Natalia

2/4/2022

Joanna was my prenatal yoga instructor and I loved her yoga classes so much I knew I had to hire her to be my doula. My partner and I set up an interview and we hired her immediately. Joanna guided us throughout pregnancy and helped educate us so we knew what our options were and what to expect. Seriously, I don't know how people go through this without a doula like Joanna by their side. As a first-time mom, I was overwhelmed but Joanna made the process enjoyable for my partner and me. When I went into labor, Joanna was a godsend- her presence was so calming and she knew lots of tricks to help me get more comfortable, how my partner could get more involved or get a break if they needed, and really came in clutch when my labor stalled at VHC. While I had initially planned for an unmedicated birth, I was tired and opted for an epidural, Joanna was supportive and knew some tricks to help maximize the effectiveness of the epidural and help me get rest and comfort. The nurse was so busy and was hardly in the room because she had another patient and when she did come into the room, she was charting and monitoring the baby so I was so thankful to have Joanna present as my doula. As new parents, it was helpful to have Joanna to share resources, encourage us, and support us. Because of Joanna's support, I have recommended her to all my friends and would hire her again in a heart beat should I get pregnant again. She is the absolute best! So amazing! HIRE JOANNA! 

Zarina Omar

5/12/2020

Because of COVID19, I was a bit worried when I heard that some states weren't allowing husbands into the delivery room, but we got lucky because INOVA Fairfax still allowed it. Since it was my husband's first baby (but not last) our doula Joanna of Beyond Birth helped us remain calm and answered all of our questions. She was with us every step of the way whenever we needed her. Day or night she was by our side even though she wasn't allowed to physically be there with us.

Eric

4/27/2020

Joanna was an oustanding doula for my wife and me. I was initially a little skeptical of the concept at first but I figured any possible way to keep my wife calm and happy during the birth would be worth a try. Joanna exceeded our expectations in every way. She is so warm, personable, and knowledgeable. She coached us through difficult decisions about whether to induce labor or wait, epidural or not, pitocin or not, when to cut the cord, and many more. There are so many choices to make it can be overwhelming and you're not going to have the time or energy to Google all of them. There are a lot of different nurses and doctors and midwives coming in and out of the room throughout the birth, many different personalities, and with Joanna we felt like we had a constant help and advocate.

As the labor went on and on, I fully expected for Joanna to go home after midnight and rejoin us the next morning but she stayed with us all night, right through the birth and after, probably 28-30 hours straight. She was a positive and calming presence throughout, and guided us to a healthy delivery.

If we ever have another baby, we will be calling Joanna.