Brittany + Josh

5/16/2022

Carissa felt like family to my husband Josh and I right from the start. She was incredibly easy to talk to and very intuitive. She has a very calming presence that will soothe any fears or anxieties you may have. We hired Carissa early on in our pregnancy because we didn't have any family nearby and wanted someone who could help support us and connect us to the local community. We had regular check-ins with her that made us feel like we knew her even better by the time our baby was ready to enter the world. She was always accessible by text for any questions or concerns that popped up for us. She was the best advocate we could have asked for and walked us through all of our options and what they meant during pregnancy and beyond. There was no question she couldn't help us answer and if we wanted additional information she had a large community of doulas to ask! She also had unlimited resources for us to read through, which we found very helpful since we are both very data-driven people. It was so nice to have someone who is so up-to-date in the birth space instead of only relying on family and friends who all seemed to have different advice and opinions, which was overwhelming at times. We also had midwife appointments that were wonderful, but sometimes we would still come away with questions or want to talk through what they had offered us and Carissa was always there to do that.
The day of the birth Carissa was incredibly supportive and calm. I gave birth at home and I felt no fear due to her amazing ability to remind me I was safe and doing an amazing thing! We would highly recommend working with Carissa if you want to feel really taken care of during your whole pregnancy mentally and physically. She also makes a mean soup during her postpartum visit :) We have nothing but immense love and gratitude for this wonderful doula <3

Emily Cottrell

4/16/2022

Carissa was supportive throughout my pregnancy and really made us feel confident in our birthing preferences. She made both my husband and I feel comfortable to share our hopes and fears around birth and she shared a lot of wisdom and information with us. In our first few meetings, she prompted us with questions and a birthing preference sheet that help guide our thinking around the choices with labour and delivery -some of which we hadn't thought of.
During the last few weeks of pregnancy, I communicated with Carissa often, updating her or asking questions. She always responded quickly and with enthusiasm. We really felt that she was as invested in this pregnancy and delivery process as we were (hard to do, considering she's not one of the parents lol!).
During my (long!) labour, Carissa was our rock. She was the calming and reassuring presence for both me and my husband. She somehow mastered the ability to be present, yet out of the way vibe, which gave me the privacy I needed. She was so calm and constantly reassured me throughout labour. Once we transferred to the hospital, Carissa stayed with us and was such an emotional support. We were hoping for a home birth and she managed to keep me calm and stay in the zone, even with the craziness that came with our hospital birth. She was the biggest cheerleader and we truly felt like she was in our corner-which makes a world of difference, when your birth plan goes off course.
I don't have enough kind words to say about Carissa and our experience with her.
I look forward to my next pregnancy and going through the experience again with Carissa by our side!

Jenna-Lee

4/5/2022

Carissa’s support as my doula was more than I could have hoped for. I felt so supported through the entire journey. I also felt like I was given the proper tools and knowledge to be confident in my birthing plan. I had an extremely long labour and she helped me through all the days of ups and downs. She also helped me stick to my birthing plan while giving me all of my options and supporting my wants and needs. I truly know that she is the reason I was able to have the labour I wanted. She has also been an incredible postpartum support. She has a magical touch with babies! She has the most calming, loving energy and a wealth of knowledge. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am to have had her by my side throughout this journey.

Sandy

2/5/2022

Carissa is such a special individual. We hired her to support us through our first birth process. My husband and I both feel that she went above and beyond with her level of care for us and our child. Having her support through the birth process allowed me to feel empowered throughout the birth experience while at the hospital. I felt cared for and respected during all of my interactions with Carissa. We are grateful for Carissa’s presence during such an important time in our lives.

amy dallison

1/11/2022

Carissa is an incredible doula and I am eternally grateful for her support through the birth of my first child. I had a pretty horrific and very long labor and Carissa's calm and measured presence kept me grounded and feeling supported throughout- she always knew what to do and say when I was ready to give up. Her knowledge and compassion put us at ease and I cannot recommend her enough.  She anticipated all our needs and gave my partner well needed breaks throughout the labor and made sure we were both taken care of. Carissa also supported us through the postpartum period,  one day coming and looking after our baby and preparing a glorious platter for us. You will be in very good hands with Carissa and I wish her all the best.

Alix

10/12/2021

Carissa was such a blessing during my postpartum journey with my second baby. She also helped me through difficult decision-making moments at the end of my pregnancy, which I'm convinced contributed to my peaceful and healthy birth experience. She had her first shift at my house only days after I came home from the hospital, and our last shift together was over 4 months later. Throughout that time, she supported me with general housecleaning, watching the baby while I had some alone time to shower or work out, she cooked, cleaned, helped me organize my home, and spent a lot of time listening and comforting me through difficult (but normal!) emotions of postpartum. We also shared very powerful sessions of ritual around postpartum to celebrate and transition through different phases and threshold moments. I'm so grateful for the kindness, patience, wisdom, and peace that Carissa brought to the last 4 months of my life. :)  

Nicola Mccorquodale

8/31/2021

With my second pregnancy, I was initially with an OB and wanted to attempted a VBAC. OB mentioned scheduling a c section at every appointment, therefore I wanted a doula that could provide emotional and physical support during the labour. I really liked when carrisa said her role was to remind me to listen to my body, my wisdom and to help me remember what my values/important qualities for the birth was vs. Her telling me what I should/shouldn't be doing. I liked that she seemed like she would facilitate and support me and guide me. We spoke about birth plan, she discussed medicial procedures that are a choice but aren't typically presented like that and helped prep me that birth can be long and that's okay!
when I went into early labour, It was intense from the beginning. Carissa offered to bring round the TENs machine and showed us how to use it. We were then in touch over message and she joined at the hospital. Once in the birth room, She did ask me again how did I want her to support. For me I wanted her to draw my attention to any signs I was holding tension in my body. She applied amazing counter pressure on my back. She helped me keep focus by reminding me 'I can do anything for a minute'. She had to leave part way through the birth due to another call, but she didn't leave until a replacement doula had arrived. She was very nice and helpful too. In the end, my son was born via c section. The labour wasn't pretty, or nice but it was such an experience working with my body and I know 100% I wouldn't have gotten fully dilated without doula support. 
I still had things to work through after the birth with having the c section. It isn't what I wanted due to the recovery and having a toddler at home but Carissa on her home visits helped me work through some of this. She also brought round yummy soup and bread for us ! Would definitely recommend, helped make birth process enjoyable even with c section result.  

Olla Ali

6/23/2021

Carissa was an absolute angel. I relied on her whenever I experienced pain, sadness, and many more things. I've had multiple episodes of false labour and would contact her in the middle of the night. She would respond to me immediately and tell me what to do. During real labour, she was the only one who tried to follow my birth plan even through it didn't go as expected but still I was so thankful for her encouragement and supportive words. I wouldn't have done it without her keeping me calm and collected. Carissa also contacted me after birth for a follow up. Overall, she is such an amazing and kind hearted person. I would definitely have her as my doula again! 

Jacob & Rebekah Hoggard

3/6/2021

Carissa and our new little family is a match made in heaven. 

Every step of the way she was there to ground us and fill our hearts with perspective and peace. 

Her confidence and sensitivity to the ebb and flow of our birth experience illuminated our journey while maintaining a sacred space and respect for the process. 

Her love and passion continues to resonate with us, and we are truly grateful to have her in our life.

Strength, beauty, wisdom, she was 'born' to do this!

Chelsea Emslie

2/10/2021

I was on the fence about getting a doula and debated it for the first half of my pregnancy. I was fairly sure that I was going to get an epidural and I didn't want to feel pressured by a doula to go without one, or I thought, did I really need a doula if I was going to have my pain so well controlled? I wanted a doula to help manage my stress, be a consistent figure throughout the pregnancy/labour/post partum, and help me advocate for myself at the hospital as I knew how hard that can be in our current health care system. After working with Carissa I am so happy we decided to go for it and work with a doula.

Carissa was completely non-judgemental and all I felt was completely supported throughout the entire experience. She helped me make informed decisions and supported me through whatever option I decided. She knew exactly when to give my husband and I space before I even knew I wanted it and without being asked. This was so important as the last thing you want is someone hovering when you want some alone time! Carissa always had great advice, answers and evidence based resources whenever I had questions for her. She was the only one on my birth team that actually remembered my birth plan and helped advocate for what I wanted in the whirlwind that is labour and delivery. Could not recommend her enough!

Kari & Alex

1/25/2021

To say Carissa an excellent Doula is an understatement. My husband and I started looking into Doula services when my midwife mentioned it would be of great help to her in the birthing process.  Carissa came highly recommended and did not disappoint.  From out first pre-birth consultation Carissa came prepaired with a calm energy, great questions for us, and tools to make the big day go smoother. When I went into labour, I had the confidence and knowledge to be able to gage when it was necessary to go to the hospital, which allowed me more time at home and out of the hospital during covid times.  For the time I was in the hospital, I was impressed and relieved when she was confidently able to jump in and suggest new positions or hands on pain relief for me.  My husband in particular felt I was supported best with her trusty care, and felt equally involved.  Whenever he gapped at what to do Carissa was right there to support both of us with a calm air of kindness and professionalism. Her nurturing qualities helped me to feel supported and calm during a very vulnerable and emotional time. Her and my midwife got along really well, and she was a wonderful assist to her during the whole birth.  The post partum visits where immensely valuable to me - as something I wouldn't know I needed.  Carissa let me ramble on about every little thing and listened,  hearing everything I was experiencing giving gentle kind support, when I had questions, if she didn't know she would research and get back to me.  I would highly recommend Carissa as a Doula and strongly encourage her post partum visits, our whole family was better for this experience.

Michelle & Reza

10/10/2020

As first time parents, we wanted some extra guidance for the birth of our daughter, and we're so glad that Carissa was the one supporting us!

In a delivery where almost nothing went the way we imagined in our birth plan, Carissa was a calming presence that provided an anchor for us. She knew exactly how to ease the pain through labour physically and provided emotional support by encouraging me and talking me through each contraction. With Carissa’s support, I felt at peace with the decisions we made regarding pain management each step of the delivery.

Carissa was regularly checked in on us postpartum and really made me feel cared for. She provided lots of helpful information when I needed help with breastfeeding.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Carissa to anyone that is looking for a doula.
She is gentle and intuitive, and so sincere in what she does.

Maria Lewis

8/13/2020

My husband and I had the fortune of having Carissa as our doula during my second birth. Carissa made us feel so safe and supported before and during my labour, and continued to give us such valuable and thoughtful support postpartum.

Carissa has an incredible intuition as a doula, allowing her to quickly understand what kind of physical and emotional support is needed without having to be asked. She held my hips during contractions in a way that really eased my pain, gave me little reminders and encouragement when I needed it most, and served as a strong advocate for mine and my parters’ needs. I feel that her, my husband and I truly made a wonderful team that has allowed me to look back at my labour with positivity and pride. We all adapted to some challenging and unexpected circumstances and Carissa was an integral part of helping me keep the core elements of my birth plan/desires despite those circumstances.

Carissa has also supported us postpartum with endless love and care. From caring after our newborn to allow my husband and I to nap during a postpartum visit, to proving constant support during an unexpected hospital stay, Carissa again provided us with what we needed the most during our most challenging moments. She was truly meant for birth work and would be an amazing asset to anyone’s birth.

Amanda Garcia

8/13/2020

It is with great pleasure to recommend Carissa Reed as a Doula. Carissa was an integral part of my pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience with my son.

Throughout my pregnancy Carissa was in consistent contact. She was always checking up on me and was always there to chat when I needed her. When I experienced any sort of challenge she was quick to provide support. If she was unfamiliar with something she would research and share her findings with me. Aside from the physical challenges that pregnancy sometimes presents, Carissa was also diligent about checking in on how I felt mentally.

The birth of my son was Carissa's first birth experience as a Doula. I woke up around 12:30am knowing it was time to head to the hospital. We got to the hospital around 12:50am and my son, Leo entered the world within an hour. The birthing experience was incredibly fast and somewhat intense but Carissa remained calm and helpful the entire way through. After birth, Carissa praised my strength and was immediately planning how to help me next.

When we were released from the hospital, Carissa stayed with us another week to help with the baby, my daughter, the house chores, shopping and meals.

Carissa's approach to being a Doula comes from a place of genuine passion to help and stand up for women of all backgrounds, and an eagerness to educate herself and others while also motivating women to realize their personal strengths and capabilities. She listens, she cares, she takes initiative and she brings light to anyone's path she crosses. She is an outstanding person who has so much to offer. I feel like I'll never be able to thank her enough for what she did for my family and I. However, I take peace in knowing that she did it because she truly cares.

Any woman considering getting a Doula should highly consider selecting Carissa Reed, you will never be disappointed.

Arianna Wingfield

7/30/2020

We absolutely loved our experience with Carissa as our doula! We had an intense labour experience and honestly don't think it would have been a positive experience if Carissa wasn't there. She supported us  through painful early labour- and a very quick labour & delivery with some complications after birth with clotting. It was a very intense situation and Carissas presence was SO integral to feeling confident and capable and remaining calm in the heat of it all. She was a voice that reminded me how powerful, capable and beautiful my body was. Our nurses were pretty insensitive and were saying anxiety provoking statements and Carissas calming voice and advocacy was so helpful for us. She also advocated for the specialness of birth and helped remind us to see the absolute beauty of the process. 

We appreciated from the get-go how she shared information that felt "us centred",  direct and was palatable (we had felt quite overwhelmed by all of the information out there). She eased the anxiety about labour and made us feel confident that we were going to be able to do this! Her care and compassion exudes and she is such a calming presence. We had felt a bit nervous that having a doula would mean having to accommodate around them and sacrifice some of the specialness of my husband supporting me in labour but Carissa just fit in wherever there was lack. She supported physically with massage and teaching & finding positions that helped with pain and supported emotionally by cheering us on, educating about what was happening and advocating for what we wanted / reminding us we had options during labour. 

We couldn't recommend Carissa more. She is a wonderful and gifted doula! 

Bronwyn Livingston & Doug Hamilton-Evans

5/27/2020

We were very thankful to have Carissa help guide us into parenthood. She was nurturing, supportive and knowledgeable. Her calming presence, her pain management skills and emotional support helped turn a difficult labour into a positive experience. We fully trusted Carissa and felt we bonded as a team through this lifechanging experience. 

We particularly appreciated having Carissa in our corner during these times of COVID-19, when physical support is so rare and precious.