Zenobia Walker

11/9/2024

I decided to get a doula because this was my first pregnancy and the health care system is disproportionately troublesome for black women. I wanted an extra advocate who would support my needs and wants during the process. I also wanted someone who could show me non-medical ways to cope and navigate through my pregnancy. The biggest hurdle in finding a doula is knowing where to start. Thankfully I have a friend who is a doula and she sent me a few websites where I found Damarria. From the description of her services and her profile, I knew she was the right choice.

My doula experience was full circle. I hired Damarria very early in pregnancy so we had lunch and met to discuss my overall goals for my pregnancy. Then had monthly checks in until I was in my last couple months then we started focusing on the birth and prepping for that. In last 2 weeks , we were in almost daily communication and they once labor started she jumped in ready. Once at the hospital she was there to support my through some tough decision and literally coached me through the pushing phase of labor. And now in my postpartum journey she is still a great support.
The main benefits of hiring a doula is advocacy, knowledge and preparation. I felt I had an advocate to combat medical pressures , her wealth of knowledge on pregnancy and birthing process is unmatched and I felt prepared when the time came to have my baby. I was able to have a birth plan but also enough knowledge to make decision that caused my plans to change and be ok with those changes. I think every pregnant  person should have doula especially black women. One thing  Damarria told at the beginning is that we been birthing babies for thousand of years so we know how to do this. 

Rashanah Botley

6/11/2024

After difficult birthing experiences with my first two children, I felt called to intentionally create pregnancy, birthing and postpartum experiences that validated, valued and centered my wants, needs, care and safety as a Black woman. I knew that I wanted to be more present and in touch with my body during birth so for the first time I would be giving birth unmediated and decided the support of a doula was important. Damarria was the first and only doula we spoke to. My husband and I  felt instantly connected and comfortable with her philosophy, wisdom, and warmth! She not only supported my birthing vision but made me feel confident in it. 

At a moment I didn’t feel cared for by my OBGYN, Damarria not only educated me but reminded me that my baby and I deserve the best care. With her support we found an amazing midwife and never looked back. Damarria gave us one-on-one support, education, resources and connected us with incredible opportunities to be prepared for an unmedicated birth and gentle, intentional postpartum care for myself and my husband. Though this was my third pregnancy, I was continuously learning and exploring. Damarria was not only an incredible educator and advocate but reminded me of my own power to advocate for myself and my care! She was constantly checking in, talking us thru emergencies, and remained a loving presence well into my postpartum period. She literally held my hand, calmed my anxiety, and reminded me of my birthing vision when the pain made me forget. She felt like family in the birthing room. I knew I was safe which allowed me to focus completely on my labor and listening to my body. With her guidance, support and encouragement I delivered my beautiful baby while standing in my husband’s arms! Our family is forever grateful to Damarria for our Journey.

Freda Adubofour

11/20/2023

Damarria is angle on earth. I got to know her when I was pregnant with my second child, through Open Arms .all hope was lost for me becauae I didn't have no family member here in the United stated but needed an advocate and a mouth piece someone to count on during my before and after delivery.  

She came in and on our first conversation on the phone my heart was at peace because I knew I got what I wanted. She knew what she was saying and I  felt the support instantly.

She went extra miles to make sure my birth plan was achieved by working with me and my midwives.

Not to talk about, she picks me up for walks and accompanying me to my appointments .

She made me feel loved and supported. I will recommend her to anyone  looking for a Doula , please reach out to her and you will thank me later

Adriana Vasquez-Teater

4/26/2022

Dammaria was recommended to me by a Doula friend in NY, where I'm from. I knew I wanted a BIPOC Doula to educate, advocate and support me through my pregnancy and labor. I had no idea where to start and once I came across her page, we set up an interview and my husband and I knew almost instantly that Damarria would be a part of our journey  

Intially, I was set on having someone who knew and would advocate for my rights during labor. A major concern of mine was the staggering number of deaths amongst BIPOC mothers during delivery and I wanted all the support I could get for my birthing vision to be respected and adhered. 

Dammaria knows her stuff! During our interview she was well versed in all the possibilities faced in a variety of settings and situations. Yet, she respected and remained opened-minded about me and my partners preferences. She articulated in detail all my options, along with pros and cons, and demonstrated no judgment to my plan.  

During delivery she remained attentive, gentle, and encouraging. She also made sure to keep me on task as I adamantly requested. 

In the end, my goals were met and I gained a friend. I learned so much during this process and felt heard throughout. I most certainly would recommend this service to expecting families. 

Serena McCray

2/28/2022

I'm so very grateful I was able to have Damarria as my Doula! Moving from Atlanta back home to Washington late in my pregnancy brought a lot of concerns for me. One of them being to find a black woman assist me in my first birth experience. I've known for some time the way I wanted to give birth once the time presented itself. After learning about the ways in which woman have given birth for thousands of years and the alarming statistics for woman of color giving birth in hospital settings, my mind was certainly set on a natural holistic birth. I was able to get set up with Puget Sound Midwives and birth center and from there was referred to Open Arms Doula Services which led me to Divine Doula Services. Although Damarria was chosen for me, I know she was the perfect match for me. From the initial phone call it was clear we were on the same vibe. I love how knowledgeable, affirming, and reasuring Ms. Davis is. I was able to confide in her with my concerns on co-parenting , her understanding and advice helped me out a lot. I'm giving this doula all her flowers, the way she was there for me on the day my daughter was born and the moments she captured, to the gift basket and follow ups we had , Damarria is a gem. She was there for me mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I most definitely recommend this service!

Noelle Y

1/11/2022

During Covid I knew that I would want the additional support of a doula to advocate for us while we would be at the hospital. I have never felt more prepared mentally for labor than I have this time around since Damaria gave us tools and skills that we could practice before the big day. She provided the physical and emotional support that I wish I had during the previous pregnancies and especially during postpartum!  

Elasha G.

1/6/2022

I wanted to use a doula because this was my first pregnancy and I had no idea what to expect during this time. I was extremely nervous and afraid to give birth. It was important to me that my doula would be genuine and have my family's best interest. Not only were my concerns important to Damarria, but she also took the time to listen to my husband. She helped us create a birth plan and taught me ways to cope during labor that took all my anxiety away allowing me to labor peacfully. She was a big advocate for me as well when the hospital staff began to deviate from my birth plan. Even  postpartum she continues to support me and offers me enouragement. I highly recommend Damarria. She's extremely professional and most of all genuine I can not stress enough how helpful she has been and we are truly grateful for her service

Sharon G

1/2/2022

Having Damarria with us as part of our support system before, during, and after labor alleviated stress and anxiety. Knowing that no matter how things went she would be there made it much easier for me to get the help I needed and wanted by going to the hospital. She took many precious photos. I would highly recommend her.