Jaclyn Reid

2/3/2023

If you asked me what the most helpful part was about having Ellen as our doula, my shortest and most accurate answer would be "everything." Her body work preparation, prenatal care questions and answers, labor itself, and post-partum support was remarkable. However, if you are asking for a specific instance in which I felt she was most helpful it would be in changing the pace of labor. I was in early labor for 5 hours or so and my husband and I were feeling exhausted and bummed that we weren't further along. We felt like it was a good time to call her in for help and other ideas... 30 minutes after her arrival, I was in active labor! We had a fresh perspective on positions to try, hands-on help with counter-pressure and partner coaching/support as well as her amazing aromatherapy, personal hand-held fan, cold rags, candles and garden veggies/flowers. It was exactly the help we needed at the perfect time we needed it. This constant support continued for hours and made birth as smooth as I think it could have possibly been! 

Ellen is a steadfast oak, roots unwavering in winds of change and unpredictability, while her branches flow and adapt to every situation she is challenged with. She is strong, agile, and physically able to keep up with the demands of labor, while remaining calm and tending to the emotional intensity birth brings forth. She is a peaceful presence and a delightful person to have around during one of the greatest days of your life. On top of it all, she is certified in all the credentials everyone wants in a doula (DONA, BodyReadyMethod, Spinning Babies, SBD, has given birth herself etc.) and has spent lots of time doing additional training, as well as research, improving her skills. I would highly recommend Ellen to anyone!! 

Elena

2/16/2022

I always knew that I wanted to have a doula with me when I gave birth but as I got underway in pregnancy I was so overwhelmed by the process of finding someone I waited too long and then panicked.  I set up a meeting with a different doula only to have her cancel and say nevermind the day of the meeting.  I was completely distraught when a friend recommended Ellen.  She was so responsive and open, saying if she wasn't the right fit she'd help me find someone else, and it reassured me after my bad experience.  As it turned out we didn't need anyone else.  Throughout the whole process, she brought a perfect mix of holistic advice and scientific data in response to our questions and needs.  If we needed a book, a website, a video, a yoga ball, and even an infant scale, she provided whatever she could.  I felt like she really listened to what we needed, she took the time to get to know us, and for such a big, personal, intimate event, that was really important.  It was really hard for me to get pregnant (we need an IUI) and I think that added a layer of stress to the birth.  I also had to be induced, which introduced new elements for me to worry about.  However, I was able to give birth without complications, extra interventions, or pain medication and I don't think that would have been possible without Ellen's support.  She made it so I, and my husband, didn't have to worry at all about what we needed to do.  Ellen guided us both through what would help and I'm so thankful. Her presence never felt like too much and I felt like I didn't have to be in control of anything, because she was in control for me.  She stayed with us until we were settled in our postpartum room and continued to be a present support system months after I gave birth.  Those months were, and still are, hard, and just knowing someone is there for you means so much.  I would strongly recommend Ellen's doula services.

Melissa Van Order

2/7/2022

I had no experience with having a doula for my 3 previous children and had heard that they're very helpful so when my OB asked if I was interested I said yes. Ellen contacted me and we got to know each other a little bit. She had some great advice and was so kind and calm. 
She came to the hospital when I was induced and she was a great asset. I wish I would have been more assertive with the nurses so that I could have had more of her input and ideas. 
my husband wasn't so sure about having a doula, but ended up really appreciating her support. She helped give him ideas of ways to help me and that helped him feel more useful and confident. 
she never overstepped, she was always calm and helpful. 
I especially appreciate that she continues to check in from time to time. She even brought us a meal after we had our little girl.