending time getting to know each other and support us in every way necessary was a priority for her. We never once felt she was unreachable or delayed in contacting us, and when we needed someone to talk to, whether it was about what our medical team was recommending or just reassurance in a difficult moment, she was always there. She helped us create and keep track of a birth plan by asking us several questions and talking through our goals and rationales. She was valuable in sorting through what was most important to us for our birth plan and why. She also provided us with Spinning Babies exercises to help position the baby prior to birth. Our actual birth did not go according to plan, and I ended up needing an emergent C-section. Because we could not have Barbie there for the actual birth, she joined us immediately afterward, and she again was so valuable. She helped me breastfeed the baby for the first time and supported us in the aftermath of the birth. Her presence was immensely comforting and reassuring. In the days and weeks following the birth, Barbie continued to periodically check in with us and see how we were doing, which was so kind and appreciated, especially after our unexpected birth experience. I could keep going, but if you are looking for an amiable, knowledgeable, dependable, supportive doula, we strongly recommend hiring Barbie. If we have another baby, we would hire her again in a heartbeat! 

Devina S

11/11/2021

Barbie came into our lives when I was 32 weeks pregnant with our first child. I met with several doulas in my search for a support person. When I met with Barbie I immediately

decided to welcome her into my birth space. Barbie is a kind, thoughtful and intuitive person and these qualities shone from the moment we met via zoom.

Barbie was there with us every step of the way right up until the birth of our son. She helped me develop a birth plan that I felt 100% comfortable with - a plan tailored to my specific needs and not altered to fit what the general expectation was.

Barbie helped advocate for our family and also served as a wonderful educator. She helped us learn more about the birth and post partum journey and  this helped me feel empowered in my role as a soon to be parent. She helped us navigate through some pretty challenging situations that arose during the end of my pregnancy that required me to completely change my birth plan. Barbie made every effort to support me as much as she could. There were weeks when I called her multiple times sometimes for sound advice and sometimes just to vent and she was always there. Every single time!

She continued to check up on me and my family after birth and connected me with resources that were so very helpful as a new mom. Our family is grateful for her kindness and wisdom! I strongly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a birth support person!

Katherine

10/28/2021

Barbie helped me prep and was there for the birth of both of my children. If I have more children, I will want her there then too. She provides support, knowledge, confidence, and a calming presence. I can't imagine having my frist child without her. I wanted it to be unmedicated and IT WAS HARD. I was also nervous leading up to it. Barbie helped me prepare mentally for giving birth, which was just a scary abstract idea at the time. During the labor, which was long, she helped comfort me, gave my partner ideas on how to help me, brought me drinks and popsicles, talked with the nurses for me when I couldn't because there was just too much happening in my body. She seriously did so much to make my birth journey the one I wanted and one I felt in control of - as much as you can do either of those things! I cannot recommend her enough.

My second child was born during the pandemic. I was so scared of birthing alone in the hospital with a mask on. Barbie again provided guidance and knowledge of what was happening at the hospital to help ease my mind. At the hospital, she again was so supportive. I am so grateful she was on my team. 

The other minor great thing about having Barbie is that she takes photos and videos of the birth and I cherish those! 

I never want to give birth to a child without her there. 

Meghan Sullivan-Silva

10/27/2021

Our experience with Barbie was overwhelmingly positive. I was neither comfortable nor confident during my pregnancy and was increasingly nervous approaching birth - Barbie helped to set my mind at ease by guiding my husband and I through what we could expect and discussing our options thoroughly. I felt empowered and prepared thanks to her help and was able to better articulate my needs during labor, even as things diverged from my birth plan. She also provided support and company for my partner and helped to distract us both during our very long night of laboring. Barbie has continued to stay in touch since the birth and we feel that ours is a relationship that will continue as we share the joy of our daughter's life with her. 

Vivian S.

10/19/2021

When I found out that I was pregnant  there was such a flurry of emotions, and having dealt with pregnancy loss previously I had a lot of anxiety about being able to carry to term. I had also just moved to a new state and didn't have many friends or family nearby to support me, so I reached out to Barbie and immediately I knew she was the person I wanted to be with me during the process. Barbie is incredible, she is knowledgeable and supportive and made me feel very safe. Once the time came for my daughter to be born I felt prepared and ready, and having her in the room with us was such a comfort to me. My daughter Lilly came into the world and I got to do it exactly according to my birth plan, which Barbie helped me with, and I felt so lucky and grateful to have her there. I lost my mom a few years back, but having Barbie with me made me feel protected and loved and respected throughout the whole process. I'm so grateful to have met her and gotten to know her, and for her to have been involved with my pregnancy. Thank you Barbie! We love you!!!

Madison Ramírez Heil

10/2/2021

My husband and I were expecting our first in April 2021 and Barbie was an amazing addition to our journey! She is extremely knowledgeable about all things prenatal, birth, and postpartum. My husband and I both learned a lot and can honestly say the time she spent with us positively impacted the birth of our daughter; between the information, the strategies to prepare the best we could, and knowing she was always available we were at peace with what was to come. She is very warm and caring and always open to questions no matter how naive. She has a breadth of knowledge about resources in the community and was open to alternative approaches to labor and care. You can tell she is passionate about what she does and wants the best for mothers, babies, and their family's. We would definitely recommend Barbie to anyone who is looking for a doula as they bring their little one into the world!

Rachel

9/11/2021

Barbie was an incredibly valuable addition to every step of our pregnancy and birth, from prenatal care to the first moments nursing our baby. When choosing to hire and doula, our only hesitancy was in having a third-party present for what felt like such a significant moment for our family. This concern could not have been more unwarranted. Looking back, it’s hard for me to imagine the process without Barbie there. From our first meeting, we knew she would be a positive and comforting addition to our baby’s birth. Barbie cared about our family’s whole experience, emotionally and physically. She was also a source of evidence-based resources to help us make important decisions. It like she really wanted to get to know us, adding to the trust we had in her to be present when the day came. As a first-time mom, it was incredibly helpful to have Barbie on call in the weeks leading up to our due date, as she helped me make sense of symptoms and pre-labor experiences. When labor started, she was consistently present. When we had a difficult time contacting our doctor, Barbie offered important advice that kept us calm in the moment and helped us make the right decisions. She was by our side through a full 24 hours of labor, which involved two trips to the hospital and laboring at home for some time. She offered pain management help and constant support for myself and my husband. I can’t say enough about how her calm and consistent presence was exactly what we needed. When it came to pushing, Barbie remained incredibly valuable. She suggested additional positions, reminders about breathing, and was responsive to my feedback. We were so joyed happy to have her there when our baby entered the world. Finally, she provided support and guidance in getting a good latch for the first breastfeeding moments. In sum, hiring Barbie was probably the best decision we made in our birth plan, and I would recommend (urge) anyone to hire her as your doula.

Meghan

8/5/2021

My husband and I wanted to find a doula based on my doctor’s encouragement and the fact that we were going to be first time parents. We found Barbie on the DONA website, Zoom interviewed her and decided to hire her on the spot. We are glad we chose Barbie as our doula for she gave us a lot of peace of mind upfront, pre birth. We learned more in our two pre birth sessions with her, than from any online birth class we took. When it came time to give birth (granted it was unplanned induction that turned into a csection) we atleast felt somewhat informed or prepped for what could happen or for what questions to ask. Overall glad we had the experience of having a doula our first go round and she took some great pics during our sons first few minutes of life that are priceless. Thanks for being part of our pregnancy/birth story Barbie ??

Dan Madnick

8/5/2021

After the amazing experience we had with Barbie for the birth of our first son, we knew we were going to hire her for our next pregnancy. This time, things were very different for us, primarily due to the complications of going through multiple rounds of IVF and pregnancy during COVID. She continued to check in throughout pregnancy and was a great resource for just about every aspect of the pregnancy. She again helped us craft a birth plan. Unexpectedly, we never got to use the birth plan as the pregnancy ended in a precipitous birth in which our son was unexpectedly born unassisted at home. Immediately after the birth of our son and a call to 911, Barbie was contacted, and started her way to our home. It was a traumatic event, as my wife and child experienced health complications. Barbie arrived at our home shortly after the EMT’s, which was a huge relief. I cannot stress enough what it meant to me having her there. The situation was hectic, and our 2.5-year-old son was awake and witnessing the events at home. When it was time to leave for the hospital, and not being in a clear state of mind I requested that she go in the ambulance with my wife and newborn son, and I stay home with our toddler. However, that was not in our birth plan. She reminded me that I am to go with the newborn in any circumstance that my wife is unable and assured me that she would care for our other son. During her time at our home, she cleaned up the mess of birth in the bathroom. That same morning, with little sleep, she came to the hospital and stayed the entire day. Thankfully, everyone was stable, but we really needed her presence. Barbie has this tranquilness about her that reduces stress and anxiety in a way that is hard to describe. She was there for us during a very difficult experience. Once home, she routinely checked in on us and came over for the post-partum visit. We highly recommend Barbie and trust that she will show the same empathy and care to all her clients.

Kimberly Palmer

7/6/2021

When we found out we were expecting our second son, we knew we wanted Barbie as our Doula again. We couldn't imagine this experience without her! Barbie is a kind, compassionate, friendly and very educated person. Upon meeting her, you will feel as though you've known her forever. These qualities are what make her stand out and make her the obvious and only choice for us.

The months leading up to delivery, Barbie checked in on us. We would text after each appointment to keep her updated. We met with her to talk about our birth plan. After we met, she formulated a beautiful typed out birth plan for us to give to our midwife.

Delivery day: I texted Barbie when my infrequent contractions began. She checked in throughout the day and by 1030p I was speaking on the phone with her and she recommended we call my midwife. We decided to go to the hospital and Barbie was already there waiting for us.

When we got to the room, we still had 6 hours to go. Those 6 hours were long and painful at times, but Barbie helped me find comfortable positions. No matter what I chose, Barbie supported my decision and worked with me from there. When I felt too tired to think, Barbie helped me find strength to keep going.

When it came time to push, I remember hearing Barbie say to curl into the contractions and that's when I started really feeling my son making his way out. Moments like that stand out to me, and while it may sound simple, made all the difference!

Once our son was born, Barbie still remained with us for the hours leading up to us moving to the recovery room. She never once looked tired and was always a beacon of hope and light. 

Barbie followed up with us when we got home and sent us beautiful photos she took when our son was born! We had a follow up postpartum visit which was so great catching up and discussing how we all were doing and how we were adjusting as a family of 4. 

Heather Murray

6/29/2021

Gratitude is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about the two very positive (and different!) birth experiences I've had with Barbie as our doula! Barbie provides a truly supportive and calming element to pregnancy and delivery; I don't know how each of my births would have transpired without her as part of our team. Each step of the way she was there to help us understand our options, reassure us, and really be an advocate for the different parts of the pregnancy/delivery. Working with Barbie gave us tools that were so important each step of the way (ex: exercises to do at home to help position baby, suggestions on non-medical options such as acupuncture for labor induction, speaking up in the ER to help with the IV placement so that didnt interfere with labor, etc.)- all of which really helped bring our babies into the world in a way that felt like we had a say in the narrative instead of birth "happening" to us. Finding a doula that you "fit" with is very important as labor is such a raw and vulnerable experience and Barbie was so incredible to work with- she distracted us when she needed to, gave space when she saw it was time to... felt like she was a great compliment to our family dynamic. Worth noting, I labored at home with my first baby and delivered in the hospital without any epidural/pain relief; with out second baby, we had to head to the hospital before contractions really even started and I got an epidural to help support me with this labor- although experiences were very different, Barbie was there to guide me and keep my best interests front and center. Barbie is WONDERFUL to work with and we recommend her without hesitation. Thank you, Barbie, for being such a powerful part of our journey to welcome our two children into this world.

Tegwyn Lacz

6/28/2021

As a first time Mother on the brink of motherhood (and during the COVID pandemic)- Barbie was absolutely instrumental in helping ease me and my husband's anxieties about labor, delivery, and new parenthood. She did this by providing us with evidence based material to help us make decisions about our own care, but she also shared anecdotal information that helped normalize our feelings and soothe our fears as first time parents! She supported me in advocating for my needs but I also feel like she prepared us with possibilities of how our birth could go- which ended up being very handy in the end! :-) Both my husband and I would highly recommend Barbie as a support person and doula we loved having her with us and are definitely planning on keeping in touch with her!

Kayla

4/13/2021

Barbie was incredible!  I highly recommend her to anyone.  Barbie is very knowledgeable in all areas of pregnancy and birth.  She was extemely supportive to both me and my husband throughout our journey.  She asked and listened to discover how she could best be there for us in the way we wanted.  Barbie provided advice, information, suggestions, and a constantly positive attitude.  She supported our every decision no matter what.  I am grateful for all she did.  Anyone who uses her is lucky!

Greg

4/5/2021

Barbie showed herself to be useful weeks before our due date arrived. We met a couple of times beforehand and she helped inform us of things we’ll encounter before, during, and after delivery. She gave us activities to help us prepare for delivery. She helped us create our birth plan. 

Barbie helped us realize our birth plans. I don’t think we would have achieved our idealized birth without her. The most important thing is to safely bring your child into this world, but it is not the only thing of importance. My wife didn’t have a surgery to recover from, she was able to walk/move during delivery, we have pictures from the birth (taken by Barbie), my wife was able to walk and move immediately after delivery, we went on walks as a family before our son was a week old, and hikes before he was a month old, she doesn’t suffer from incontinence issues. Rather than traumatizing we remember our son's birth as one of the best days of our lives. Yesterday she said this about birth: “That is hands down the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had.” Lastly, I was able to bear witness to my wife becoming a mother, Barbie strengthened our partnership, and shouldered enough of the support role so I could catch my breath and bask in the beauty of motherhood. My wife is stronger because of Barbie, and my respect for her and every other natural-birth-mother is forever expanded. Many folks describe their wedding or their child's birth as the best day of their life. For our wedding we had a band, a photographer, a caterer and more. We ensured the success of our special day by hiring professionals, why would birth be different? Ben Franklin said, “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” I recommend Barbie with the highest regard, she will improve the odds of achieving your birth plan and improve the experience throughout.  

Alexandra Richard

3/30/2021

From the first time I met Barbie, I knew she was meant to be my doula! Barbie was one of my biggest supporters and shoulder to lean on during my labor and delivery. My experience would not have been so amazing without her, I can guarantee that! She is so knowledgeable and understanding of all your needs and wants. She made my second experience much more enjoyable, I wish I had known her for my first pregnancy!

Caroline M

3/23/2021

I am so grateful we hired Barbie. I loved having a knowledgeable, non-judgmental person on my side. I could ask her for advice on anything during my pregnancy, labor,  or afterwards and she was there to guide me. She talked me through my gestational diabetes diagnosis, suggested specialists to see to get ready for labor, taught my husband and I exercises to do together. Besides our in person visits during, I could call her or text her whenever I needed her advice.  She provided support during the  pregnancy which made me feel more confident about my upcoming labor. She couldn’t be in the hospital with us due to COVID restrictions but she was available by phone throughout. Afterwards, Barbie provided post partum support which again made me feel supported and emotionally cared for.  I am so grateful I had Barbie by my side. She made me feel confident and cared for during my pregnancy.  Having Barbie as our doula was the best decision I made for myself and my unborn baby. 

Heather and Justin

3/22/2021

Barbie French was an amazing guide and companion during the birth of our child. She was a patient, confident, caring & compassionate professional who helped us welcome our daughter Abigail. Being first time parents the peace of mind & support she offered before, during, & after the birthing process was the difference.  Dad says that he got as much or more out of Barbie's presence as Mom did - she helped him know helped to help Mom so they could both be present for the experience.

Honestly it is hard to explain how important it was to have Barbie's presence. Our experience was so special and powerful, and we were able to trust that we were in good and safe hands the entire time. 

Worth every penny! 

Peter

3/19/2021

For the birth of our first child, my wife and I believed hiring a doula would be a good idea. Although I was on board initially, I never could have imagined how helpful, comforting, and reassuring it would be to have Barbie with us, in the weeks leading up to the big day, during labor, and in the weeks following.

Not long into our first meeting I was convinced that Barbie was providing an invaluable service and could not have been more thankful that we had connected. Sorting through the birth-plan options, anticipating all the possible scenarios, and learning about our rights fostered a real confidence in me that not only did we have an expert in our corner, but that we were going into labor and delivery with a well-rounded sense of what to expect and how to move in the direction we wanted in an array of possible circumstances.

When the dark, windswept, and rainy February morning finally arrived, Barbie was waiting and ready at the entrance to W&I with a wheelchair, umbrella, and the extraordinary graces of calm and warmth in a time when we needed them. To say that her presence helped put me at ease in one of the most stressful moments of my life is an understatement!

Throughout the day as labor continued, Barbie’s presence, and knowing that the three of us as a team had prepared as well as we could and were thoroughly on the same page, allowed the experience to feel natural and welcome. From a husband and a new father’s perspective, having Barbie with us leading up to and throughout the critical moments of having a baby was the very best thing we could have done for ourselves. I am so thankful we found her. She and the expertise she brings to the table are truly gifts and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Barbie!

-Peter

Jackie

3/9/2021

My husband, Greg and I welcomed our first child into the world on February 25, 2021.  When we found out we were having a baby many friends highly recommended a doula.  They stated the extra support would not only be helpful for me but also for Greg.  We are so happy we made the decision to hire a doula, I believe the outcome of my birth would have been very different without Barbie's support.  When I first spoke with Barbie on the phone I felt very at ease; she was very knowledgeable and gave me a good sense of what my experience would be like at South County Hospital.  Greg and I met with Barbie at our home for prenatal visits and it was like welcoming an old friend we hadn't seen but picked up right where we left off.  The prenatal visits seemed to set the stage for my own comfort level and the type of support I'd be given with Barbie and Greg at my side during birth.  My hope for my birth was to have the least amount of intervention as possible. I ended up being induced; I was 2 weeks over my due date. Other than having to be induced at the hospital I was able to stick very closely to my natural birth plan where I was able to move freely and access the birthing tub which was crucial in laboring.  When Barbie arrived at the hospital she came at a time where the support was necessary and was able to keep me going and stay the course with support and encouragement.  When our son arrived earth side it was an incredible moment that I will never forget. I can't say enough times the gratitude I have towards Barbie and her support as a doula during our birth journey, I highly recommend.

~ Jackie 

Samantha Poisson

1/11/2021

My name is Samantha Poisson, and i highly recommended Barbie for a doula. It can be a terrifying time for first time parents, not knowing what to expect and not fully understanding what doctors are talking about when explaining things that will or could happen to you during pregnancy. Being pregnant let alone giving birth is supposed to be a wonderful experience of bringing in a little miracle half you and half the one you love into the world. Covid played a big part of my pregnancy not being able to do things other people got to do post- covid and it was tough, but barbie was able to stay by our side and help us get through everything.  Barbie came to the rescue when I was 26 weeks pregnant and I was going into premature labor from a fall that I had at work. Luckly I was able to carry for 40 weeks and 3 days. Barbie came to our home and introduced herself and explained what she does and what to expect for the remaining of my pregnancy. She gave tips on how to help with pain or just being uncomfortable and tips to help having a healthy baby. She reached out all the time to make sure everything was going good at my doctors appointments and she was very hands on during the labor and delivery room when I delivered my son. Barbie answered every question I had and treated me as I was like a family member and it made me feel so relieved that I could count on someone who went above and beyond caring about not only my son's health,but mine as well. She stayed the whole time while I gave birth and captured life changing pictures for my fiance and I to cherish. I highly recommend Barbie to any mom to be that is looking for support during her journey, you will not regret it! We love Barbie and we are very blessed to have met her and have her help bring our little boy into the world. 

-Perry Family 

Cassandra Cohn

1/11/2021

We had Barbie as our Doula for the birth of our 5th and 6th kiddos, twins, at home!  Leading up to the birth Barbie was very helpful in helping us navigate doctors appointments, extra ultrasounds, and managing emotions that surrounded welcoming twins into our fold. She was 100% supportive of our choices and our feelings and was always available to talk through any obstacle or challenge we faced. My births are precipitous and we knew the chances of midwives and Barbie making it to catch baby may not happen but we did our best! Barbie was what felt like just minutes shy of the girls making their way into the world as were the midwives but when everyone was together handling after birth care it was phenomenal. Barbie was an excellent help with the four other children, breastfeeding, food, holding babies, delegating, she was a stable and reliable rock in the waves after we met our babies. Postpartum was the same! Reliable and unwavering help with emotions, and any and all questions I had. We love Barbie very very much and we will absolutely be asking her back if we have another little one ????

Emily Cook

11/18/2020

Barbie was wonderful! She was so knowledgeable and patiently answered all our questions. She had such great recommendations and really knows the birthing world. I loved her combination of being very strong but very gentle and calm at the same time. She made what was a difficult birthing experience much easier for my husband and I.  She was also great postpartum with checking in and offering advice. And she is just an extremely likable and interesting person, which is nice especially if you are in the hospital for multiple days with someone.

Jen T

9/18/2020

I can't say enough nice things about Barbie and her doula service. I am a first time Mom, I delivered my baby in Augsut 2020 (during Covid.) Barbie is extremely knowledgeable and also easy to connect with. Due to Covid, we weren't able to tour the hospital or take an in-person birthing class. We got everything we needed through her. Since she has been doing this for a while, she knows the ins and outs of all the RI hospitals. We loved having her as an outside person (not affiliated with any hospital) because she helped us make decisions that were in line with our beliefs. She helped us navigate some challenges we had in the hospital and we were grateful having her. Even if Covid weren't in the picture, we would still have worked with Barbie. My baby is now 6 weeks old, and we have hired Barbie for postpartum doula work. I find it helpful to continue learning tricks and tips as my baby grows. Not only is she an experienced doula, she has also raised 3 kids.

Janelle Laurito

9/17/2020

Barbie was a dream throughout our pregnancy and birth. I would describe her as a mama bear for the families - her warm heart and nurturing spirit radiates in everything she does. I am a first time mom with a history of anxiety and a miscarriage, and delivered during COVID, and she made me feel completely safe, loved and nurtured throughout my journey. She has a wealth of knowledge both from her formal studies and personal experience. She was available for me and my husband every step of the way for any and all questions and concerns we had, including postpartum. I recommend her for all families, you will be advocated for, cared for, and loved. 

Rebecca McNeil

8/15/2020

Our family was delighted and very pleased to have Barbie French as a doula in the spring/summer 2020. Beyond her obvious expertise in pregnancy/childbirth and infant care, she brings the perfect blend of passion and professionalism to her work. Not only was it wonderful to observe her skills with a newborn, but she also developed an instant rapport with our 3-year-old. For all these reasons, we would not hesitate to recommend her services. 

Alexandra

8/14/2020

Barbie is a kind, gentle and warm person. During pregnancy, she was an incredible resource, providing information in an unbiased way with no agenda. There is so much information available online and it was helpful to have Barbie direct me to sources that she had vetted as reliable and fact-based. I found it so comforting to call on Barbie’s wealth of experience — I often found myself wanting confirmation that whatever I was experiencing was normal. 

At the birth of our son, Barbie was a calming and reassuring presence. She met us in the hospital at 2:00 am and stayed through the birth the following afternoon. I feel like she’s truly “seen it all” and having someone in the room who could calmly support both my husband and me was invaluable for both of us. Postpartum, Barbie is now a trusted advisor on all things relating to my recovery and infant care. My husband and I weren’t sure what we wanted or needed postpartum, and we appreciate how flexible Barbie has been with our postpartum care. Having Barbie in our home a couple of times a week has helped my trust my own judgement and intuition when it comes to caring for my baby (not to mention, get a couple extra hours of sleep!) I love handing my son over to her knowing that he’ll be totally relaxed and happy in her care. 

It’s also important to note that being pregnant, giving birth, and caring for a newborn during COVID has been uniquely challenging. Every step of the way, we have felt very comfortable knowing that Barbie is taking appropriate precautions to help keep us all safe. We can’t recommend her highly enough! 

Kristen Madonna

5/12/2020

After researching and interviewing several doulas for post partum care I came across Barbie’s profile. Her years of experience were what originally prompted me to setup a call. Barbie and I spoke on that first call for nearly an hour. Something about her just made me feel very comfortable. Not only did she have years of experience but she had a wealth of knowledge on all things pregnancy and childbirth. Shortly after meeting with Barbie for the first time my husband and I decided we would also like to hire her as a birth doula. She was extremely supportive and helpful to us during a scary time- giving birth during the covid-19 pandemic. She was calm, collected and a strong advocate for us at the hospital. Throughout my pregnancy, any question I had for Barbie she was able to answer immediately and would often provide articles/ backup to help me make any decisions I needed to on specific issues. In addition to her prenatal visits, Barbie was always available by text or phone call throughout my entire pregnancy to answer my questions. She not only helped me prepare for birth with tools and exercises to ensure the baby was in proper position for birth but she was able to recommend products for my recovery after birth as well as things I hadn’t even thought of for the baby’s recovery. She provided many helpful resources such as books, support groups and lactation consultant recommendations. After I got home from the hospital Barbie was there for moral support. She was able to talk me through my emotions and anxiety that I was having after childbirth and with caring for this new baby. Anyone would be lucky to have Barbie as a birth and post partum doula. She’s knowledgeable, calming, and a strong coach to get you through the most important job of your life!

Alison Van Hemelrijck

5/6/2020

I can’t say enough positive things about our experience with Barbie! She played such an important role during my pregnancy and the delivery of our son. She was the perfect match for us- she's very calm, patient, and attentive but also friendly and easy to talk to. She met with us several times before and talked us through any questions we had, and made us aware of potential scenarios we might not be expecting. Having the guidance of someone who has facilitated so many births gave us valuable insight into what to expect. I had a very long and difficult labor so her support was extremely helpful when we were in the hospital. She helped us navigate the whole process and decipher what was going on. My husband was very appreciative of the added support because it freed him up to be able to connect and stay in the moment more. After my son was born she checked in several times to see how we were doing, and it felt reassuring knowing there was always someone I could reach out to with any concerns we were having. I honestly could not have imagined the experience without a doula and am so glad we found Barbie!

Krystle T

12/1/2019

Barbie is a fabulous doula. We had a different doula for my first birth and the experiences were night and day. My first birth ended up with many medical interventions we had hoped to avoid and we did not feel that our doula was helpful in suggesting new things or really being more than a third person in the room. She was also medically inclined, which perhaps pushed me towards more interventions.  My husband and I went into our relationship with Barbie being very upfront about our prior experience and our hopes for our second labor. As soon as we met her, we knew she was perfect! She has such a warm, calming energy and she was so knowledgeable. She was invaluable to have around during my labor. She (as did we all!) thought that a second time mama at 6cm would have a super fast labor, but alas! I ended up with a c-section after 18 hours of no progress and a baby in distress. But, despite having high hopes for a drug-free (and fast!) labor with my second, my husband and I feel great about our experience. Barbie was very supportive, but really pushed us to explore different options. When we finally made a decision to go ahead with a c-section, it felt like we had truly explored all options. Even though it was not the birth we had planned/hoped for, we felt incredibly at peace with how things turned out and we have zero regrets. We had a healthy, beautiful baby and an informed labor. We are so grateful that we had Barbie and we wholeheartedly recommend her! She was such a calming, supportive presence and she helped us work through the variety of options. While we were generally pretty well-informed, she taught us many things that we did not know and helped us to make better decisions.  The home visits were also great and gave us tools that we did not have. If we have another baby we would hire her again in a heartbeat which is the highest praise there is for a doula!

Kimberly Palmer

11/14/2019

Where to begin...how about 3 day's before I delivered my son. It was around 1130p when I first started feeling low back pain accompanied by possibly the loss of my mucus plug. I texted Barbie and she responded immediately. She calmed me down, we talked about my symptoms and she gave me other symptoms to keep a look out for that could signal that labor is approaching. She reassured me that I was probably not going into labor that night, but that delivery day may be approaching. I felt at ease after speaking with her and I fell back asleep. Barbie called in the morning to check on me. She had a hunch (she was right) I was having back labor and sent me information on spinning babies. Three days later, it was baby time! My husband and I chose the alternative birthing room at women and infants. Barbie was so supportive the whole time and guided both my husband and mom through pain reducing skills that they could perform on me during my contractions. She was always right there, guiding and encoring me when I desperately needed it most. When I started to doubt myself, she refocused my mindset and helped me stick to my birth plan. Barbie has a calming personality which is exactly what you want while in labor. We tried different positions when it came time to push. She encouraged me to lean over the top of the bed, which at first I did not like because I just felt so tired and this position felt draining. However, by trying this position, we helped our baby get into a better position. I went back to my most comfortable position, and very shortly after, our son was born. I truly believe that the position change that Barbie suggested made all the difference! Barbie took some great photos of our sons' delivery which we cherish! Our son was born at 1123pm, and Barbie stayed with us until around 2A. We are so incredibly grateful for her kindness, encouragement and overall awesomeness! We can't imagine going through this experience without her! 

Rhayes

11/7/2019

My wife and I highly recommend Barbie French's Doula services.  Barbie provided support and guidance throughout my wife's pregnancy for both my wife and I.  My wife wanted to learn about the process and develop a detailed birthing plan.  Barbie met with us several times to develop a plan that my wife was comfortable with.   She provided various tips and tricks that my wife utilized throughout the third trimester.  During the pregnancy she cleared her schedule to accommodate a two week birthing window.  This put several of our fears at ease.  During the pregnancy she advocated for my wife and answered all of my questions that I couldn't ask the nurses.  Barbie generally enjoys what she is doing, and is excellent at what she does. 

Heather Murray

1/14/2019

SO MUCH GRATITUDE! We hired Barbie as our doula and truly feel we would not have had the birth experience that we did without her. She is amazing.

This was our first pregnancy and when I found out I was expecting, I knew I wanted a doula when it came time for labor. What we discovered was that by having Barbie by our side early on, we were able to equip ourselves with a lot more information and access to things, which allowed us to feel confident each step of the way.

As a first time parent, you don't know what you don't know. Barbie was a tremendous help when it came time to navigate birth class options, what to do when our baby was still breeched at 37 weeks, and how to encourage our little one to make his way out when we exceeded our expected due date.

Barbie was our champion when labor started! Our goal was to have a non-medicated birth and one of the most helpful coping techniques Barbie provided at this time was how to breathe differently through the various phases of labor. She was a constant advocate and source of encouragement to get us through the most intense moments.

Selecting the "right" doula is critical for such an intimate and life changing experience. Barbie served as an emotional, physical, and educational resource throughout our pregnancy and we were so thankful to have her!

Anja Lee

1/2/2019

Barbie was an invaluable part of our birth journey. From the moment we met her at a "Meet the Doula" night, we knew she would be the perfect guide, support and coach through our brith process. She was patient, kind, informative and extremely responsive. She helped us prepare our birth wishes and put our mind at ease as we prepared for the birth. During the labor, she made sure my husband and I were comfortable and suggested different ways to manage the pain. She asked questions to the hospital staff to help decipher various parts of the process. Ultimately, our birth journey ended up not going as planned as we required an urgent c-section. Barbie was calm and helped us navigate the chaotic process of preparing for the c-section. She even contacted our families for us and tidied up our hospital room when we were in the OR.

We truly could not have imagined going through our birth jorney without Barbie. She is one of a kind and we will be forever grateful for her support, knowledge and guidance through this process.

Alysia D'Urso

12/20/2018

My husband and I couldn't be more happy with Barbie! She is a very attentive, knowledgeable, compassionate doula and helped make our birth journey as smooth as possible. She helped me understand what questions to ask and what to expect when it came time to go into labor and delivery. In addition, she helped me become more aware of prenatal care and options. With her help, I felt educated and ready for the birth of our child.

We especially valued her expertise during our time at the hospital. She knew exactly what was going on and helped us stick to our birth intentions. She gave guidance on how to best deliver our child and helped me feel in control during the most challenging moments. Our birth experience was everything we could've hoped for and we attribute much of that to her.

We'd recommend her to anyone who would like support, guidance, and knowledge. In summary, she's amazing!!!

Ben Spiller

11/29/2018

My husband and I are so grateful and blessed to have had our doula, Barbie, be part of our second son’s birth. We would highly recommend having the support of a doula to every expecting couple; it truly made a huge difference in our birth experience. The birth of our first son didn’t go as smoothly as we had hoped, and unfortunately I ended up having a C-section after a long 36+hour labor.  We knew that a VBAC was going to be a challenge and we felt the need for more support for the birth of our second son. I carried a lot of fear and anxiety with me from my first birth experience. Several prenatal meetings helped us create a bond and connection with Barbie – this was one of the biggest concerns of my husbands– it’s hard to envision welcoming an “outsider” into this sacred time in your life, but we’re so glad we did! Each time we met with Barbie and our Doula Team, they helped us feel more confident and prepared. In the early stages of labor at home, Barbie and our Doula Team were in constant contact with us. They provided advice and asked the right questions to make sure everything was going well and were especially helpful when it came time to decide when to going to the hospital. During labor at the hospital Barbie was always by my side - providing physical relief (counter pressure during contractions was very helpful!), getting cold wash cloths, keeping me hydrated, suggesting walks or different positions, and motivating me to keep going. It’s amazing how helpful having an experience, knowledgeable advocate on your side can be. It really helps you stay on track! In the end, we had a successful natural VBAC and honestly do not think this could have happened without Barbie’s support.

Dan Madnick

11/26/2018

We first met Barbie at a "Meet the Doula" night hosted by Doula's of RI. We felt an instant connection to Barbie as she is down to earth, easy to talk to, and shared a number of things in common with us. Even though we only had a few minutes to talk with her at the event, she was at the top of our list. After the event, we scheduled an in-home meeting with her in which we spent a few hours discussing our birth wishes and what she could provide to us for a successful birth process. After this meeting, we were convinced that she was the doula for us. Barbie offers two pre-natal visits, each of which were multiple hours long. She helped us put together a birth plan and offered great insight and advice for the remainder of the pregnancy. Barbie is the reason we were confident in our birth plan and the labor process. As this was our first child, there was a lot of trepidation and concern of the unknown. Barbie was fantastic at answering all of our questions and helping us navigate the birth process. The day that labor started Barbie was in constant contact with us and helped answer any question we had. When the time came to leave for the hospital, we felt comfort in knowing that Barbie would be there with us through the birth. During the final stages of labor and through birth, Barbie was there every step of the way offering advice and coaching. After birth, Barbie stayed with us until everything settled down and we could relax. Even though the birth of our child was late at night, she came back later that day to check on us and offer any assistance we needed. We’re very fortunate to have had Barbie with us through this process and could not have done it with out her!

Katherine O. Firestone

7/17/2018

Barbie was sinply fantastic. I can't imagine giving birth without her. She helped us prepare for birth and establish a birth plan that was right for us. She helped us feel prepared and reduced my anxiety about giving birth. During labor, she helped my husband know what to do. I think people worry about doulas taking over, but she helped my husband to be a more involved participant in the birthing process. And then when she needed to get involved, she did. When the going got tough, she helped me stick to my birth plan. I really wanted a natural birth. But then birth happened and it was really hard to stick to that plan! Barbie helped me make my dream of a natural birth come true. I can't thank her enough.

Katherine Anderson

5/26/2018

Barbie was the linchpin of our care team. She brought positive and bright energy, wisdom, support, calm, and compassion to our birthing experience, which could otherwise have been chaotic and without direction. She helped me feel my birth story and experience was my own instead of a medical event that happened to me and, after the dust had settled, helped me reclaim and make sense of my experience so that I was left feeling proud and at peace. She also provided support and assistance to my husband, who could have otherwise felt overwhelmed and lost. I can't overstate how important it is to have a doula as part of your birthing team - and I feel confident that Barbie was the absolute best match for us. I'm so grateful that she will be part of our story forever. I cannot recommend her highly enough and I do so without a single reservation.