Amy Papaelias

8/21/2014

Mavis is an extremely caring, knowledgable and thoughtful person. She attended my son's birth in 2009 and her partner Tara attended my daughter's birth in 2014. My first birth with my son was long: almost three days spent in early labor at home but Mavis was there practically the entire time (and left only for a bit to go feed her dog and get a few hours of rest!). Once we arrived at the Birth Center, she kept me aware of everything that was happenining and all of my options. Even though the birth ended in an emergency C-section, I wouldn't have done it again without her there. Not only did she help guide me, but she provided my husband with incredible support - it was difficult for him to watch me go through such a difficult active labor for so long and she was able to help him at the same time. I also attended a "Womb Stories" class with Mavis one year after my son's birth. This class provided much healing through art and discussions with other moms who had difficult birthing experiences.

My birth with my daughter this past year was very different: 8 hours of unmedicated labor and she arrived via VBAC. Mavis met with me for tea even before we decided to have a doula again. And I can't imagine having an unmedicated, vaginal birth without one! She also came with Tara to the post-partum visit and at that moment, it felt like I had come full circle: two very difficult birth experiences, but both meaningful and impactful on so many levels.

I can't recommend Mavis enough and I am so happy that she was part of our birth experiences with both our children.

Jennifer Wittes

11/30/2012

 I used Mavis and her partner Liz for postpartum care following the home birth of my second child.  They were very kind and helpful.  They really helped me navigate the sometimes rocky territory that is going from one child to two.  I am now a postpartum doula myself and I suppose that speaks to the experience I had with Mavis and Liz.  Must've been good if I ended up desiring the same career path!

Jenn Hynes

2/23/2010

I had an amazing birth experience.  Mavis Gewant as my doula played a major role in that.  She was incredibly supportive leading up to and most especially at the birth.  Her experienced and calming presence along with her physical techniques helped me to have the natural childbirth I wanted.  She also helped me to establish breastfeeding immediately after the birth.  I highly recommend her services to anyone.