Scott & Jahnil Laverie

11/18/2024

When my wife and I found out we were pregnant we had so many questions as first time parents. We knew we needed someone apart from our medical team we could talk to and trust with our concerns or questions throughout the pregnancy and birth journey. We didn't have to look too far as Renee came highly recommended and the topper is that we were neighbors. During our pregnancy we grew to become friends with Renee, she wasn't just our Doula. Renee has been a breath of fresh air from the beginning when we first inquired about her services.

My wife had growing fears with her pregnancy as being a woman of color and with all the negative stories of other woman in her demographic that may have faced challenges with their pregnancies and birthing stories. Having Renee as our Doula put our mind at ease and let us tell you that you would not want anyone else to advocate for you but her.

Renee has been the best advocate and provided so much support and education for my family. She has shared her personal birth experiences with us and she helped ease our discomfort and we bonded over both of our experiences.

Renee has catered her doula services and educational classes to fit the needs of my family and we really admired her for being super flexible and for making herself available for our family. We appreciate everything she has done for us and would not want to have done this journey without her. Renee thank you and we wish you and your business all the best.

Jerilyn H

9/1/2024

Working with Renee for the birth of our daughter was an amazing experience. From right when I first started chatting with her, I felt at ease and comfortable. She was a godsend during the labor and delivery itself, and while my birth experience was different than I had hoped, I have no doubt that Renee was a key part of helping us birth with as minimal of interventions as possible given the circumstances. She provided so much hands on support, comfort, and encouragement and was a crucial part of our birth team. She communicated very well with my husband, with the two of them seamlessly trading in and out when needed, and coordinated well with the medical providers. She stayed right with us until my daughter was in my arms and we were well settled, and we met again the following week to debrief and process the birth. Renee was compassionate, kind, and supportive throughout the whole experience, and I highly recommend working with her. 

Kathy White

7/27/2024

As a mother who couldn't be in the room during the delivery of my firstborn's first child, I was initially uneasy about the whole process. However, Renee from Doulas of Capitol Hill made all the difference. Watching her support my son and daughter-in-law was truly reassuring. Renee was consistently available, promptly addressing any concerns and providing ongoing reassurance and support. Her compassion and genuine concern brought peace to our entire family. Knowing Renee was with them and seeing her effectively communicate between us grandparents and the parents-to-be put me at ease. Being able to ask Renee many questions without adding stress to my son and daughter-in-law was a true gift. Renee’s dedication and compassion were remarkable, and she was an invaluable presence in this life-changing experience for our family.

Allyson

4/3/2024

I had a wonderful experience working with Renee in 2023. I had my daughter in August of 2023 (was due in September) and started working with her in early June. I had actually met her a year prior with a previous pregnancy that sadly ended in loss. One thing that really stood out to me when I was first choosing a doula is that she had a calm demeanor.  She took the time at our early meetings to get to know me and my husband, undrestand what we were looking for so she could meet our needs. She shared a lot of evidence based practices and resources but always did a great job of affirming how I was feeling while calming my anxiety. She was also very responsive to texts. During my pregnancy we noticed how often care providers completely ignore the dad in the room so something that was super important to us is that she viewed us all as a team, and was responsive and engaging with my husband without having to be prompted to do so. 

Beacuse I went into labor a month early, we missed out on our labor techniques session. Although we luckily had talked through the birth plan I was understandably feeling very not ready for the labor process. Renee was a very reasurring presence from the moment she arrived in the room and she hung in there with us for almost 24 hrs (my little pumpkin took her time). During labor she took care of me physically and helped me labor and manage contractions but also did a great job being the "go-between" for us and the medical personnel at GW (who were also amazing), making sure our needs for peace and positivity were met, helping translate options, and advocating for us. 

All in all, if you're looking for a calm, warm, presence for your birthing time who will get to know you and advocate for you, I'd 100% recommend Renee. 

Sky

2/14/2024

Renee was such an important part of my birthing experience. As a first time birthing person, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Prior to delivery, Renee provided support around how to manage some discomfort I was experiencing and assisted with the production of a birth plan my husband and I felt comfortable with. When it came time to give birth, my birth plan went out the window. I didn’t have access to the birthing pool at the hospital I chose,  I did not want to rush into receiving an epidural or other drugs during delivery, and I wanted it to be a soothing environment, which unfortunately was not the case due to some rude nurses and overly eager midwives. Renee made sure to advocate for me every step of the way. She provided a calm environment and made sure to check in with me about my needs, and also did the same for my husband. When nurses and midwives were pushing me to take medication I did not want, Renee made sure to remind them of my preferences.  She coached me through breathing, and provided an assurance that was needed. Her care after I gave birth was also amazing. I truly believe her presence and guidance played a crucial part of having a successful birth. I value her expertise and care-- if we decide to have another child, I would immediately work with Renee again!

Christelle Saintis-Miller

2/5/2024

Renee was my doula for my very first pregnancy and I had an amazing experience with her. From the very beginning, her calm demeanor made me at ease with the fear of not knowing anything about how my labor and birth might go. She walked me and my husband through a birthing plan and asked questions that helped us to take more ownership of the process. She gave good advice for ways to prepare and what to pack for our stay at the hospital. 

On the day that I went into labor, I called Renee and she advised me to go to the hospital and that she would meet us there. She got there a little after we did and helped me with my breathing through contractions. I loved how Renee not only supported me but also supported my husband in his support of me. She showed him ways he could make me more comfortable through each contraction. 

At one point I had to make a decision about getting an epidural. Renee was helpful in helping me to thinking about what to do but did not pressure me either way. I decided to get one (the doctors advised this for my baby's safety due to her potential large size) and my labor stalled a bit after. Renee stayed by my side throughout and ordered some broth for me as well as gave me honey sticks (loved these!). 

Once it was time to push, she was there every step of the way (all 2 hours!). She had cool towels to put on my head between contractions and pushing and was calm and encouraging. She stayed after I gave birth to a baby girl and helped with the first latch. I so appreciated her being there and will DEFINITELY hire her to be there if I have another child. She was absolutely a joy to work with before, during and even after giving birth (she visited us to check on how we were doing!). I highly highly recommend her!

Shawnice Savage

1/29/2024

I am honored to say that I was able to have Renee as a doula for all three of my births including my last which was a home birth. Each time Renee has shown up and exceeded all expectations I have had. I am an extremely picky person and Renee has the ability to find out where she fits in the equation and make it work. She is extremely knowledgeable and is more than willing to answer any questions. I have learned so much from our meetings together. Renee is prompt and always on time. She is supportive and always makes it her duty that you are aware of all the options that you have so that you can make educated decisions. In addition to the exceptional professionalism, I never once felt that our experience was transactional. Having Renee as my doula has given me more than just what her services offer, but I have also found a life long friend and confidant. She is a mother and therefore able to INNER stand the experience in totality. Her compassion  & commitment is something you cannot pay for. Thank you for the memories & helping to welcome all of my children ??????

Christian Minter

1/27/2024

Renee provided doula care during my first pregnancy and birth. I really appreciated her help talking through what was important for my birth experience. I ended up needing an induction and the process was very long. Renee was calm, asking the right questions to help me think through next steps when the birth plan needed to change, offering the right hands-on support for pain management, and providing assistance with position changes to help labor progress. She also provided many helpful (and evidence-based) information resources for both pregnancy and postpartum. I recommend her!

Lizzie Majewski

1/25/2024

Renee was absolutely amazing to work with for the birth of my first baby. Her calm, gentle, and non-judgmental demeanor was what I needed through the process of pregnancy and birth. She used data driven research to inform her answers to us about the pregnancy and birth. Even when things didn't go as planned during the labor & birth, she was there to help us make the right decision. Would highly reccomend! 

Monica

1/24/2024

We had a wonderful experience with Renee - she was kind, attentive and knowledgeable and we were thankful to have her for those first few weeks when our baby was an infant!

Rebecca Baskin

1/24/2024

This was my first experience having a Doula. Renee was very helpful with offering knowledge and helping us map out our birth plan. Although my birth did not go exactly as planned, we felt comfort in having Renee in the room. I really wish I had the opportunity to have the Doula experience with all of my children.

I would recommend Renee to anyone looking for an amazing doula experience, whether this be your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. She was very attentive, calming, supportive and present! 

Diara Washington

10/3/2021

Renee was such a breath of fresh air throughout this entire experience and continuing even after I've given birth. I had my first child recently, and as a new mom I was confused and concerned regarding my health and my child's health not just throughout pregnancy but also for my delivery. A friend of mine had recommended Renee since she had a pleasant experience as well. From day one Renee was reassuring in me and my goals and made sure that I had as much knowledge as possible to make the decisions that lined up with what was best for me and my family. She extended her compassion to all areas of my life and for that I will forever be grateful! So if your looking not just for a doula but a new addition to your family then Renee is the best option. 

Kyejah Smith

9/20/2021

There aren't enough characters in this space to express how amazing Renee has been as my Doula. I was one of her first high risk pregnancies with complications and she never lost her confidence. She knew what to say and do, without a second thought. She kept up with every doctors appointment and meeting and even encouraged me to stay on top of my mental health all the way through my pregnancy into postpartum. Renee was heaven sent and will forever be apart of our family. If you're "thinking" about hiring her as your Doula, DO IT! It will be the best decision you've ever made during your pregnancy and postpartum journey. 

Shawnice Savage

8/1/2021

Renee is THE ultimate Doula! Whether you are interested in receiving more information about childbirth, to learning new techniques on how to help make your experience a great one or if you even just feel that you need that extra support system, Renee is IT. During my pregnancy, Renee helped me through everything. She was so helpful, extremely supportive and very understanding. Not once did I feel judged about not knowing certain things. I could always come to Renee about my personal thoughts, feelings and problems and she would help me through them. She has beautiful aura and strives to make your experience divine. In the end, I feel I have gained a lifetime friend and I definitely recommened to even gift someone you know these services that Renee offers because it will be a life changing experience for them.

T

G. McCarter

7/31/2021

Renee was able to make my preferred experience a reality. I had a home birth and as a previous doula I was impressed with her professionalism, and knowledge. She gave me a lot of support during my pregnancy and during delivery. I mostly appreciate her check ins both while pregnant and postpartum. I recommend her.

Kelsey Sellmon

5/15/2021

Renee was such an amazing support in l so many different ways from our pregnancy all the way to our postpartum journey. My labor was EXTRA long and she remained  everything that we needed during a very challenging time. Everything from the set up of the room, the emotional support, the suggestions, the reminding us of what’s important, down to just being a hand to hold, she was an AMAZING support. Renee was always professional, organized, and very easy to open up to. It's clear that she does this work purely because she's passionate about helping people. She will definitely be a part of our village for life!