Angie

9/3/2023

Merline's support from my second trimester until present has been an essential tool in the entire process.  Merline was intentional about my needs.  She referred my husband and I to childbirth education to have our questions answered, and the course was an informative experience.  Merline walked us through our bithing plan, and was always a phone call/text away.  During delivery Merline ensured that all requests were fulfilled down to my lavender essential oil and jazz music for my desired natural birth.  Merline was our greatest support and advocate when I was not in control.  My family is forever grateful for such experience.  

Juju

6/28/2023

Merline was the best prenatal, labor and post natal doula. She was so knowledgeable and always made sure I was aware of my rights as a WOC. She always was available to answer any of my questions. She had tips during pre natal, labor and post natal visits. She listened to my partner and I and was an amazing support system throughout my whole pregnancy, during labor and post natal. I would reccomended Merline and would hire her again as my doula. Thank you Merline 

Kelly

6/25/2022

Merline was my doula in February 2022. I really appreciated the wisdom and calm helpful presence she brought to the process. I have a lot of anxiety around working with doctors and hospitals, and Merline provided me with some great tools around patient advocacy that made me feel more prepared. When my daughter was born, things were quite scary because I ended up going through labor very quickly and needing an emergency C-section under general anasthesia. Merline was right there next to me, and when I woke up she kept me company ans kept me calm while I waited for my daughter to be brought into the room. I found the post visits after my daughters birth with Merline to be really helpful as well, she was available to answer all of my questions and when she came to my house she was so warm and willing to help me without any judgement.  I would recommend working with her to any new parent.

Christine Jean-Baptiste

2/28/2022

I really don’t know where to start with Merline, so I’ll start at the pregnancy.My plan was to have a natural birth or even a water birth. Merline came to almost EVERY appointment. She had an intake form that we completed and a birth plan. I knew nothing about a birth plan prior to this pregnancy, so Merline was very informative on the importance of having one. In between appointments, she would check up on me weekly to see how I’m doing or if she could assist me in any way.Around 32 weeks, I started struggling with preeclampsia. Also around this time is when precautions for COVID-19 went into full effect in the US. Merline was no longer allowed to attend my appointments. One of the new rules was that I had to attend appointments alone. She was still right there by my side. I would either call or text to give her an update. 

To make a long induction short, there was nothing Merline didn’t do for me. We practiced the birthing ball, hot shower, soaking in the tub, walking and squatting, massaging, oil, and even the rebozo.I birthed a beautiful baby girl on May 1st 2020. I believe without the love and support of Merline, I’m sure the c-section would have happened right away.
I feel like the birth plan was of importance. On my birth plan I listed that a c-section would be my very last option. I feel the medical staff respected that ONLY because of the birth plan.Throughout postpartum Merline has continued to be a support. She drove me home from the hospital. She cleaned up around the house, visited us weekly. She's provided me with nutritious meals that promote good breastfeeding, calls and/or texts to check up on us regularly. One thing that’s evident is that Merline is truly passionate about the care black women receive especially during childbirth. Having Merline by your side is like having a powerful Supreme Court lawyer to defend you. You will never regret choosing her.

-Christine J-B