Madison Gongaware

11/7/2024

Colleen was amazing to work with! She checked in on me constantly throughout my pregnancy and provided me resources and readings at key points. I felt like she really helped my mental health through it all. At my birth, she gave us tips and tricks for getting to the hospital and parked which was one of my biggest anxieties. She met me at the door and walked with me to L&D and got me all settled in. Throughout my labor, she got me up and moving and really helped in pain management. She took beautiful pictures of us as a new family as well! Recommend her so so much!

Olivia Bunn

10/28/2024

We had planned a home birth originally, but due to me being at 42 weeks and still no signs or labor we decided it was best to be induced at the hospital. Colleen has been so incredible through the whole process before and after. She's such a great support person to have at your side through this. When at the hospital she was constantly making sure I had everything I needed and made our birth space at the hospital extra cozy/magical with mood lighting/ essential oils in a diffuser. After having our baby, she's been great with being a person I can text with any questions or extra support. I would 100% recommend Colleen for anyone looking to hire a doula! 

Melinda Yang

9/9/2024

Colleen was fantastic - she regularly checked in with us throughout the pregnancy, and when I had an unexpected diagnosis of gestational hypertension, Colleen helped to talk through the diagnosis and think of questions to ask our midwives. She set up a great ambience for my induction, and despite a quicker than expected labor, made it to document the birth and help us get situated post birth. We appreciated her support so much throughout the process, especially as a first time mom! 

Kathleen Warne

9/6/2024

We hired Colleen at around 12 weeks as I wanted support early on in the pregnancy. Colleen's calmness and humor connected us right away. It was so helpful to have her as an advocate as I decided on an elective C-section. Colleen was 100% supportive of my decision and made me feel empowered to advocate for myself. Since we went the unconventional route, she didn't hesitate to reach out to other doulas to support us during the pregnancy. She checked in with both my husband and I regularly. 

We had a scheduled C-section and Colleen had the labor / recovery room set up according to our birth plan - dim lights, candles, and my music playlist. All of this and her calm presence eased my anxiety. She came to the OR with us and made sure I was never alone. She captured our son's birth beautifully and had a whole birth album for us. She spoke up about our birth preferences to the medical team including wanting to see and have an imprint of the placenta. 

Post partum, Colleen has continued to be there and support us. I got a clogged duct overnight and Colleen provided advice and resources for me to work through it. 

I could go on and on about how wonderful Colleen has been, I would 1000% hire her again if we decided to go through this journey again. 

Fionnuala Bradley

3/27/2024

As a first-time mom, having Colleen as our doula/birth worker was one of the best decisions we made.

We interviewed and hired Colleen early in my second trimester and immediately resonated with her person-centered approach. Throughout my pregnancy, she checked in often to see how I was doing and what resources she could provide.

Once I went into labor, Colleen called every hour to check in, listen to my contractions, and give guidance on a few things to try. When active labor started, I felt overwhelmed and she was quick to meet us at our home. She joined us in the bedroom and set up lights, aromatherapy, gave our dog the attention he was asking for, and kept our water bottles full. She empowered my partner to be my primary support person but also stepped in when needed to coach me through a few movements.  When I felt it was time to get to my birth location, she helped us strategize around the hospital drive and arrival. Once we were in the Labor and Delivery unit, Colleen continued to facilitate the vibes of the space and put me/my partner in positions to lead the experience. I also struggle with a blood phobia and Colleen made sure my hospital care team was aware of and followed my preferences around that.

I delivered my baby in very close alignment to my preferences/plans. I believe Colleen played an instrumental role in helping me, my partner, and my baby make it to the other side in a way that we envisioned.

Colleen’s support didn’t stop after delivery. We had two postpartum visits which were opportunities to reflect on the birth experience and chat about things newborn. She also proactively texted to check in and give guidance around those first few days with our baby.

There were many times that Colleen something at the exact moment it was needed to be said. She was extremely intuitive to our needs and helped me feel grounded and affirmed. I couldn’t recommend her enough!

Tamara South

2/1/2024

We loved working with Colleen for the birth of our first daughter. We hired her very early in my pregnancy - around 12 weeks so she was with us throughout the whole journey. She was always available to talk or text if I had a question or concern. I didn't have the easiest pregnancy or delivery but Colleen was there every single step of the way. We ended up being induced at 40 weeks and having an emergency c section after laboring for two days and pushing for four hours. Colleen was such a calming presence for me and my partner and helped us focus on the good when everything seemed so dark and scary. I truly don't know what I would have done without her. I can't thank her enought for her kindness and support. 

Kelsey

12/13/2023

We loved having Colleen as our doula! I thought our personalities matched well from the beginning which made us feel at ease.  She was always available for questions pre- and postpartum via phone and text and she provided great advice without pushing a particular decision. She helped me ask the right questions of my provider and provided helpful suggestions and resources when it was clear my OB and I were not a good fit. She was also great advocating for me during the birth with hospital staff and kept me focused on my goals.  If we have a second kid we would definitely hire Colleen again!

Kathleen Eaton

12/8/2023

As a first time mom and someone who loves to make an informed decision, Colleen was the exact support I needed. She had researched and two sided resources for literally every question I had along the way. She made me feel comfortable saying ‘I don’t know’, which is invaluable in my opinion.

Forward to my induction and it was anything but straightforward. Colleen was by my side every time I asked over 48 hours. Our room was set up like a spa with flameless candles, the coolest lights, aromatherapy, and music/white noise. She provided space for my husband and I when we needed and consistently kept cold washcloths coming when I was burning up from magnesium.

When it came to deviating from my desired birth plan, I never felt like I was giving up. We ended up having a c-section and our son needed help breathing. Colleen stayed with me while my husband went to the NICU. Supported me after surgery and kept me in contact with my husband and got photos of our son. Since birth she has continued to be a support and truly a friend. If I have more kids, she will definitely be there.

Jen

11/30/2023

Everything about our experience reinforced our decision to use a doula and Colleen was a perfect match. I am a first-time mom and she was thorough in answering all of our questions ahead of the birth to help me feel comfortable as the time approached.

At the hospital, she went to great lengths to create a calm and comfortable environment and built immediate rapport with the nurses and doctor, which made us feel like we had a cohesive team on our side. She understood my birth plan and with her help we were able to stick to it. I look back at my birth and feel positively and empowered and a large part of that is because of Colleen. We highly recommend Colleen! 

Trevor Schuster

10/27/2023

Our overall experince with Colleen McDonald as our doula was beyond amazing! She did an incredible job getting us prepared for the big day with classes, reading material, and house visits. And as for the big day (50 hours to be exact), I'm not sure we would've gotten thru it without her insight, advice, kindness, selflessness, and overall calming nature. There were countless times with the process that she was able to rationalize, empathize, and calm down my wife with everything going on, and at times me as well. We strongly recommend Colleen to any expecting couple, and we would definetly choose her again!

Gabrielle Clapman

9/12/2023

We had a very eventful birth and we are very grateful Colleen was our doula to help manage through the whole ordeal. I had two days of prodromal labor which Colleen gave us many suggestions for positions, acupuncture, massages, curbstepping and showers to help cope and move the labor along. She was very responsive and always gave us options without forcing them onto us. She would give us the positives and negatives so we could make informed decisions and weigh in if we needed an opinion or more personal insight but she always let us be empowered to make the best decisions for ourselves. Once we got into early labor and then active labor at the hospital Colleen set up our room and made it awesome with lights, aroma therapy and we had a playlist. Unfortunately things did not go to plan but that is why we are so glad Colleen was there to help navigate the unexpected. I was in labor for over 24 hours at the hospital, pushed for 2.5 hours and had to get an unplanned c-section. It was the hardest decision I had to make but now after the fact I think it was the right one and Colleen helped us along the entire way. She also supported my husband when I was getting ready in the operating room and he was alone waiting in the hallway. I highly recommend having a doula and if you want one that is no bs and will support you and your choices as well as being well informed about pregnancy and birth, then Colleen would be great for you! 

Gabrielle Clapman

9/12/2023

We had a very eventful birth and we are very grateful Colleen was our doula to help manage through the whole ordeal. I had two days of prodromal labor which Colleen gave us many suggestions for positions, acupuncture, massages, curbstepping and showers to help cope and move the labor along. She was very responsive and always gave us options without forcing them onto us. She would give us the positives and negatives so we could make informed decisions and weigh in if we needed an opinion or more personal insight but she always let us be empowered to make the best decisions for ourselves. Once we got into early labor and then active labor at the hospital Colleen set up our room and made it awesome with lights, aroma therapy and we had a playlist. Unfortunately things did not go to plan but that is why we are so glad Colleen was there to help navigate the unexpected. I was in labor for over 24 hours at the hospital, pushed for 2.5 hours and had to get an unplanned c-section. It was the hardest decision I had to make but now after the fact I think it was the right one and Colleen helped us along the entire way. She also supported my husband when I was getting ready in the operating room and he was alone waiting in the hallway. I highly recommend having a doula and if you want one that is no bs and will support you and your choices as well as being well informed about pregnancy and birth, then Colleen would be great for you! 

Dorathy Lay

7/12/2023

Colleen was extremely easy to work with from the first email inquiry to the final exchange when I got my placenta capsules. She was responsive and communicative; she was professional and also kind. The whole process was seamless and I was very impressed that it took about 2 (or so) days to get the capsules. I would highly recommend working with Colleen and her placenta encapsulation services! 

Tina-Rose McGuire

7/12/2023

I can not say enough good things about having Colleen as our doula. I am a first time mom so the pregnancy journey was new to me and I was extremely anxious about an unmedicated labor and delivery. Colleen was great, she had a very relaxed chill vibe that meshed well with my husband and I. Colleen was great pre-labor at setting my mind at ease and reminding me that instincts would kick in and take over during labor. She was great to remind me of things to practice like visualization and my mantra or positive affirmations. I have never been big on meditation, music, essential oils, and their ability to heal/relax. I was wrong. Everything Colleen prepared in the birthing room made a difference! From the mood lighting and music, to the scents she changed up during labor, everything helped my subconscious relax and ride out the contractions. I was surprised at how much of that came through and made a difference when in the primal state of labor. I do not think I would have made it though the back labor contractions without the counter pressure and heating pads on my back. Colleen brought heating pads and shared the load providing counter pressure with my husband. Some other items in the goodie bag that I was extremely grateful for were the hot/cold compresses; the warm/hot ones helped comfort and soothe during my earlier contractions and as I was pushing I needed the cold on my arms, face, and chest. She also had olive oil to ease the baby out and warm compresses for my perineum to help with discomfort and reduce likelihood of tearing. Colleen was in tune with the midwife who delivered my baby and kept me in the loop with my progress. Another bonus after labor was the herbal peri-bottle water Colleen prepared for me! Although I had an uncomplicated pregnancy and labor, it was wonderful to have an advocate for my birthing journey. I was thankful for all of the things Colleen brought to my labor. Not to mention the gentle reminders during labor.

Caron Sinnenberg

5/23/2023

Colleen made placenta encapsulation such an easy process and added special touches like artwork and a personalized card to make the experience extra memorable. She picked up my placenta from the hospital and it was ready the same day I got home just a couple days later. She was so kind and helpful throughout the process and I could not recommend her more highly!

Nicole

5/18/2023

Colleen was so professional and put so much love and care into her work. She carries the type of energy you want with someone handling your placenta. From our email correspondence to her picking it up at the hospital and dropping it off at my house, it was a smooth and professional process. Highly recommend!

Adin

5/15/2023

Colleen was an incredible doula for us. I had a difficult time getting pregnant, which heightened the anxiety of pregnancy and birth. I'm so glad we had Colleen with us for the second and third trimester. She was invaluable in helping us think through our medical options and in advocating for us with medical professionals.  She also offered a ton useful information and moral support along the way.  When my birth plan had to change radically at the last minute because of pregnancy complications she made sure that we continued to feel a sense of empowerment around the whole experience. I can't recommend her highly enough. 

Vanessa F

4/10/2023

I used Colleen's placenta encapsulation service and it was amazing. She promptly showed up to the hospital to pick up the placenta and by the next day the capsules were ready for me to start taking. I was very happy with how easy the process was from start to finish and how she facilitated the transportation of the placenta and the drop off of the capsules to my house. Thank you Colleen!!

Samantha

3/7/2023

Colleen was my doula at my home birth for my youngest. I liked that she had experience in mental health so I felt comfortable sharing things about my previous struggles with PPA and miscarriages. My labor was long and she never left my side and took pictures that still make me cry. Everyone deserves a doula and everyone deserves to find their own Colleen.

Callie Y

12/28/2022

Colleen helped us with sibling doula services and we can’t say enough positive things. She was very Responsive, extremely professional, and so supportive. She created the space for us to feel comfortable bringing our baby into the world knowing our first baby was in compassionate and understanding hands. Her knowledge on the birthing process and related emotions and circumstances was so helpful. So grateful for her support.

Dana L.

12/5/2022

When looking for a birth doula I wanted someone I could joke around with but at the same time feel completely heard and safe. Colleen fit this box, and exceeded my expectations. I was worried how my husbands role would be during my natural labor. I was able to focus on him while she worked in the background and I did it with no epidural!! Colleen is a natural and will be a great addition to your team.