Amanda Jenkins Setzer

7/30/2024

We hired Desirae for the birth of our second child after I experienced a failed epidural during my first birth in the hopes of having a more positive experience. From the start, Desirae was great to work with, and took the time to understand my goals, fears and hopes for this birth and we worked together on a plan. Of course, births rarely go to plan and I ended up being induced, and she was a great sounding board and wealth of information for all the difficult decisions we had to make in the days leading up to the induction and supported our choices.

On the day our baby was born, Desirae was an amazing support for my husband and I in the hospital. When she arrived, she changed the whole vibe of the room and really helped us get into a better mindset. She was so positive and reassuring through the toughest parts of labor, and I was able to deliver unmedicated, which I definitely couldn't have done without her support! The nurses in the hospital said were highly complimentary and said she was one of the best doulas  they'd seen at a delivery.  Overall, I'm so glad we were able to work with her for the birth of our baby and would highly recommend her doula services!

Caroline Dobi

7/29/2024

When I first read Desirae's bio online, I knew I had found the right doula solely based on the fact that she liked true crime too! (I guess it didn't take much to win me over). After talking with her before even getting pregnant, I felt so much more comfortable and prepared about having our first child. Once we found out we had to opt for a C-section at 10pm, Desirae found a way to support us after visiting hours in the post op area to check on us and give us a crash course in breastfeeding. Even though unforeseen circumstances prevented Desirae from being with us for the birth itself, all of the resources, visits and communication beforehand made my husband and I feel ready for however our son came into this world. Thanks Desirae!

Alex Symes

7/25/2024

Desirae is a breath of fresh air through a time that is typically very anxiety ridden! She has a wealth of knowledge and tools that will help make any mama feel better prepared and knowledgable about pregnancy, labor and life with baby. My husband and I immediately felt comfortable with her after our first Facetime and I'm extremely grateful I found her before my delivery. I had a somewhat complicated labor that would've been 10x more traumatic if Desirae was not there to provide comfort and advice along the way. I was someone who didn't think she needed a doula until my OB practice confirmed I might not have any of my doctors during delivery and could have a random hospital doctor. It was important to have at least one person, aside from my husband, who knew and understood my birth preferences so that they could advocate for me. Desirae did just that and I felt much more comfortable even through the complications because of her presence! If it's not obvious already, I highly recommend her!!

Tara Piotrowski

7/24/2024

Choosing Desirae as my doula was the best decision I made during my pregnancy journey. Having experienced infertility and loss, I was understandably anxious about my pregnancy. From our very first meeting phone call, Desirae exuded compassion and understanding, creating a safe space where I could express my fears and hopes without judgment.

Throughout the entire process, Desirae was not just a support person but a true source of knowledge and reassurance. Her expertise in birth after infertility and loss was evident in every interaction we had. She provided evidence-based information, helping me navigate each stage of my pregnancy with confidence and peace of mind.

During labor, when things did not go according to plan, Desirae was a pillar of strength for me and my husband. Her calming presence and reassurance gave me the strength I needed to stay focused.

Thanks to Desirae's guidance and unwavering support, I was able to welcome my baby into the world feeling empowered and confident. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone navigating pregnancy after infertility or loss. 

Kirsten Carpenter

4/17/2024

When the nurses & midwife say, ‘your doula was AWESOME!’ after Desirae leaves the labor room you know (if you didn’t already) you’ve found a good one. 

Desirae was an instrumental part of my birth team, and I firmly believe her presence changed the path of my labor for the better.  Not only did she help with the more obvious things like positioning, breathing, decision making, etc. but she was also focused and in tune with more subtle things like my mindset.  She saw when my energy needed to be lifted and was telling funny stories and changing the music to help shift the mood – I didn’t fully realize what she was doing until thinking back through the labor experience after the fact.  She provided the things I knew I needed, and things I hadn’t even thought of. 

Her support leading up to and after labor made my husband and I feel supported and connected to her in a way we didn’t expect coming in.  Even a few months postpartum Desirae has connected me with a group of moms for weekly coffee dates and walks – it’s helped me overcome some initial hesitancy to leave the house with a new babe… and being able to talk to and relate with other moms is always a highlight of my week.

Working with Desirae has exceeded my expectations of working with a Doula.  I hope all the pregnant women there can find the level of support I have found.

Jennifer Pezzente-Kelkowski

4/10/2024

Being much older for my pending second pregnancy and birth, I had a greater awareness and interest in birthing with more support. My husband was on-board, although he didn't have a full understanding of a doula's role. 

We hired Desirae before we were even pregnant, having been in an IVF cycle and getting ready for transfer. She was immediately our biggest cheerleader and ready to support anything we wanted or didn't want. She made sure I remained fully informed on all of my options as things came up, whether it was to direct me to reputable resources or share some experiences. Or even shared stories to simply connect. 

For the birth, she was right there, and never in the way. Things would change during labor, as expected, and when I needed to talk it through, she helped me navigate my thoughts so that I was able to make the best decisions that felt right to me in the end. Desirae was also there for my husband, helping him navigate his role as my birth partner. He truly appreciated what she brought to the experience, and so have I.

Learning from Desirae empowered me to go into the hospital with a mindset of: this is mine, this is what I'm doing, and it doesn't matter what anyone else tries to say  

"Thank you" will never be enough. 

Lauren Palumbo

3/15/2024

Choosing to partner with a doula was the best decision we made! Having Desirae as that partner was a match made in Heaven. Would love to tell you that everything went accordingly to plan. Not in the slightest, for either of my deliveries. But the most empowering thing was knowing my options in advance and knowing that decisions were mine to make. I remember when Desirae walked into the hospital room for the birth of our second son. She was like a fairy godmother! The room went from bright, cold and clinical to peaceful, dim, candles and worship music. She was such a great partner for my husband and I; she let us be in the drivers seat and provided such great counsel along the way. It was an honor to Desirae with us for the two most special moments for our family. 

Melissa Olem

3/7/2024

I cannot praise Desirae enough! We met when she covered for my original doula and didn’t meet in person until my induction. It’s not easy to build rapport and establish the complete trust needed in a doula relationship so it is incredibly impressive that she was able to put me at ease from our first phone call.

I was induced the day before my doula was due back from vacation and was extremely anxious. I texted and called Desirae throughout the induction and every time she validated my concerns, reassured me, and helped determine a path forward. She was always there no matter the hour.

After a series of unfortunate events, I ended up fully dilating as I slept. Desirae raced over to the hospital at a moment’s notice and that’s when I truly got a glimpse of her grace. By the time Desirae arrived, I felt traumatized by the rushed induction. She walked into the room and suddenly I felt calm because I knew no matter what I was supported. She was kind, incredibly knowledgeable and authoritative with my providers. She knew without a word what was needed, coaching me through each push, helping me stand my ground against a disrespectful provider, and ultimately helping me make the best decisions for my family.

Desirae never left my side and even supported my husband through my caesarean and the resuscitation of my son. She is kind, warm, funny, and extremely selfless.

If all that isn’t enough, Desirae accompanied me to the hospital on Christmas Eve when I had a complication. I was beside myself. My son had just been discharged from the NICU and on our first night together, Christmas Eve no less, I had to leave him. She met me at the hospital, made sure I received a meal and a pump, all while validating my anxiety and showing me the utmost compassion.

Not only is Desirae a phenomenal doula, but she is an absolutely beautiful soul. Anyone would be lucky to have her at their birth. I know I was.

Virginia Keleher

3/5/2024

Having Desirae's support in my pregnancy, through my birth, and in post partum life has been a truly incredible experience. I was riddled with anxiety during my pregnancy and Desirae was able to support me in feeling informed and empowered within such a life changing experiencing. Birth never fully goes according to plan and I really can't imagine what it all would have been like if Desirae hadn't been there for me, my husband, and my daughter. I will never forget feeling taken care of  by Desirae, especially in the aftermath of my daughter being born, when there was so much going on and I wasn't able to be as present as I thought I would be. For the first few weeks after my daughter was born desirae was a constant support I could reach out to from questions on nursing, to check ins on me on baby's health to check ins on my husband Desirae's support went above and beyond. In a time of life when you're often doing things for the first time or going through an experience you cannot control, having Desirae as our doula allowed us to feel prepared and that was invaluable. She is friendly, personable, funny, and confident in herself and her work and her support and it makes all the difference.

William Sabin

3/4/2024

My wife and I had taken a class to educate new parents so they understand the birthing process. By the end of the course, I knew that I was woefully unprepared to advocate on behalf of my family, especially in regards to navigating any deviations that may arise during the labor process.  In the movies, having a baby seems so routine; water breaks, rush to the hospital, father-to-be holds mom's hand while after a series of pushes and endearing expletives a beautiful baby appears.  Instead of leaving me feeling prepared, I knew the business of birthing was far too complex for my wife and I to navigate with confidence. That's when I made the choice to hire a doula. 

Hiring Desirae was the best decision I ever made. 

What set her apart from everyone else was the fact that I recognized this was a "boss bitch" that not only understood our wishes but was capable of assisting during difficult decisions and advocate on our behalf.

After days of induction attempts it was clear nothing was going to follow previously referenced  movie plot.  Once the contractions had begun I phoned Desirae who immediately showed up with a bag full of magic tricks I never imagined my wife would need and made all the difference in the world. I was out of my element and Desirae was a solid rock of calming positivity and creativity. She choreographed my wife through a series of maneuvers that make me think she taught acro-yoga or spent her precious life as a circus performer  

Desirae was an extension of my family, a partner, with the experience I could only dream of, providing clever snacks, bringing coffee, cracking jokes and dancing along with us. I love this woman so much I can't say enough positive things about her and her consummate professionalism. Thank you Desirae... for everything. 

Danielle

2/27/2024

Desirae is a truly incredible doula, person, and now friend. She guided us with her depth of knowledge, dedication, kindness, and strength. Desirae is a strong advocate just when you need her to be. And she brings playfulness, trust, and joy through and through. We will be forever grateful for Desirae.

Rachel Howard

2/20/2024

Having Desirae as our doula was the best possible thing going through my first birth. I could tell she was the perfect fit from our very first consultation -- she is super organized, straightforward, and has so much experience under her belt. She is super personable and instantly made me feel at ease. She scheduled several meetings with my husband and I throughout pregnancy, and we learned so much from her. She also had a TON of amazing resources for us to use, with education on every topic from cord clamping to setting your expectations with your partner. Desirae was so encouraging every step of the way and even did a call with us when my due date passed and I was so incredibly ready to be done being pregnant. She was amazing during the birth, which I fully expected, but I truly think the best part of working with her was all her help leading up to and following the birth. She did a breastfeeding course with me pre-birth, and was able to diagnose my son's tongue tie when we were having a hard time after he was born. It was such a stressful time, and she was able to recommend a pediatric dentist, pediatric chiropractor, etc. for us and followed up multiple times to see how everything was going. 
Desirae is such a passionate person and very good at what she does. We are so lucky to have had her, and I can't recommend her enough!

Deborah

2/20/2024

Desirae has been a source of support for us since my first pregnancy 3.5 years ago. She has seen us through pandemic stress and both a low-risk and high-risk pregnancy. I appreciate Desirae because her commitment to supporting all families doesn’t mean she just blindly does whatever each client wants without discussion. She made sure she knew not only our preferences but also our reasoning behind them so she could really understand our perspective. When I went off the rails and wanted to speed up my induction, Desirae first said she would support whatever I ultimately wanted to do, but then also presented evidenced-based reasoning to help me calm down and make a better decision. Phew! Unfortunately, Desirae missed our births due to pandemic hospital restrictions and then a really fast labor (not her fault!). But her support in the immediate postpartum was amazing. I am SO GLAD she was there to hold my hand through stitches and bleeding and cleanup after birth while my partner held the baby. She answered my five zillion questions and has been a continued source of support in the weeks after. I have recommended her to everyone I know since my first birth and will continue to do so!

Ingrid Chambers

2/15/2024

We were so lucky to have Desirae as a part of our antepartum, labor/birth, and postpartum journey. My wife and I would definitely choose Desirae as our doula for any future births.

Desirae is knowledgeable, experienced, down-to-earth, and supportive. She creates a connection that strikes a perfect balance between acting as an expert guide, a friend, and a cheerleader. We really appreciated how she approached everything with a judgement-free attitude; she truly sees her role as helping you to understand data, information, and options so that you can make the best decision for you. Not to mention, she is simply a pleasure to be around! These big life moments can feel so heavy if you let them, but Desirae’s positive and light-hearted energy brought such a sense of fun to the room.

We felt prepared, informed, and calm about our labor and birth experience (and postpartum!) in large part thanks to Desirae’s guidance and presence. Being a doula is clearly what Desirae was meant to do with her life and we’re so grateful that we are on her long list of happy clients!

Lynelle Amirault

2/15/2024

Working with Desirae was such a wonderful experience! She was always there to support me, whether it be my million questions via text or a Zoom call to help calm my nerves and anxieties leading up to the birth. I felt like she was not only my birthing coach, but also my birthing therapist who helped me navigate the complex emotions that came with having a second child after a traumatic first birth. I loved her compassion, understanding and the way she supported me through the entire process. She gave me incredible tips and tricks to help get the baby moving that were all based in science - something my husband and I loved! She always made sure to reach out and see what we needed throughout the pregnancy. When the big day came to get induced, she was a calming prescence and was incredible at taking my mind off of the pain. There were times I felt like we were just having fun, laughing, etc and it made the birthing experience just so much better than my first. A huge thank you to Desirae for being an incredible doula and supporting me throughout my journey!

Lindsey Todisco

2/10/2024

Desire was an amazing doula to work with from the earliest days of pregnancy all the way through postpartum. As someone desperately seeking a VBAC and healing birth experience for my second birth, I found her to be an incredible source of comfort, knowledge, wisdom, strength and support. I would never hesitate to recommend Desire, and if I were ever to have another baby, she would be my first call. 

Yelena

2/10/2024

Desirae is very knowledgeable and she really cares. She is 110% there for her clients. She has lots of information and resources and then supports you in whatever you decide without judgement. She is truly your advocate and goes above and beyond. Right from the beginning she helped me move to a group of midwives that was a much better fit for me and made me feel a lot more prepared for birth. I learned so many things traditional obstetricians do not tell you. I did not have a good experience my first birth and had anxiety about doing it again. I was especially afraid of having a c section but we prepared for that possibility and when I did have a medically necessary c section, it was not traumatic and Desirae's support for weeks after was invaluable. I highly recommend Desirae.

Yelena

2/10/2024

Desirae is very knowledgeable and she really cares. She is 110% there for her clients. She has lots of information and resources and then supports you in whatever you decide without judgement. She is truly your advocate and goes above and beyond. Right from the beginning she helped me move to a group of midwives that was a much better fit for me and made me feel a lot more prepared for birth. I learned so many things traditional obstetricians do not tell you. I did not have a good experience my first birth and had anxiety about doing it again. I was especially afraid of having a c section but we prepared for that possibility and when I did have a medically necessary c section, it was not traumatic and Desirae's support for weeks after was invaluable. I highly recommend Desirae.

Christina

2/9/2024

Desirae's experience, extensive knowledge, calm confidence, and sincere passion for providing expectant parents with the multifaceted support and encouragement they need — informational, physical, and emotional — was deeply reassuring and empowering for us as we prepared to welcome our first child into the world. This journey is inevitably a nuanced and emotionally and physically complex one, and I am so grateful we worked with Desirae because she navigates all aspects of her work with skill and ease and made me and my partner feel prepared and ready for the unpredictable yet beautiful life-changing experience that is childbirth. Thank you so much, Desirae, for being a part of our journey as new parents!

Jess S.

2/7/2024

Desirae is hands down one of the best investments we've ever made. When we met Desirae her energy and soul were so clear to us that we knew she would be the missing piece on our journey. Our journey included loss and IVF, both things she had experience with, and her calming strength helped ease many anxieties along the way. She helped us navigate all of the ins and outs of labor, delivery, AND helped us prepare for postpartum life. She cared and checked in on BOTH of us. When labor didn't go as planned, she was always a phone call away, sitting on the phone while I ugly cried, encouraging my husband, reminding us of our rights and what questions we could ask, and holding onto our strength when it felt like ours wavered. She suggested some maneuvers that made all the difference and reminded me every step of the way of how fierce I was. The nurses and doctor loved her too, asking her about moves and stretches they had witnessed her coach me on. She documented the birth and these photos are some of my most treasured items. She genuinely cares and puts all of herself into her clients. She's a wealth of knowledge and resources and for us that made a huge difference too. When we transferred a second embryo 2 years later, I called her from the parking lot...not even knowing if I was pregnant yet. She was encouraging and hopeful. When it took, we hired her straight away. When labor once again went sideways, it was HER knowledge that helped labor to proceed, when otherwise we were discounted. She encouraged our voices and with our permission advocated for us in some really tough moments. In what was in some ways a traumatic experience for me, she was a saving grace. She led the experience with gentle care, balanced with resources and resolution. Most importantly throughout it all, she listened: with her ears, with her head, with her heart, with her experience. We are so very grateful she was a part of our births and forever a part of our lives. 

Sarah Ringo

2/7/2024

There aren’t enough words to express the amount of gratitude we have for Desirae. We first hired Desirae for our oldest son, after struggling for 2.5 years trying to conceive and multiplie miscarriages. After fertility treatments we finally got pregnant but were still so anxious and scared. I really struggled to feel safe. When we hired Desirae she gave us so much knowledge and strength. She truly helped me start to feel a glimmer of safety. She encouraged me to attend a PAL meeting she was leading and after that I knew we made the right decision. My birth did not go to plan, at all, but she was with us every step of the way. After 24 hours of crazy labor, we were exhausted, and then the nurses and doctors piled into the room and we had to have an emergency c-section. It was scary and intense but we trusted Desirae’s knowledge, experience, and guidance to help us make the right decisions that aligned with our goals. With her by our side I felt safe and empowered!

For my second birth I really wanted a unmedicated Vbac and still almost 6 months later I cannot believe it happened. Desirae is everything and everyone you need by your side during the most insane moment of your life. She has all the tools to help guide you through the birth challenges: scents, candles, music, massage, literally everything. But the most important piece of the puzzle cannot be purchased off Amazon, it is her devoted passion, and the bad ass empowerment she brings that makes you feel like a superhero. She takes charge of the room and makes sure everything is copacetic so that you and your partner can focus on you and bringing this baby earth side. I never once worried about what else was happening in the room in either of my births. It was like magic.I don’t think I could truly convey properly just how much she helped us through two completely different but very intense births. I don’t think there are enough words to express my gratitude for her!

Alyssa Greenlee

2/7/2024

I had an unplanned C- Section. I had a doula. No, I wouldn't change a thing. After the birth of my son, I fielded some questions about whether or not I needed my doula. 100%, yes! My husband agrees. I highly recommend, Desirae. She prepared us for everything we might face. When I had an induction at 37 weeks, we prepped and discussed various scenarios. At the hospital my husband and I felt empowered and knowledgeable about the choices we had to make. After the C-Section, Desirae ensured that we had our special moments together by physically placing my son on my husband's chest and helping my son latch while I was still feeling the effects of anesthesia. She is a valuable resource and support in the weeks after birth too. We leaned on her and she was always there. Desirae supports answers to your questions with data so that you feel confident making decisions. We cannot say enough kind words about Desirae. 

Jenn Blais

2/7/2024

Desirae is an absolute pleasure to work with. We hired her a little late in the game but she wasted no time getting us up to speed on things we could do to prep for labor and delivery and also things to expect so we didn't panic if they happened. Her energy is contagious and calming and she's a huge part of why I had such a relaxing birth despite some difficulties. I know my daughter's birth would have been quite different if it weren't for Desirae guiding us and assisting where she could. Her follow up was also much appreciated as we had a tricky start to breastfeeding. She checked in and offered some tips and made sure I had what we needed to succeed. We chose to only have one child but if we had chosen to have more we would have hired Desirae every time!

Amy

2/6/2024

I had the most positive and empowering birth experience with my daughter.

Rewinding for a second, Desirae had supported me through my first pregnancy, with my son, sharing resources and equipping me with more awareness and perspective than I possibly could have had without already having children. My son surprised us by arriving 1 month early, so Desirae made sure I had the birth support I needed and was ready to step in immediately postpartum to check in on my wellbeing. All that to say, we'd established a high level of trust going into round 2!

For my daughter's birth, Desirae went above and beyond–arriving at my house on a holiday, and coaching me through what turned out to be over 24 hours of labor! 

I honestly had fun the entire time. In a meditation Desirae led me through towards the beginning of my labor journey, Desirae supported my intention to be fully present in my birth process and helped me get into the best possible mental headspace for my delivery. 

With this positive mindset, plus the strong trust we’d established over the course of our time working together, I felt fully supported and held–without any worry about my safety or wellbeing, or what anyone thought of me! 

Of course there were some crossroads in the process, and Desirae helped me confidently get to the other side and turn at any forks in the road. I got to focus on riding the waves of my contractions, and I trusted them to handle the rest. 

The end result was the birth of my dreams. I remained fully present the entire time, truly enjoyed myself, did not receive pain medication, did not tear, and was able to immediately bond with my daughter on my chest after delivering her. I would not change a thing about my beautiful experience. I wish every woman giving birth had a doula, and I would highly recommend Desirae!

Kristen

2/6/2024

Desirae is the epitome of what a doula should be - she is knowledgeable, compassionate, caring, warm, calming, passionate and a true expert in what she does.  Hiring Desirae as our doula was the best decision we made for our growing family.  Our birth story was unexpectedly more complex than anticipated and Desirae was with us each step of the way.  She served as a coach, a partner and an advocate for us.  We are so grateful to Desirae for being exactly what we needed, for offering her skillset to the world and for being the incredible human being that she is.  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! 

Amber Bord

2/6/2024

Desirae is a phenomenal doula. I can't imagine having gone through my pregnancy, labor/delivery or postpartum journeys without her. Even my husband, who was initially  confused as to why we would need her/her services, said afterwards that he doesn't know how he would have made it through without her!

100000000% recommend! 

Jennifer S.

2/6/2024

For someone with a long history of infertility, finally being pregnant and giving birth was an exciting but extremely anxiety provoking time.  I knew I wanted to go into giving birth with a strong support team and as much information as I could gather to make informed decisions.  Desirae is knowledgeable and provides evidenced-based information as well as a variety of resources.  Although my birth did not go as planned, Desirae was with me every step of the way and stayed with me in the OR while my husband accompanied our daughter to the NICU.  Our daughter is now 2.5 and Desirae continues to be a major presence in our lives.  She has always been a text or phone call away for support and has always been a fierce advocate for me and my family.  I cannot imagine going through this process without her. 

Gabrielle Pirruccio

2/6/2024

Des became our doula by accident, after our original doula broke her ankle a few weeks before our birth. We knew immediately that she had the exact energy we were looking for - calming, reassuring, and ass kicking when needed. I had days of prodromal labor during which she checked in frequently, called to let me vent and help me strategize, and cheered me on. When active labor began, it was fast - I arrived at the hospital at 6cm feeling a little panicked. As soon as Des walked in, she dimmed the lights and changed the energy in the room entirely. She helped me get back in the right headspace and kept us afloat while allowing my husband to be my main support, which she knew was important to us. She knew I was ready to push before I even did. I am so happy I was able to have the unmedicated birth I wanted, and I know Des played a huge role in that. She was so helpful in guiding us through getting our baby to latch for the first time after birth, even more than our labor nurse. She also took so many photos and videos, so we have our daughter's entire birth documented to cherish forever thanks to her. As first time parents, we could not have asked for more from our doula and are so grateful that our paths crossed. 

Allison Mirach

2/6/2024

When I was ready to become a mother, I knew what cards were stacked up against me as a Black woman in America. I was nervous about what could potentially happen and wanted to prepare myself with as much resources as possible.  I didn’t want to become a statistic, and therefore i took action and hired a Doula.

I knew some basic concepts of a doula, but I had no idea that they would also help you become more of an advocate for yourself in a hospital situation.  I was able to believe in my own ability to give birth because of Desiree.   She was able to show me that even though things don't always go as planned, I still had a voice.  My husband and I learned a lot from our experience working with Desiree.  My level of anxiety and concern decreased as my knowledge increased.  I would strongly advise working with Desiree if you are about to become a mother for the first time.  She is there to support and encourage you at every turn.

Tim and Lorella

2/6/2024

Desirae is an exceptional doula. We were first time parents and didn't know anything about anything and over the months, Desirae coached us and got us ready for the big day through her very structured and comprehensive resource guide. We got to the hospital on a Tuesday and didn't deliver until Friday and through all of that time, Desirae was there for us, advocating for us in a health care system that can feel more like a machine. Through four hours of active labor, Desirae's years of experience were very apparent as she effortlessly shifted between coaching on positions, keeping us feeling confident, helping to center our needs with the ever-changing rotation of doctors and nurses, and creating space for joy and laughter. We would highly recommend her for anyone looking for doula services. 

Maria Landolina

2/6/2024

One of the best decisions we made to prepare for the birth of our son was to work with Desirae. She understands what it’s like to expect after infertility and loss which helped create a powerful and trusting bond between us. Her presence is sensitive, nurturing, gentle, bright and loving - making us feel both free and supported to be however we wanted during pregnancy and delivery. And when we needed guidance, she had the best referrals, suggestions and recommendations that were always backed up with evidence based data. She helped us work through the countless decisions that come up to help plan for our birth. Since we brought our son home, she has continued to provide support and guide us through the challenging transition which has truly been the most valuable and comforting part of the entire process. 

Lindsay Gibson

2/6/2024

Desirae was a miracle doula for the birth of my third baby! She was by my side the moment I needed her and stayed well beyond what I ever expected. What turned into a difficult post c-section recovery was saved by Desirae's wisdom and skills. I cannot reccomend her enough! 

Rachael Platt-McMullan

1/2/2019

Desirae Whittle's doula services have made such a positive impact on my prenatal to postpartum experience that I am a repeat client of hers. As a pregnancy after infertlity and loss client I required unque facets of care that only Desirae could provide. Her specialty services of infertility doula care supported me through some of the most difficult and anxious times of my life. Through her phone consults, incredible resources of information and unending support I was able to positively navigate my anxiety throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Desirae's doula services during labor and delivery is unmatched. The tools and support she implemented when caring for me both physically and emotionally empowered me to have life-changing unmedicated vaginal births of my two sons. Without her support and care I know I would not have had the mental bandwidth to battle the fear , pain and loss of control that I was met with when laboring and delivering my rainbow babies. I have and will be forever grateful for the love and support Desirae provided throughout my journey to grow our family. She has most certainly been the most powerful and positve difference in my supportive needs. I highly recommend Desirae to all those considering a doula!

Alicia Erasmus

12/5/2018

Desirae was my doula for the birth of my daughter, which was a scheduled c-section. I was very nervous going into a major surgery, and Desirae was with me during prep for surgery, keeping me relaxed, anxiety at bay, and even making me laugh. She was right there as I came out of surgery and into recovery and again was such a calm, supportive presence.  Not only was she incredibly professional, but she has such a warm manner to her as well. It is really difficult to find people who are able to display both of those qualities, but it also is so important as birth can be scary and messy, and you want to maintain your dignity! Desirae has a commitment to continuous learning and her desire for knowledge is very clear from the moment you meet her. She wants to know all there is to know about all perinatal experiences, challenges, and issues. I dont believe there is anyone who knows as much as she does that doesnt have decades of experience in this area. I would recommend Desirae as both a doula and a friend to anyone who is about to deliver a chlid, whether it is their first or tenth.

Jennifer Wanzer

12/3/2018

First of all,  I never even heard of a doula.   While at the fertility clinic, before I became pregnant,  I ended up reading a flyer on one....and thought this is what I needed, but needed to get pregnant first.  After it finally happened,  I joined our fertility clinic FB page, which is where I met Desirae.  This was perfect, a doula who also went through fertility issues just like me.  We met, hit it off instantly.  My husband and I felt very comfortable with her.  She answered so many questions and helped guide us through choices we never even thought about until she brought them up.  When the time came, I ended being induced,  and my plans for a natural,  unmedicated birth went right out the window.  But Desirae was there every step of the way, helping me realize the choices I needed to make to help make me comfortable and never once judged me.  She was there as my advocate, my friend, and my calm.   She reminded me that I was in control of what would transpire.  Things got scary at one point, but we made it, we had our little miracle girl after 15 years of trying.  Afterwards, Desirae helped me process everything that happened, helped me get my emotions out so that I could begin to heal and truly enjoy my little one.  I highly recommend Desirae,  she is a true professional,  is extremely knowledgeable, is very helpful in so many ways if you have gone through infertility, and can help guide you through ANY birth scenario.