Eve

2/29/2024

We are forever grateful to have had Megan as our postpartum doula. She brings so much knowledge and experience around natural health for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and the long term parenting journey. Megan's warm and calm energy helped our family through a challenging postpartum transition. She supported us with a tongue tie and lactation difficulties, as well as baby wearing and feeding and sleeping techniques. She always left the house better than she found it, made sure we got enough rest, and made the most delicious nourishing soups. Megan supported my physical and emotional recovery through steaming, herbal baths and teas, belly binding, encouraging walks and time outside, and connecting me to additional resources and providers. She was like an older sister who'd been through it before. Years later we still talk about how amazing Megan is. I hope other families get to benefit from Megan's holistic care!

Sarah L.

7/30/2020

Megan Alvarez was my doula for my 2nd child and was excellent! I had a c-section with my 1st and was seeking a VBAC with my 2nd. I desperately desired an all natural labor and delivery with my 1st and sadly things did not go well. Megan gave me the hope and encouragement I needed to attempt a VBAC with my 2nd. She took the time to meet with my husband and I at our home to discuss our hopes for labor and delivery. Megan was extremely knowledgable, professional, and kind. I felt confident that she would successfully advocate for me. When I went into labor, the backup doula arrived at my home to help with pain management while Megan was on her way. Once Megan arrived, we went to the hospital. My labor stalled and the staff that was about to leave wanted to give me Pitocin to keep my labor going. I mentioned to Megan at our 1st meeting that I did not want Pitocen because with my 1st, they gave that to me and things went downhill. The word became a trigger for me and made me completely breakdown. Megan took the nurse aside and asked if I or my child were in danger. The nurse said no, so Megan requested more time. With that added time, the next shift came in fresh and in no hurry. The new dr said that she thought I was doing fine and did not need any intervention. I owe my successful VBAC to Megan! She was there for me every step of the way. She listened to me and was my voice when I was unable to speak for myself. She stood with me at the hospital after the delivery to make sure I was comfortable and breastfeeding with ease. She came again for a postpartum visit at my home to make sure our family was adjusting well. She is a wealth of knowledge along with being a seasoned mother and gentle demeanor makes her the perfect doula. I am so sad that as I approach the delivery of my 3rd child, she will not be at my side (we no longer live in the same state). I HIGHLY recommend hiring a doula as your birth support and Megan is a superb choice!

Kiyomi

6/29/2020

I had the BEST birth and I couldn’t have done it without Megan! Having a baby in the middle of a pandemic was not part of my plan, but my labor, support and experience was as normal as it could’ve been and I have to thank Meg for that. I knew I wanted a natural, non-hospital birth and turned to Megan for guidance. First, she recommended Best Start Birth Center in San Diego. My prenatal care at Best Start was great. The team of midwives and admin staff were super helpful, answered all of my questions and were so attentive. I was never rushed in or out and always felt like I was heard and my opinions were respected.

Megan's care was the same way. When I had questions, she was patient, informative and never judgmental. Prenatally, she gave me suggestions on how to stay active, gave me books and affirmations to practice to help prepare for birth. She met with us to talk about our expectations and vision for the birth, how to get ready, and what to expect (personally and as a family) after baby came. I was thinking about cloth diapering and Megan brought examples of different styles, feedback on materials and suggestions on how to get started. Baby girl has been in CD's since week one! I delivered at 41+5 and Megan helped with natural induction suggestions too.

During the birth, Megan helped me to be calm, encourage and support me. Megan worked with the midwife and assistant like they were old friends; I felt so cared for. I'm thankful she also took photos and video! At our postpartum visit, she brought my placenta encapsulation and art too - I definitely recommend encapsulation. Megan also followed up to make sure breastfeeding was going well and she’s been available any time and she’s quick to respond.

Megan was encouraging, kind and supportive of my vision for my birth and family, and for that I’m grateful. I felt knowledgable, empowered and strong. I would highly recommend her!