Samira Ahmed

3/2/2020

Rhonda was my doula for my second child and let me tell you, if I'm having him another child, I do not want to have another doula, Rhonda is it for me!

First and foremost, Rhonda is an amazing and wonderful individual.  I went into a preterm labor 6 weeks before my due date, and she still managed to come and be there with me for my entire labor/delivery throughout the night. She came right when I went into active labor.

Let me tell you, no one supported me as much as Rhonda that night. She helped me understand my rights as a patient and what medications I can ask for or I can reject. She stood by me and made sure I was comfortable with my decisions and If I needed to change anything, she was there to assist.  When time came and I requested to get the epidural, although I had mentioned to her before that I did not want an epidural, she realized the amount of pain I was in and talked with me to see if I was really sure and she supported on my decision. 

She was very active and helped get me in different positions, rotate sides, and helped me walk.  When my back was in severe pain and I had no idea where I was, Rhonda was there to give me back rubs. After giving birth, she was there the entire time and made sure I was ok and comfortable and if I needed meds before she went home and the couple of days of my hospital stay, she came by each day to see how I was doing and asked if I needed anything. For my postpartum, she met with me for another 5 more visit and give me tips on how to relax and relieve my pain such as warm baths at least once a day. 

I don't think its easy to find a doula like Rhonda, who would go above and beyond for you in your happy/painful moments as childbirth. Rhonda is amazing and knows what is doing. 

Sarah L

1/14/2020

Rhonda is simply amazing. She has a calm, supportive presence and I found that after meeting with her several times I felt very close to her. Rhonda is a natural at this work! When I was in labor, she just knew exactly what to do. She was steady and present, and she was an anchor for me. My midwife asked if Rhonda had been a doula for over ten years because she had never seen such fantastic doula support! She was also inclusive of my husband, and we both loved having her. I will cherish the very special and intimate experience of having Rhonda right by my side, literally hugging me, as I delivered my son. I felt so held and cared for by her. I can't thank Rhonda enough for her contribution to my birth experience and for her support during my entire pregnancy. She is knowledgeable, nurturing, and an all around wonderful person. Clearly, I highly recommend her to anyone considering a doula for their birth!

Kaujah

10/16/2019

I want to start off by saying Rhonda is amazing!

Rhonda was a part of my doula team and even though she was not the doula that attended the birth of my baby I met with her throughout my pregnancy. From the first time I met with her she helped me feel empowered to make my choices during pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum. She encouraged me to think about things I may not have thought about and to also always ask questions. She also helped educate me and my partner. She was able to provide us with material to read, watch and even showed us how to do things hands on. She hit every way of learning. One of the meetings Rhonda came to my house to practice labor and birthing positions. While she was there we had very open conversations and she would always leave room for questions. My partner was very curious about some topics and she gave him all of the information as well as things she had witnessed at other births. After she left that day he spoke about how much he appreciated all of the information from that day. While in labor I used all but one of the laboring positions she showed me. I remembered that she told me not to do anything I wasn’t comfortable doing. After coming home from the hospital I grabbed a sheet of paper that she gave me and taped it to the fridge. It is a postpartum pledge and she asked that I pick a few to do for myself daily. Before I had my daughter the things on the paper seemed so simple but after the first few days postpartum I realized just completing a few was extra work but it was worth it. It’s important to be in tune with your body and take care of it. Almost 8 weeks later and when I walk past the paper I make sure I have done at least 5 things on the list. Having Rhonda on my support team was somthing I absolutly loved!

Briana

9/29/2019

I'm a black woman and the statistics for black women and babies dying during childbirth are pretty grim. I was so anxious about not getting the care I needed and dying during childbirth.

My husband was pretty nervous about how to comfort me during birth, but When I told him to go stand in the corner and not talk to me, we all agreed it was time for Rhonda to arrive! From the moment she walked in, she was a calm and affirming presence. My husband would not have even thought to ask for ice water and cloths to rub on my arms and legs while I labored around my room. He wouldn't have known to push me to get up and move or try a warm bath while waiting for an epidural.

I pushed for almost 6 hours and I think without Rhonda there, I probably would have ended up with a c-section. She was so encouraging and empowering. Rhonda was able to point out trends I didn't have the capacity to notice, like which positions seemed to give the best progress and how I was doing better with some occasional sips of juice. I gave birth a Regions, which is a teaching hospital, which means there were lots of people around. In around hour 4 of pushing, a team of 4 ob-gyns came in to check on me (I was delivering with a midwife and student midwife) and Rhonda asked "do all 4 of these people need to examine her?". I was so grateful that she asked the question because I really wasn't in a great position to make decisions about what was happening and she made me feel safe. She also snapped some photos and I'm grateful someone did.

I was worried that a doula would be a waste of money, but it was worth every cent. I will be calling Rhonda if I ever have a round 2. She just knew when to crack a joke, share words of encouragement, and when to speak with conviction. She is a wonderful doula and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for support during their labor and deliver to 

Nina

9/22/2019

Rhonda was absolutely 100% amazing. Throughout my entire pregnancy she was there for me every step of the way. She would even randomly text me throughout the month to check on me, she remembered my doctors appointments and always asked how baby did at the appointments, she never rushed a meeting or made me feel like my questions were dumb, when it was time for me to give birth... things took a turn and I had to have a csection and while I was terrified she kept me calm. She was also there for my husband 100%. She made sure he rested and ate. She educated him every step of the way. She also did not let anyone (family and medical team) push me around or go against my wishes. I recommend Rhonda 100%

Halimo

9/17/2019

Rhond was my doula i cant describe how supportive and friendly she was she provide us more information how to stand our ground and there was another doula was there to incase she isn't there also the day i went in labor i text her she was there right away there was two of them that night supporting me and my husband emotionally everything information we need thanks Rhonda keep up the good work you doing it wonderful human being 

Maria Lara

8/1/2018

WOW! Where do I even begin...? Rhonda is 100% dedicated to you. She is amazing at listening!!! She puts an individual plan just for you. She gets to know you and what’s important for you. She makes sure you are aware of different options when it comes to handling contractions and actually practices it with you and your partner!!

Rhonda provides educational videos and materials. She also made several visits to be sure I have all my questions answered and was comfortable going into labor.

This amazing lady took the time to personally introduce me to another Duola just in case she couldn’t make it (she had mandatory trip planned before I met her that was around my due date).

She was very quick in getting to the hospital when we called her at midnight. While at the delivery room she made sure hospital personal were following my birth plan. She helped me A LOT breathing together through contractions which made all the difference in the world!!!

After baby was born Rhonda helped to take photos and made another visit to check how I was feeling and offered help with breastfeeding.

So if you want to have a smooth, worry free labor, if you want to enjoy your company with your partner while someone else makes sure doctor follows your birth plan then you GOTTA call Rhonda!!! This beautiful lady will be there for you every step of the way!!!

Maria L.