Sarah Halfkenny

7/22/2024

Gina was our back up doula for the March 2024 birth of my second baby, and ended up attending the second stage (pushing), birth, and immediate postpartum with my family. My daughter required resuscitation at birth, and Gina's calm, warm presence was so comforting and needed while I was separated from my baby and partner at the warmer. Gina worked collaboratively with my midwife and hospital staff to ensure I was kept informed of the progress in my baby's resuscitation, and as comfortable as possible during my perineal repair work. When my baby was able to return skin-to-skin, Gina helped us find nursing positions that worked with managing my daughter's oxygenation, prepared post birth snacks for my partner and I, prepared colostrum for supplementation, and took photos of our early moments together. This tender care and attention to all of our needs really helped to sustain us in a challenging experience. Gina made herself available after the birth and held space for me as I began to process my daughter's birth. We are so glad we had Gina as a member of our team during this intense experience!

Rachel Carnat

12/8/2023

After a really medically first birth (I didn't want) I was in a really need of having a doula to find support, protection and strengh. When we first met Gina, my partner and I, we knew we could trust her in this crazy adventure. During all my pregnancy she helped me feel empowered with my body and my mind. She knew my wishes for a VBAC and find all the ressources I needed to read more about it. She also told me all my feelings were valid. We learned together with my partner many positions for the time when I will be in labour. At the end of the pregnancy when labour wouldn't want to start on it's own she came to try with me many yoga postures. My midwife tried also everything but at 42 weeks still no sign of labour. Because of many reasons inducing wasn't really an option. Gina helped me so much to do the grief of the natural birth I wanted so so hard. We spent long hours to find a way to make this birth beautiful. Gina supported me by the phone when I needed to talk about my options. The cesearian was planned and my partner and midwife were here. I couldn't have a third person but Gina came after when we went back in the room. She came also at home to make sure I was feeling good. And I was because of her and her incredible support. One person can change the entire experience. Thank you Gina again. 

Leah

1/24/2023

it was one of the hardest times of my life, enter Gina the baby fairy. Like a fairy godmother, she made me feel at ease, taken care of, and seen. I trusted her with my baby Immediately and he lit up when he saw her! she listened to me while I cried, and shared some of my darkest thoughts, and moments. She didn't judge me and she validated me. she did night shifts and folded laundry while baby slept. She supported us at medical appointments and was so warm and comforting. i can't recommend Gina enough and i will always remember my baby fairy godmother who helped me find the magic again. 

Kyla

1/14/2023

Having Gina as my doula for my second was an incredibly empowering experience. My first was a complex (necessary) medicated hospital birth, and I really wanted to have a different experience with my second, and with  Gina's help I was able to! My second was a relatively fast home birth. Gina arrived before my midwives and helped me manage my contractions while my partner put our toddler to bed. Gina helped me with hip pressure during painful contractions, breath reminders, small sips of water, etc. She also helped me run a bath, stay focused and feel in control. I never felt alone or scared during my birth because I knew she was there for me the entire time. Once the midwife team arrived they were busy setting up, and my partner was still busy with our toddler, so Gina once again helped me move through the labour when I otherwise would have been on my own. My partner was able to join my birth right before I started to push. After the birth Gina also took beautiful photos of me and my partner holding my daughter just seconds after she was born, which I will treasure forever. Once I was snuggling my baby, gina brought me a much needed snack. Gina helped me realize the birth I had wanted with my first, and I truly believe she was instrumental in creating a positive, empowering birth experience.