Leslie Ranney

12/7/2022

To have Charity as our Doula was the best decision and the best money spent during our pregnancy and birthing journey. After having her for our first child, she was the first person we reached out to when we found out we were pregnant with our second child. Charity brings so much to the preparation of having a child. She's knowledgeable, genuinely caring, assuring, and resourceful. Whenever we had a question about pregnancy or the options our doctor was presenting us with she would walk us through things to consider. She never told us what decision to make but gave us the tools and knowledge so we could make the decision(s) that were best for us. Charity has a calming and loving personality. She took time to get to know us, which I believe then helped us all connect and be on the same page and team when it was time for the baby to arrive. I can't put into words how grateful I am for her. My first birth due to medical issues resulted in an urgent c-section and the support she gave to my husband while he waited for me outside the operating room is support that we had no idea we would need. She then was there for us in the birth of our second child- which I was grateful to have VBAC all natural, unmedicated. Again, the support she gave for us to have this type of birth was out of this world. Charity knows how to talk to you, what to say, things to ask for, support that's needed without overstepping. The hospital staff respect and acknowledge her. Charity has been here for us in 2 very different birth scenarios and her support for both is one I believe everyone needs. She not only supports the mother but also the father (partner). As soon as you decide to have her as your Doula she is available to you 24/7. She pours her heart and soul into your pregnancy and birthing journey! I wouldn't do a pregnancy without her. She's reassuring when you need it, resourceful, & calming. You won't regret having her in your corner for this amazing chapter of your life! 

ashly

9/25/2022

I don't want to say I couldn't have given birth without Charity, but I certainly wouldn't want to do it. I interviewed several doulas and did a lot of research before picking Mahina Birth and I am so happy that I landed here. I had a lot of fear and anxiety going into pregnancy and Charity has this way about her that helps put you at ease. She is evidence-based and knows her stuff and helped walk me through my options, and reassured me in moments (when I needed them most) that I was making the right choices. I wanted to go into my labor unmedicated. However I knew after going into labor that I wouldn't be able to cope and relax into my contractions. So I ended up getting an epidural. Even though I got an epidural Charity was with me every step of the way and was so unbelievably helpful in the pushing stage. I was fortunate enough to have Megan her apprentice at my delivery as well. Megan was kind and encouraging. I know hiring a doula is costly, but I was able to use my HSA and make payments, and it was well worth every penny.
My doctor, husband, and labor & delivery nurse had nothing but HIGH praises for Mahina Birth. I have had a very positive birthing experience and it is without a doubt due to Charity and Megan. They have both made a positive impact on my life that I will never forget.

Courtni Parker

9/23/2022

I have nothing but amazing things to say about Charity! She brought a calming presence, a wealth of knowledge, and the ability to advocate for us confidently. She helped me achieve the birth of my dreams and empowered me throughout the entire process. I couldn't have imagined having any other doula as part of our birth team! 

Stephanie Nagl

8/25/2022

We've worked with a Charity for both of our sons' births. For my most recent pregnancy, I told her that I wanted my birth to be empowering. Without her, the couldn't have been achieved. Her prenatal support involved resources and guidance to help me mentally and emotionally prepare for labor. When the time came, Charity's presence at the hospital provided the calm and strength I needed. As soon as she walked into the delivery room, I felt at ease. She supported me and my husband and acted as my advocate in my most vulnerable moments of labor. That's an invaluable person to have your corner. I recommend anyone seeking out doula services to at least meet with Charity. Regardless of your birth goal, she will arrive to help you achieve it. 

Chelsey Davidson

12/17/2021

We are so grateful to have had Charity with us for our birth experience! We are so glad she took on another client at the last minute. She is intuitive, professional, and kind. She listened to our concerns and hopes and helped us feel confident throughout the last couple weeks of pregnancy and during labor. She guided me through a natural labor with breathing techniques, massage, words of affirmation, and gentleness. We talked about my mom (who has passed), our toddler, and how my partner and I met in between contractions. She guided my partner on how he could best help me during labor. She stayed with us afterwards until we felt comfortable and we have some amazing moments captured in photos from her. We are so grateful to have had Charity those tender days before birth and during labor. If we end up having more babies, the first thing we'd do would be to hire Charity!

Shawnalee Petty

10/17/2021

After an extended search I came across Charity’s website and it offered detailed information of her services, which was incredibly helpful in deciding to invest. And what an investment it was! From the first consultation meeting, she was incredibly knowledgeable and calm.  This offered us a sense of relief knowing that she would be apart of our birth experience. I knew my husband and I made the right decision to secure her support services when my healthcare team looked forward to working with her. Charity’s support started with providing helpful information that would improve my well-being over the course of my pregnancy.  She worked extensively with my husband and I to devise a birth plan. Charity communicated thoroughly about what we would expect for our hospital birth, which left us feeling incredibly prepared.  She went out of her way to be available to us through messaging.  This helped whenever we had a question or information to discuss with her. As my pregnancy progressed, she offered additional support to my husband and prepared him for what to expect with my induction.  When the time came to be induced, she was there every step of the way with a calming energy.  As I labored for 40-hours, she was not only a support person to me but my husband.  She empowered him to provide the physical and emotional support I needed. For that, I will forever be grateful for Charity.  Lastly, we invested in her photography services for delivery.  After assisting with our delivery, she captured moments that I will forever cherish. When she presented the photos to us, I remembered feeling incredibly emotional not because of the experience but because she was such a gift to us during our birth experience. As evidenced by my experience, securing Charity’s services will be the best investment you’ll make. If we can have another child, without hesitation, Charity will be the first person we call. 

Taylor Petty

10/17/2021

When I think about our experience with having Charity as our doula, I can’t begin to describe the depth of impact that her presence and support had on our labor journey. Charity was there for us along every step of the journey. If there is any advice that I would give to someone reading this review is to secure Charity as your doula sooner than later. Her process to develop a birth plan, discuss the impact of emergent situations that developed during our pregnancy, and continued communication throughout the initial phases of labor and culminating with her help in the hospital is the single reason that I can say that our 40 hour labor journey was spent feeling calm, supported, and informed about what was happening to my wife. As a husband and support person, it is difficult to watch your wife experience pain but Charity helped provide me with step by step ways to assist her during each hour of labor. Finally, the photos that Charity took during delivery will be some of the most cherished photos we have. If there is any other endorsement I would make for Charity it is that afterwards the first thing my wife and I agreed to is that Charity would be the first phone call we make if we are fortunate enough to have another child.

Ashton Williams

9/18/2021

If you are having a baby and don’t hire Charity, you’re not doing it right. We are so incredibly grateful for her being an invaluable part of our birth team…and now a part of our family. 

We decided pretty late in our pregnancy (33 weeks) to partner with a doula after spending time researching birth plans. We wanted  to make our first birth experience divine. After interviewing Charity, we had no doubt that partnering with her would be an amazing decision.

We learned so much in our prenatal sessions with her, leading us to feel very confident and comfortable with our birth plan. She was always so responsive if we had questions…no matter what time of day, she made herself available and present for us. We know Charity has been a part of hundreds of births (sometimes several in one day), but she made our birth experience feel like it was her one and only by giving her full heart and attention. 

While our birth plan didn’t completely go as desired, having her there resulted in a birth experience that we prayed for: a successful delivery with mom and baby safe and dad empowered and supported. She was critical in helping us navigate situations that we did not anticipate. Even when those situations were stressful, we felt so seen, heard, affirmed and supported by her. 

Charity’s reputation precedes her…she is the BEST. What is so beautiful is that she is focused on her impact in the world, not her image or influence. She has a heart for people and for creating person-centered experiences for one of the most sacred and precious events in life. She doesn’t take a “one-size fits all'' approach or pressure you into a decision by providing her opinion. She partners with you, empowers you with knowledge, encouragement, and confidence, and coaches you with grace. 

Amy

8/27/2021

Charity is an absolute godsend. I used her with my daughter and had a wonderful experience, so when I got pregnant with my son I knew I wanted her to be there too. My husband was deployed when my son was born, so having someone by my side who would support me and who had my best interests at heart was very important.  His birth proved to be much more emotional and scary, so having her by my side meant everything.  She was always available throughout my pregnancy for any questions I had, and even made sure I was doing ok after baby was born as she knew I had PPD with my daughter.  I don't plan on having a third child, but if I did, she would be the first one I'd call.   

Jordan

5/28/2021

What a wonderful experience! Charity was just as much of a support during my pregnancy as on our actual delivery date. Both my partner and I really got so much value and peace of mind from having an experienced expert in our corner to help us navigate making a birth plan that honored my wishes as well as going through a not so planned c-section. Calming, kind, and an excellant addition to our birth support team! 

Marija

2/7/2021

We have been fortunate enough to have Charity's support through the birth of both of our children. As first time parents, we needed her for her vast knowledge of women's bodies, the labor and birthing process and post partum support when we welcomed our son. As second time parents, we needed her for her calm and cosistent aura to help us achieve a safe and relaxed birth for our daughter. After working with her with our son, Charity and I brainstormed ideas of how we could make the experience of welcoming our daughter even more positive. She completely met and exceeded our expectations, AGAIN! I was so focused on listening to the reassuring words she was saying to me and following the sound of her voice that I was able to be present and focused in labor which was my goal. The energy during her birth was so strong and empowering because of Charity's guidance! 

If you're looking for a doula who will be able to provide you with authentic and unwavering support. Charity is the doula for you! She will listen to your anxieties, your goals, and your hopes for birth and do everything within her power to help you have the experience you're looking for. She is truly a gift to women and their parters!

Quen Finney

9/28/2020

I can not say enough good things about Charity. I sought Doula services because, I was not having a good experience with my Dr and wanted to be sure I had someone knowledgeable present to advocate for me and support me during my birth. After meeting with Charity, I knew I didn’t want anyone else. Not only was she supportive and sweet spirited but she gave me the courage to switch doctors and gave me a list of dr’s to consider. I was able to get switched over and immediately, received better care at my very first visit.

Charity was a great support and resource. As a first time parent she made sure I was equipped with the knowledge to make conscious choices about my birthing experience. She was not only a support for me but my husband as well. Once I started having contractions Charity came to my home and did stretches with me and made sure I got hydrated. She also taught my husband multiple stretches and massages so that he could be a support as well. Once things kicked into high gear at 1am, Charity met us at the hospital. She kept me on a rotation on the peanut ball (don’t worry if you don’t know what this is, she’ll teach you lol) to open my hips. She shared my birth wishes with the staff and she made space for me to change my mind and shared what I’d decided.

I didn’t give birth until 10:36am that day and Charity was attentive and supportive the entire time. She made my birthing space a safe, calm and supportive space for me.

If you’re looking for a Doula, you’re looking for Charity.

Solissa McKay

9/24/2020

Charity as a doula was everything I expected and more! From the very first moment I met her, I felt affirmed, valued and cared for. Charity was so patient in helping our family navigate the uncertianty that comes with giving birth during COVID-19. She guided us through the ever changing hospital policies and restrictions while always making us feel like we had some control over our birthing experience. My husband and I joke that we wish every single parent out there can sit down for a birthing class with Charity because even though this was our 2nd child, we learned so much about the process & our rights as patients during our time together. Looking back, I think having Charity as my doula during this stressful time was such a blessing and I am forever grateful she was part of our birthing experience. 

Erica

9/3/2020

Charity was the loving, strong birth doula I needed. After a traumatic birth experience with my first child, I knew I needed a doula's support birthing my second child. She is extremely knowledgeable about what a woman's body is experiencing at different stages of pregnancy and labor, and I really appreciated that she helped me think about what I would want if I ended up needing to transfer to the hospital or have a cesarean section. She kept my husband and I informed at all stages of labor and made what would have been a terrifying transfer from New Birth Company to the hospital seamless. I can't imagine going through such a transformative experience without someone like Charity by my side. My husband has also expressed what a relief it was to have Charity there supporting both of us. If I choose to have another baby, I will definitely call Charity!

Kelli

6/27/2020

We used Charity after my first birth left me with some trauma and disempowered. My second birth experience was tremendous. I would recommend Charity to anyone as she provided great support and up-to-date information on hospitals and procedures and helped us feel empowered to make the best decisions throughout our journey. 

Andee McCoy

4/17/2020

If you're looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate, commited, and adaptable doula, we highly recommend Charity. We hired her before the COVID19 breakout but, due to hospital policy changes, were only allowed to have 1 support person in the delivery room, so Charity couldn't join. Despite this disappointing change up, Charity proved invaluable. As first time parents with no birthing classes, we were nervous. To help us feel more comfortable and ready to handle the situation solo, Charity came over beforehand and went through a number of pain techniques and positions, explained when they're most effective, and took pictures of each. Between my husband's notes and Charity's pictures, we were armed with a knowledge bank to take into the delivery room with us. With this my husband felt confident supporting me through the first part of active labor on his own. Eventually, after a small dose of pitocin, my contractions and pain became far more intense. As I was feeling ready for an epidural, my husband wisely decided to call Charity. It was probably close to 9p at this point but she answered and stayed on the phone with us until our baby was born just after 12a - and we made it through without an epidural or other medical intervention! I wasn't sure that remote support would be helpful but I know I would not have gotten through those extremely difficult final hours of labor without intervention had my husband not called Charity. She was somehow able to assess the situation just by listening and provided the comforting words and helpful suggestions we needed to pull us through to the end.

We could've never expected to be giving birth during a pandemic and having our birth plans completely upended just days before our due date. If I could've expected and planned for it, though, I still would've hired Charity to be a part of our team. She's incredible and we would definitely use her again, under any circumstance!

Brittany

2/18/2020

Charity is a one of a kind doula. She is calm and experienced under pressure and her ability to navigate the emotional roller coaster and uncertainty that is labor and delivery is unmatched. In my particular case, for reasons unknown to me, I felt a strange tone of resentment from my labor and delivery nurses towards Charity's presence (an unfortunate side effect of the business I assume) but I mention this only to speak towards Charity's capabilities and maturity---not only did she continue to guide and assist us with the utmost attention and care, but she continued to treat the labor and delivery teams with respect and patience. Im happy I had her on my team and wasnt at the mercy of those same nurse and midwife teams--Charity was there to keep me and my husband informed, calm and in control and she delivered tenfold. I would recommend Charity to my best friend and would be a repeat patient with her any day of the week. If you're even considering working with a doula, be sure to give Charity more than a second glance. She will undoubtedly help you have the best experience--no matter how the chips fall--in labor and delivery

April

2/16/2020

Charity was the best doula a gal could wish for! She was so helpful for emotional support before, during, and after our baby arrived. She also helped me to make rational decisions at a time when I wasn't being very rational (for example, when I texted her at 4 in the morning to tell her that I thought my water broke, but that I was going to go back to bed and "check in on it later" she convinced me of the need to go to the hospital, rather than sleeping on it, which was pretty important, since I needed antibiotics for group B strep!). Every step of the way, she was extremely responsive, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and reassuring to both my husband and me. She also took the most unbelievably beautiful photos of our baby's delivery. I will forever be grateful for all that Charity did for me and my family, and I can't imagine having another baby without her! <3

Stephanie Nagl

2/13/2020

My husband and I cannot say enough wonderful things about working Charity for the birth of our first child. I met with a couple doulas and immediately knew that Charity was the fit for us. Her warmth and compassion put me at ease right away. She was readily available and helpful to answer any questions and concerns I had during pregnancy. The added support for this first time mama was very appreciated! When it came time for labor, her support and knowledge was unparalleled. While helping to support me, she was inadvertently supporting my husband through this changing time. She came to the hospital when we asked and continued to provide me with encouragement and options. I cannot imagine having my son without her there, and I cannot imagine not having her there for the birth of any future children.

Ryan D

10/15/2019

As a primary care physician I fully support the necessity to utilize a Doula during both the pregnancy and labor/delivery process. The outcomes during delivery and post partum both significantly increase the success rate. Wether or not you are utilizing medication (narcotics, epidural) or having a drugless delivery, Charity will be there 100% of the way to help you through everything. My wife and I had a relatively easy and straight forward delivery plan outlined and set up with Charity. She allowed us the freedom to make the experience our own and was very generous with her time and knowledge. She is amazing to work with and if she had been in scrubs, no one would have guessed she was not part of the hospital staff. She transitions simplistically into the process and works tirelessly to make sure that you have all the creature comforts you need and is on point 100% of the time during labor, managing both movement and helping to lessen the intensity of the contractions as a teammate and leader.

I would 100% recommend Charity Vasquez based on my experience as a both a husband and as a provider. Her knowledge, experience and professionalism is next-to-none. Gentlemen (and Ladies) if you are unsure and are on the fence, do yourselves a favor and set up a meeting with Charity and her group, I promise you it won't be a waste of time and you will have a wonderfully memorable experience. 

Diana

10/11/2019

Take the time to meet with Charity and see if she is a good fit for what you're looking for, I can almost guarentee she is.  Charity really made my second birth much more bareable and prepared.  I had a doula with my first birth and found it helpful, but went into my second with an OB that I wasn't fond of and some concerns about what I wanted and how to get through contractions with more conciousness. She is the sole reason I was able to get through it.  Charity is always available- has multiple (kind! sweet! communicating!) back up doulas for the rarest of occasions she's not.  She answers questions, asks questions, and really wants to help you have the birth you want.  She's got a personality and heart that could calm the roughest of storms. I can't say enough good things about her except to reach out to her and see if she might be what you're looking for!  I would also recommend the birth photos.  While I'm not someone who did that the first time around nor am I into maternity photo shoots, those birth photos hold a really special place in my heart.  

Amanda Owen-Noll

7/23/2019

After our first meeting with Charity, many of our birth concerns disappeared. We opted not to take a birthing class, and with Charity's guidance felt confident going into our birth. Not only did she provide assurance and information to me (the mom-to-be), but she gave my partner the peace of mind that he would be supportive in the just way I needed. Like many births, our birth did not go as "planned," but with Charity's wisdom, we were able to navigate decisions and changes with intention and ease. We had peace and comfort with her sharing our space during our 30-hour adventure. I cannot, and don't want to, imagine what our experience would have been like without her.

Melissa Urlaub

4/2/2019

Charity was such an incredible team member to our birth experience. During the first prenatal meeting, she really helped my husband and I understand the process of birth and help us make decisions about the type of birth we wanted. When we went to the hospital, she showed up right away and helped communicate with the nurses the things we wanted: birthing ball, peanut ball, ice and towels, and more. She really helped me have the unmedicated birth that I wanted. She had a gentle way of making suggestions during labor, that didn't feel pushy, but helped greatly in dealing with labor/progressing in labor. Her knowledge and support also helped my husband be there for me and made his journey to parenthood more comfortable. She really helped to make the birth of our daughter a bonding and joyful experience that I don't think we would have been able to achieve as first time parents ourselves. Even during the postpartum visit she was able to make gentle suggestions, answering questions we didn't even know to ask. The photos that she took are the best momentos to remember this experience by and were beautiful. Hiring Charity was one of the best decisions of my whole pregnancy and I know we wouldn't have had such an amazing experience if it wasn't for her.

Tasneem Wilson

2/25/2019

Working with Charity was one of the best decisions I made around my pregnancy and birth. She made me feel calm, empowered and safe from the moment we met; and that feeling magnified throughout my pregnancy, labor and delivery. She provided me with useful tools and resources to learn about relaxation during labor, and they were so helpful! Charity is organized, passionate, empathetic, and personable which made her the perfect fit for me. She has a balanced approach to labor and delivery practices, and kept an open mind about my wishes. Without a doubt I'd say anyone would be lucky to have her as their doula. 

Naaga Sena

2/2/2019

Our baby boy was born on 1/5/2018 at Shawnee Mission Hospital - Birth Center, and we hired Charity (Mahina birth support) as our doula.

Since this was our first baby me and my wife were looking for someone experienced to be on our side during the labor, and we found Charity (Mahina birth support). I got to say that is one of the most intelligent decisions we ever made.

When we informed her that is the time, she came to us in less than 30 minutes. Charity has a wonderful, warm, soothing personality also she is an extremely calm lady. My wife was very confident just because she was with us. During the whole 12 hours of labor, she stayed well focused, and her only priority was my wife (even I slept for 2 hrs), the energy she has is amazing. Also, she was very cooperative with the nurses, and they also liked the fact that she was there.

She provided valuable answers to the questions we had before and after the delivery. We felt her as our family member. We would definitely hire her again.

Traci Bessard

1/30/2019

I cannot begin to express how wonderful our entire experience has been with Charity as our birth doula! From the very beginning with the inquiry of her services, she was both personable and professional! Upon, our consultation, I knew my husband and I wanted to work with her as our doula. With this being our first child, we were looking for someone with experience and who would make us feel comfortable, no matter the type of birth we decided. Charity went above and beyond every step of the way with thorough explanations, advice and recommendations.

All the preparation led us to an invaluable experience with Charity by our side coaching and guiding all the way as we delivered 5 weeks early! Charity arrived within 15 minutes of calling her and boy were we grateful as we had a speedy delivery. She focused and grounded me through an unmedicated delivery and it made all the difference in the world! With Charity being a support system for myself and my husband we were both able to have a wonderful birthing experience.

Directly after birth there were so manyspecial moments that my husband and I were surprised and thankful that Charity captured! Memories to last a lifetime….

After birth, Charity provides a postpartum visit that is engaging, uplifting, and a complete benefit as we are experiencing this life event. She takes her time ensuring you have the support you and your new family needs.

Overall, we could not have been more pleased with the experience that Charity provided. Having Charity as a birth doula, is one of the best investments we have made and would definitely recommend her services. We are forever thankful….

Gregory Cotter

1/29/2019

Charity's support of my wife and I through the birth of our first son was immeasurable. For my wife, Charity was a support, a guide, and an advocate. For me, as a first time dad, Charity was an anchor. To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t completely on board with hiring a doula prior to meeting and working with Charity, but my wife was insistent so I didn’t push back. Now, however, I can’t imagine having gone through the process without Charity. Our son’s birth wasn’t an easy labor, and I found myself stuck between trying to remaining steady and calm for my wife while simultaneously managing my own anxiety and fear. Charity’s presence grounded me, and allowed me to be there for my wife in a way that would otherwise have been impossible. She insured we were always informed about what was happening, that we were processing all of the information coming at us, and that we were present in the moment. I cannot express adequately enough how much Charity was and remains a force for good in the life of our little family and I can't thank her enough.