Melanie Nester

3/9/2024

Catherine was a game-changer in my birthing experience. Before meeting her, I was filled with anxiety and fear about the prospect of a vaginal birth. However, her calming presence reassured me, and I felt a newfound confidence after our meetings. Catherine's serenity and warmth transformed the delivery room into a special and cozy haven, adorned with Christmas lights and candles. Her punctuality and prompt support throughout the process were priceless. I'm grateful for her unwavering support, making the journey into motherhood a truly positive and memorable one. Highly recommend!

Amber Rausch

3/4/2024

Working with Catherine was a great! From her calm personality to her personal and professional experience helped me to feel comfortable, informed and calm during my pregnancy/birth. She really ensures that you have the resources that you need! It was such a relief to have someone to ask questions to and have the additional support for me and my partner. 

The birthing experience was especially amazing. Knowing that you have an advocate and someone to turn to who is able to be there consistently as the medical staff rotates is so comforting. Not just for myself but for my partner, having Catherine there and knowing the plan helped to relive some of that responsibility on my husband so he could just focus on me and the birth. 

The post partum was so helpful in a time when everyone in your like wants to know how baby is doing, Catherine is there to understand how you are doing and what you need to care for yourself. 

Melissa Grimes

2/5/2024

Catherine was an absolute blessing to have as part of our birth team. From the first time we spoke I knew she was special. We are first time parents and we had a lot of questions. Catherine was right there with us through the whole journey. She jumped right in and helped me research some things that were unique about our pregnancy. She kept an open mind and helped us understand all of our options through the whole journey. She was always within reach, including while we labored though Christmas Eve, all day Christmas Day, and she was there for us at the hospital while we welcomed our baby boy. It was very important for me to have access to knowledge and to have a doula that could inform us of our options and advocate for us during labor. But I didn't expect to gain a new friend. Catherine did all of this and more. She treated us like we were her own family. I can not recommend her enough! 

Sarah Conway

11/1/2023

Catherine was an invaluable part of our pregnancy and birth experience. We are incredibly lucky to have found her to guide and support us as first-time parents. Catherine has a ton of experience as a mother of 6 herself, and as a doula. Her experiences were wide ranging. I had a lot of small complications in pregnancy, and she was always willing to talk through my options with me, and find solutions. When birth came, I was overdue and headed for an induction. Almost everything about my birth experience was not planned, but Catherine had my back (LITERALLY) the entire time. I had horrible back labor and the epidural wasnt working. She knew all the right positions and ways to soothe the pain to get me through. She also supported my husband as he was very nervous and anxious watching me in pain! I labored for 24 hours, 12 without an epidural and I couldn't have done it without her. She held a heat pack to my back for hours on end and knew exactly what to say to help me mentally get through. She remembered every doctor, every nurse, and helped me communicate when needed. Even though the active labor was extremely hard, when pushing started it was an incredibly beautiful experience! And I am so grateful to Catherine for helping me achieve such a successful and beautiful end to the birth of my daughter. I can't imagine not having Catherine at any of our future children's births! 

Gabi K

10/29/2023

After my first pregnancy ended in a c section,  I wanted to do everything in my power to VBAC. I knew that after finding a supportive doctor, I needed to find a doula who specialized in VBACs. We hired Catherine after finding her listing as a VBAC specialist on the VBAClink website and reading positive reviews online. From the very first email with her, I immediately felt reassured and I knew that I made the right choice. Catherine was always readily available with advice and recommendations for everything from nutritional support to fantastic chiropractors to how to approach an unmedicated labor. She also has a very calming presence when my fears about my second labor and delivery broke through. Catherine was at the hospital so quickly after I wound up being induced on short notice and I can confidently say that her presence helped to ensure my VBAC success. I was determined to labor sans an epidural and Catherine was incredibly supportive for that. She had great advice to keep me moving during labor and she was able to help with pain management. With her help, I achieved my VBAC and the most positive birth experience I could have dreamed of. We are hoping to continue adding to our family -  we will be asking Catherine to attend any future births.

Elizabeth Feeley

10/18/2023

We are so grateful that Catherine was able to be present for the birth of our son! As a first time mom, I had no idea what to expect in labor and delivery. Just knowing that she would be with us helped to decrease my anxiety while pregnant. When in the hospital, it brought me great comfort to be able to look to Catherine and see how calm she was, and I knew that everything was going to be okay. She helped me to understand the process and got me through each stage. Thank you, Catherine!

Jessica Beben

8/5/2023

I have had two amazing birth experiences with Catherine! I absolutely recommend her. Her presence is warm, inviting, gentle, kind, and encouraging. From the first time I met her, she felt so relatable. Catherine gave me the confidence, encouragement, and support I needed to reach my goal of an unmedicated, hospital birth (TWICE!). Her presence was such a gift and comfort in the vulnerable experience of child birth. For me it was important to have a doula that I could relate to on my Christian faith values, and trusting in God throughout all the joys and challenges of pregnancy and birth. She was so open to talking about faith and relating to my values, which made my experience so positive! She sent me helpful articles, resources, and websites that answered my questions and provided different perspectives in discerning my options. I never felt pressured to make certain choices throughout my pregnancy and labor. She was super supportive of all the decisions my husband and I made. During labor, she provided helpful coping tips and counter pressure during the long hours of back labor. My husband was also so thankful to have Catherine as part of our team! It allowed him to take breaks during labor, focus on things only he could do (like packing the car), and he didn't have to remember all the things from the childbirth courses we took. In summary, she was a loving, maternal encourager, exactly what I needed in the seemingly daunting task of birthing a child.

I also recommend NOVA Birth Services. I particularly appreciated filling out the doula birth blueprint, which is very comprehensive in thinking through your labor and birth options. Thank you so much for all the support I was given! I definitely would go to them again.

E Kapp

7/19/2023

I was glad we were able to have Catherine by our side for the delivery of our third. With my first two births going the way they did, I had anxiety and fear and was grateful to have someone else in my corner who was there to be a support and source of expertise throughout the birth and initial postpartum. Even if you are planning on an epidural like I was, a doula is a worthwhile investment and would recommend Catherine. 

Corrie

7/12/2023

Catherine was absolutely the most incredible doula we could've hired for our pregnancy experience. What initially drew us to Catherine was her expertise and experience with TOLAC/VBAC birth. Catherine is not only kind and SO caring, but truly passionate about what she does, as is evident from the certifications she not only has but is pursuing! She is also incredibly supportive no matter the birth experience you want to have. She knows her stuff! She is truly information, fact, and evidence based, and helps you understand the information that is pivotal for not only your pregnancy experience, but also your peace of mind. If you need any sort of resource during your pregnancy, Catherine will find it! Additionally, Catherine is very prompt in responding via text message or phone call. In summary, we feel so lucky to have found her and plan on keeping in touch even after having given birth. 

Emma Werking

5/23/2023

Catherine is an amazing doula. She was there to teach us, guide us, and comfort us every step of the way from pregnancy to postpartum. She is very calm and knowledgeable. Her presence is like a warm hug. She taught me many different kinds of pain management techniques and gave the best encouragement and reassurance my entire labor. I highly recommend her as a doula. She will forever have a special place in my family’s heart ??

Emily Auxt

11/16/2022

Stop scrolling and hire Catherine!

Catherine is amazing! She was very kind and supportive at each meeting. She really takes your preferences into account and wants you to feel empowered for your birth experience. I really can't say enough about how much we appreciated having Catherine in the room with us during labor. She was knowledgeable, gentle, affirming, encouraging, resourceful, and I could go on. She would ask my opinion of things but also didn't hesitate to make decisions when I told her I wanted her to choose (ex. which position I should try next). She was gentle about instructing my husband and my mom in ways they could be helpful; not demeaning but empowering. She truly made us feel encouraged and supported.

I sure hope Catherine is still a doula if/when we have another child because I'll hire her in a heartbeat. 

Danielle

10/29/2022

Catherine was the best Doula I could have hoped for. She was kind, caring, compassionate and a gentle knowledgeable presence. I am so thankful that I had her at my birth. She was such a blessing. Can't say enough great things about Catherine, she is just that wonderful. 

Callie Koesters

10/27/2022

My experience with Catherine was nothing short of amazing! I hired Catherine fairly late in pregnancy at 37 weeks, and despite only having about two weeks before giving birth, I felt like I had known her for years. I had a scheduled elective induction at 39 weeks and while in triage prior to admission to labor & delivery, Catherine was very accessible by phone to answer any questions and encouraged me to advocate for myself when necessary. During labor, she worked seamlessly with the L&D nurse to reposition me, translate medical terms and the overall process of labor. She was an encouraging voice in the room who provided support during painful contractions and held my hands when I was feeling incredibly anxious-particularly during the epidural. I truly cannot imagine giving birth without a doula-it was a completely different kind of support that I couldn't have anticipated needing, and truly was like having a calm coach or your super cool aunt to provide support. Catherine also took some amazing and absolutely priceless photos for us after our baby was born, and continued to stay in contact within the days following birth in addition to a postpartum visit where she provided a ton of useful resources. I highly recommend working with a doula, and particularly with Catherine! 10/10 experience.

Heisha M Romero

10/1/2022

Catherine was wonderful truly amazing! I can honestly say that she was exactly what I was looking for and much more.

After interviewing at least 10 other doulas we decided for Catherine because we felt safe and comfortable with her. She was patient, calm, confident, knowledgeable, passionate and sweet. She listened, was helpful and quick responding. 

on the day of my labor she was available early and with me at all times. Help with pain management, changing positions, emotional support, comfort and loving care.

I had such an incredible amazing experience during my labor and delivery and I can not thank Catherine enough for helping me make my baby journey home to me in my arms safe, beautiful and loving.  (She also took tons of beautiful photos).

I'm so happy that I found Catherine and that I was able to have the bith experience that I wanted. If you are looking for an experienced doula, that is knowledgeable, caring, passionate, calm and loving look no further because Catherine is the one for you??

Heather G

7/20/2022

Cathrine was wonderful. After interviewing several doulas, I choose Catherine because I felt so comfortable with her. She was calm but still passionate. She listened to what I wanted for my birth experienced and provided a lot of tools and resources to help me meet that vision.

On the day of the delivery, she was available early in the morning for my initial panicked call. Her calm reassurace was exactly what I needed to hear and helped me readjust my plan. Later, she met my husband and I at the hospital and was an amazing part of our care team. She provided information when we needed to adapt our birth plan, she had supplies for comfort measures ready in her bag, she provided counter pressure during contractions while my husband held my hands. With her there, I felt surrounded by care, encouragement and support during the labor and delivery.

She checked in with us after the birth and had wonderful ideas during our postnatal visit. I would definitely work with her again and I highly recommend her for anyone considering a doula.

Jinhee

5/24/2022

Catherine was my doula for our 3rd baby. I was trying for an unmedicated VBAC after 2 c-sections. She was so supportive physically and emotionally and assisting me in different labor positions with gentleness. She also directed my husband on how to be the best help for my labor. Although my delivery didn't go as I planned, I wouldn't have gotten through without Catherine. If I had to do it all over again, I would definitely hire Catherine. 

Hannah

8/24/2021

I am a first time mom and we chose to receive care and deliver at a birth center with a midwifery team with the support of a doula. We interviewed several doulas but when we met Catherine, she immediately felt like part of our extended family. She dedicated substantially more time to us than others for the interview and made sure were understood her role, answered all our questions, and helped put any of my concerns and hesitations to rest. My doula search ended after we met and we were not disappointed! Catherine came to our home several times to coach us through what to expect in a natural, nonmedicated labor, gave my husband tips to support me, and gave us advice for managing our family relationships during postpartum. Catherine also helped me research pediatricians, lactation consultants, birthing classes, and GBS+ management. She was always a calming presence throughout my pregnancy and labor especially when I felt isolated by my family and friends for choosing a natural birth. Though I had a relatively short labor, I had an extremely difficult pushing stage due to the large size of my baby and her compound presentation (nuchal hand). Along with physical discomfort, a long pushing stage was very stressful because I didn't know why my baby wasn't coming out! Catherine did an amazing job helping me stay as calm as possible through my contractions and helping my husband support me as well. With the help of Catherine, my husband, and our midwife, my daughter finally made her entrance into the world! I know that if I delivered in a hospital I could have had a very different outcome due to the presentation of my baby, but I am SO thankful to my medical team and Catherine for helping me achieve the birth I hoped I could have without any medications or interventions. We are so in love with our daughter and we are so grateful that Catherine was part of our journey of bringing her into the world. ??

Lindsey Erickson

6/29/2021

I am a first time mom of 1 month old twins, and I could not be more grateful that I was able to work with Catherine as my birth doula. She has a calmness and centering presence about her that just fills the room. She was there every step of the way offering useful information and tips during her prenatal visits, looking up specific information for me regarding twin pregnancy and birth, and of course the labor and birth itself. Because I developed preeclampsia, my labor ended up being more medicalized than I wanted. But with Catherine's support and assistance with position changes and use of the peanut ball, I believe my labor was able to progress enough that I ended up delivering both of my babies vaginally. Catherine also took some photos of our labor for us, for which I will be forever grateful, and she was available by phone for check-ins during the immediate postpartum period as well. I know Catherine has many wonderful births ahead of her--she is one of a kind!

Norberg

5/14/2021

Catherine was an excellent doula for us. She spent hours with us prior to the birth, across multiple appointments, making sure we were well prepared to give birth outside a hospital environment (Frederick Birth Center). She was also very supportive throughout the evening of the birth itself, taking care of Mom with great attention and being there to help. In addition, she offered the option of a postpartum visit to help out by babysitting, which was very much appreciated, giving Mom some much needed time off. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good, supportive, family-centered doula.

Janeka

2/25/2021

I was 34 weeks pregnant with my first child and found myself switching to a midwife. My midway recommended that I get a doula. The first time I met Catherine I was completely put at ease. At that point I was unaware of how amazing my experience would truly be. I had severe back pain for the last 3 weeks of my pregnancy and labor. Catherine was there every step of the way doing research and helping me figure out things that would work perfectly for me. She really did everything in her power to comfort and support me. I am truly blessed to have had her as my doula.

Theresa

12/20/2020

I am beyond grateful that I was able to have Catherine throughout labor and for the birth of my son. I went through 40 hours of back labor and she was there the entire time helping significantly with pain relief. She was incredibly supportive, caring and prudent. She knew when to be there and when to give space. Catherine has a true peace to her, and it was very calming to me throughout this intense process. After attempting a home-birth with midwives, I decided to transfer to the hospital for fluids and pain relief. When my Covid test came back negative, Catherine was able to be present at the hospital and there for my successful VBAC with my son. (After she had little to no sleep and had not showered for two days!) I give so much credit to having a successful VBAC because she was there for me physically, emotionally and spiritually. She is a gift and I cannot imagine going through this labor or any future labor without her! 

Cendy

11/16/2020

We had a wonderful experience with Catherine. I had a home birth for my second son in July of 2020. Catherine attended my home birth birth class and was engaged and willing to learn from the birth instructor and myself. I had a long birth, she stayed by my side or nearby mostly the entire time. She was a source of comfort for my husband and mother. She was a true respite when we needed her. Her gentle manner and strong hands were a true blessing. She never once complained. We were truly blessed with having her as our doula.