Camilla Battle

9/5/2023

Working with Gabrielle was a blessing! As a first time mom she was always available to answer any questions I had about the pregnancy and or delivery process.  She was knowledgeable, professional and always on time for appointments.  She was very responsive to all text messages and phone calls. Having her as my Doula help reduce much of my anxiety and I highly recommend her services! She is amazing.  

Tyneshia

4/29/2023

Gabrielle was a wonderful throughout my pregnancy and delivery. My husband and I moved here from Arkansas and have no family in the area. I wanted to have a doula there in case he was unable to be present for the birth and I was so happy to have Gabrielle there. She answered any questions that I had and helped capture precious moments after delivery. I was so grateful that she stayed by my side until I was settled in my recovery room. You truly always remember those who helped during these big moments in life. 

Maria Funes

4/5/2023

Before I even conceived I had a vision that I wanted to have a natural vaginal birth. Once my spouse and I found out I was pregnant I wasn't sure whether a doula was worth the additional expense but eventually decided to take a leap of faith and allow someone else help guide us prenatally, during labor and after. 

My husband and I can say that working with Gabrielle was the absolute best decision we could have made. She is fountain of knowledge, amazing support person (for myself AND spouse), and the care she provided  was one of a kind. During actual labor there were truly moments when I didn't think I could do it but she was our rock at the core of it all and helped keep me grounded and focused on my goal which was a natural unmedicated delivery. 

Elizabeth Solano

10/4/2022

I can't say enough great things about Gabrielle! She came on to support me basically last minute after another issue with another doula (not with her company) and was available whenever we needed her. She was present when I was about to give birth, providing aromatherapy support and affirmations to help me get in my zone to push. She also took pictures which I am beyond grateful for because I will always have those memories forever now :) She was also super helpful postpartum with her breastfeeding and emotional support. I am thankful to have had Gabrielle as one of my amazing doulas and would highly recommend her to everyone!  

Symera Davis

6/14/2022

Gabrielle was so knowledgeable and kind! From our first meeting, I knew I wanted to work with her. She is genuine and truly loves what she does. I was able to text her and expect a timely reply. In addtion, I was given a resources that kept my mind at ease throughout the different stages of my prenatal and postpartum journey. This pregnancy was very much different from my first, and every curve ball (persistent nausea, pelvic pain, and anxiety) was handled with knowledge and care.

The morning I went into labor, Gabrielle arrived so fast! I think I almost cried from relief when I saw her! Considering she had a meeting that morning, I am very happy she was able to attend vs having her back up available. She helped to calm me with techniques we discussed prior to labor. She included my husband within the process and advocated for me to the hospital staff. Her encouraging words of "let baby come down" everytime I attempted to tense up during contractions still ring in my ear. It was exactly what I needed to hear to help labor progress. 

Once baby girl was here, she captured some of the most amazing photos that I will have forever along with these great memories. During the immediate postpartum stage, where many tend to focus on baby and forget about mom, she care for and I will never forget how great that felt. Best decision ever! 

Lucy & Joshua

2/22/2022

Our experience with Gabrielle was truly a dream! She has an innate gift for guiding people through birth. It’s easy to see how she was called to this work as part of her vocation.

Gabrielle’s whole-hearted presence and deep knowledge inspired our confidence from the start. My husband and I immediately sensed her warmth, capability, and calm. She is a skillful communicator who centers every conversation on your needs. Rather than bringing her own agenda, she works diligently to understand your feelings and vision for your desired birth.

I especially appreciated her flexibility and advice in choosing a hospital. I switched care providers halfway through my pregnancy, due to COVID-19 concerns. She helpfully shared her experience as a doula with different hospitals, which helped to inform my decision. She also takes pandemic safety very seriously, which put us at ease.

Our choice to do hypnobirthing aligned perfectly with Gabrielle’s experience with the practice. She understood exactly what we were going through at every step of the way, from our prep conversations through delivery and beyond! Her energy helped me totally relax, even at my most vulnerable.

I’ll be forever grateful to Gabrielle for coaching me through the toughest moments of my birth. Some unexpected complications arose for me. In the face of these, she lovingly challenged me to find strength I never knew I had! Truly, I believe she helped me to avoid panicking, and in this way, to avoid an emergency surgery. She also worked beautifully with the midwife care team. Together, they helped me to have the most empowering day of my life.

Gabrielle also followed up with us during our stay in the mother and baby unit and at home. Her kindness, sensitivity, and honesty helped us begin our postpartum journey feeling confident and hopeful! She is also an inspiration as a mom herself.

She is the best! We would love to work with her again.

Rayelle jackson

2/2/2022

Gabrielle was a joy to work with. She made my spouse and I very comfortable. Whenever I had questions, she always made herself available to answer them. She was there every step of the way which was comforting for my spouse and I. I would recommend her to anyone. I'm glad she was apart of my birth journey and experience. 

Ashley & De'Von

1/2/2022

Gabrielle was a God send during our pregancy. She was always available, kind, and reassuring. During the birth of our son, she was a calm and knowledgeable presence providing guidance as our planned birth did not go as planned. I am so glad she was apart of our birth experience. She even captured pictures of our birth which we cherish. Thank you Gabrielle!

Whitney Dorband

1/2/2022

Gabrielle was amazing! She was knowledgeable, patient, and kind! Because of her we had a perfect experience!

Breanna Thornton

9/1/2021

With this being my first birth, I had no clue what to expect. Both my husband and I were nervous, which brought us to the decision of looking for a Doula. It took ONE interview with Gabrielle for us to know she was the perfect fit. Even in the midst of a pandemic, she was able to make us feel comfortable with the new changes that were about to happen in our lives. We had zoom calls, in person meetings, and she was available to us 24/7 for any questions we needed answered. 

It was very important for us to have an African American Doula who would advocate for us and understand what was we needed. Leading up to right before hiring Gabrielle, my husband and I didn't know what to expect. Gabrielle helped us with our birth plan and explained everything in detail (sometimes twice if we needed more explaining). We went over numerous pain management techniques that I would be able to do while in labor. Even though the plan was changed and I had to be induced, I had no fear, WE WERE READY! 

When I tell you, my husband and I would not have been able to do this without Gabrielle, I am NOT lying. Sh e was the most calming, soothing, and level headed person in that delivery room. Between the contractions, the many nurses, the midwives, the doctors, I WOULD CHOOSE HER AGAIN AND AGAIN. Gabrielle, along side my OB were the best team I could ask for. All I could remember is Gabrielle and my husband being the best parts of my experience in that hospital that day. 

Gabrielle thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to help birth the biggest blessing in our lives. Skylar is here and flourishing.  

If you ever need a Doula, SHE IS IT! 

Erika Roache

8/15/2021

Gabrielle is amazing! This is me and my husband's second child but first time working with a doula and I could not have had someone better to work with. While we are grateful for all workers in this field, it was important to us as an African American family, to have a doula who looked like us and understood the disparities of our healthcare system to advocate and care for us. Being someone who did not have a detailed birth plan (and an unplanned C-section) having her with me eased my concerns when labor and delivery did not go as expected.

Throughout my pregnancy she sent valuable resources to help with all the things that come along with pregnancy - from easing discomfort to tasty tea to help with my sinus cold! What I appreciated most about Gabrielle is her knowledge of more natural ways of treating pregnancy symptoms and the fact that I never felt pressured to make certain choices if those methods did not work for me at the time, such as having a medicated vs. unmedicated delivery etc. I felt very supported! I later found out that she spent her anniversary weekend in the hospital with me - and I never knew it because she focused all of her attention on being there for our family. Im truly grateful for that.

A few days after we were home with our son, Gabrielle came by for our postpartum visit and it felt like sitting with a good friend - which was much needed! She offered more resources and advice and it felt good to talk with someone who understood what the postpartum process looks like. I would recommend Gabrielle 1,000 times to anyone I know! She's a gem!

Tamera Peterson

7/4/2021

This was my first birth and I didn't know what to expect with having a doula. I remember I shared during our first meeting I didn't want my pain to cloud my judgment during labor. She made sure that during labor I tried every pain management technique we went over in my home and she advocated with me to the doctors to make sure my choices were respected and I knew what was happening. Often times the doctors moved too fast and she would check in with me to make sure I was comfortable. I appreciate her knowledge and patience. 

Kiya Thompson

4/29/2021

If you read nothing but this first sentence, hire Gabrielle. My pregnancy was surrounded by fear and anxiety due to my age (almost 40) and because it would be my first child to survive to delivery, closely following the loss of our first pregnancy at 16 weeks. As a trauma nurse, I have sufficient knowledge of labor and delivery, but also knew just enough to add to my existing fears of every potential complication that could occur. Despite all my concerns (valid, or not), I spent the majority of my pregnancy debating whether or not I wanted to hire a doula. Was it worth the expense? Did I really need another support person? I mean, women have been doing this for years, right? After our interview with Gabrielle, we found her to be knowledgeable, confident and supportive - not to mention, very sweet. I still wasn't sure if I "needed" her, but figured it couldn't hurt.

If I have any regrets, it's waiting until 31 weeks to hire her.  She checked in on me routinely, provided education, and sent affirmations and encouragement. As my due date neared, she was readily available for me to ask (so many) questions and never made me feel like I was bothersome. When my water broke at 4am, she calmly coached me over the phone on breathing and next steps. At the hospital, I continued to labor for 25 more hours. Eight hours in, I decided to get an epidural. Knowing my birth plan, she gently challenged me, and then supported me 100% when I insisted I wanted to move forward with it. She helped me with so many positions before and after my epidural. She collaborated with my nurse and confidently advocated for me when necessary. She tended to all my needs, as well as those of my husband. She empowered me when it was time to push and took the most beautiful photos once our precious girl arrived. Following the delivery, she continued to provide me postpartum and nursing support. We were grateful to have Gabrielle on our team and would hire her again!

LaTonia

12/19/2020

I had the pleasure of working with Gabrielle during my two pregnancies in 2014 and 2017 before she officially became a doula, but I could tell in 2014 that this work was for her.  During my first delivery, I was induced due to elevated blood pressure and after hours of no progress, my doctor said that a c-section would be the next step.  Enter Gabrielle. After taking an hour long drive to Newport News to support me through delivery, she came in ready to assist in any way possible.  The doctor showed her how to rock me from side to side to help get my son to move and for my cervix to dilate more.  Gabrielle rocked me from side to side ffor a while and when the nurses came back in to check me again, they were amazed at the progress and a c-section was off the table.  After a successful delivery and even once I was home, Gabrielle was so attentive to my needs as a first time mother and truly helped me to navigate my new normal.  During my second pregnancy, Gabrielle & I were both pregnant at the same time so she was unable to be in person for my delivery, but she was a significant part of my labor going as smoothly as it did. During my second pregnancy she had introduced me to new terminology to think of contractions as a positive experience and not anything that was painful.  I was much more calm and ready to experience this labor and delivery.  My breastfeeding journey was easier the second time around due to my daughter's natural latch.  Gabrielle again came down to assist with my adjustment to being a mother of two and cooked me delicious meal.  For me, Gabrielle was my friend first, but I love seeing her fulfill her passion and helping other mothers though their pregnancy, labor, delivery, & postpartum needs.  If you are debating on whether or not to hire a doula, hire Gabrielle.  She will advocate for you and treat you like family. You will be in great hands with Gabrielle Wade.

Danielle Crane

11/25/2020

Doula Gabrielle was an extradinary resource & support to my husband and I as we prepared for the birth of our second baby boy. We are soo grateful to have benefited from Gabrielle's excellent support and guidance during the last few months of pregnancy. Initially, my husband and I didn't consider a doula but we decided to meet with Gabrielle and hear her out. She is very knowledgeable and shared a lot of useful information with us. She was always available for questions I had. She also met with us at our home to go through several useful techniques to use during birth. Gabrielle brings a wealth of holistic approaches. She will advocate for your wants & needs. During labor she was calming and encouraging. She was also patient & kind while providing unobtrusive support. Gabrielle is such a force that invaluably helped us navigate through an unmedicated labor. We are beyond blessed to have had her friendship and highly recommend Gabrielle's support to other expecting parents. You will appreciate her services; hiring her will be one of your best decisions.

Brittany Fisher

11/22/2020

Gabrielle was amazing from way before I decided to get a doula! She was super patient with me and explained everything to me as I searched for what was best for me. I decided to hire Gabrielle after giving birth and it was the best decision I made. I was 4 weeks post partum and still very much in pain and emotionally drained. The same day of hire, Gabrielle gave me the tools I needed before coming over. She made me feel so comfortable. I trusted her instantly. She was so knowledgeable about essential oils and homeopathic healing that within a few days of following her recommendations I had consistent relief. She checked on me via text and supported me mentally when I was feeling alone. She gave me time to bathe for more than 15mins and allowed me to get myself together. She truly cares about the wishes of the mom. I couldn't have healed without her. I didn't know I needed her. Truly recommend her for any mom in search for a doula for their birthing journey ! Lastly, She's also there for dads who don't understand ! My husband was a skeptic but after seeing my transformation after her services, he was amazed + convinced that if we have another baby we will be hiring her while pregnant and post partum. 

Robbyn Blackwell

11/22/2020

Nothing is more personal than birth. Gabrielle helped me to prepare and to feel confident. She is experienced in hypnobirthing techniques. We went over my birth plan in advance and also laboring techniques and positions that were helpful. Gabrielle supported me, but she also supported my husband by giving him tips that he could do to be hands on with me. When things didn't go as planned during birth she adapted quickly, helped us talk through our decisions, asked questions so that an informed decision could be made, and never pressured or rushed us. After birth, she checked in with us and was still a helpful resource. Gabrielle is the only reason I was able to breastfeed. It was a long journey for us to get pregnant and our 1st trimester had some trials as well, but she understood all of this and the nerves that came with it and helped to make us to feel prepared, supported, and confident. She was always available for questions and always answered the phone. We had a great birth experience and Gabrielle was a major reason why. We look forward to her being a crucial part of our birth team when that time comes in the future.

Monique H.

11/20/2020

Choosing Gabrielle as my doula was one of the best decisions I made as a first time mommy. From the beginning she answered all of my questions, provided tips for everything & made me feel comfortable with her and with everything my body was doing. She was calm and courteous and surpassed my expectations of what a doula would be and do. She continued her care even after my baby arrived which was such a relief for a first time mommy. I would definitely recommend Gabrielle to anyone looking for a doula! She'll always be my first choice!