Certifications for Carolyn Testa CD(DONA)

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Certification

Client Testimonials for Carolyn Testa CD(DONA)

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Mattie

1/6/2024

Carolyn was absolutely phenomenal, we can't recommend her enough. As first time parents, Carolyn brought a sense of calm and encouragement that helped us navigate birth in the most magical way. We are grateful for her guidance and support! 

Marisa

12/14/2023

Carolyn was so great with every part of our experience. I highly recommend her and her services. She was kind and caring, checking in on us and offering help in any way we needed it. Day of delivery she was helping me through contractions with different movements and words of encouragement. She really helped ease my back labor pains and was just a great energy to have in the delivery room- I'm so glad she was there to help welcome our baby boy into the world! 

Alison

11/26/2023

From the moment I met Carolyn I knew I wanted her to be our doula. Her calming presence helped me through pregnancy with prenatal yoga to the birth of our daughter. She was supportive and thoughtful to both my husband and I. I believe we are placed on this earth for a reason and Carolyn has truly found her calling. I couldn't imagine going through this experience without her. I will never forget her kind words through my labor and afterwards.

Kelsey

7/25/2023

I had a traumatic first birth bringing my beautiful daughter into the world in 2020 that ended in a c-section. Fast forward to 2023, I found out I was pregnant again with our second baby girl. I knew this time I wanted to be educated and supported the way I wish I had been with my first. I also really wanted to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). When my pelvic floor therapist suggested I get a doula I knew in my heart that was the key piece that was missing for my birth story. I only needed to interview one to know I had found my doula, Carolyn. Carolyn was transparent that she had never been a part of a VBAC but was confident, together, we could do it. The thing I loved most about Carolyn was her calmness and kind heart. You could tell immediately that she loved her role supporting mothers and had a wealth of knowledge. In the hospital, once I got my epidural, I was so scared like last time I wouldn’t progress and be forced into another c-section. So, I was determined to do whatever it took. Carolyn got me in all kinds of positions that helped me open up and helped create space for baby. During contractions she was there helping me breathe through them, using essential oils to help me relax as much as possible, and encouraged me through every step of the way. It was a long labor but in the end, I got my VBAC! And I credit a lot of that to Carolyn. There were times I didn’t think I could keep going. She gave me the strength when I had none to keep going. Not only was she a huge help and support for me, but also to my husband. I am forever grateful to Carolyn for believing in me and being a part of my VBAC story. Thank you, Carolyn! 

Katie Vila

4/23/2023

Working with Carolyn as our doula exceeded all expectations, especially on the day of our son's birth. Carolyn was incredibly helpful ahead of delivery day in giving us the guidance and resources to make informed decisions about our birth plan. She did a masterful job of explaining her role as a doula and never gave medical advice, but appropriate guidance. As I quickly learned, most people have an opinion about birthing (as well as childcare in general). Prior to making any decisions about how I wanted my labor to look, Carolyn never tried to steer me in any specific direction, she only provided me with resources so I could make the right decision for myself and my family. In the end, I chose to have a medicated birth and Carolyn approached this without any judgement, only lots of love and support. 

The day our son was born was very long! My husband was running on fumes and did not have the knowledge or energy to give me his full support. Carolyn's knowledge of of the birthing process was invaluable. She put me in lots of different positions even after the epidural, gave me hand massages focusing on acu-pressure points with essential oils, and made sure I stayed hydrated and nourished. During labor she was my advocate when neither me nor my husband had the capacity to advocate for ourselves. I cannot imagine having done this without her support and guidance. 

I would highly recommend working with Carolyn, not only is she a kind and loving person, but her knowledge and expertise will make your child's "birth day" run as smooth as possible with the best possible outcome for your entire family. 

Madison

4/4/2023

Carolyn provided amazing support before, during and after my delivery. She shared valuable feedback and resources that helped me prepare well for labor. I felt like she was available whenever I needed her. Her support during my labor really helped me stay focused and grounded. I can't imagine not having her there! I highly recommend her to anyone considering a doula! 

Derick

10/9/2022

Carolyn was so amazing! Absolute game changer for me as a first time dad. Before working with her I thought there wasn't much I could do to support my wife through labor. In reality, when the labor came I felt really confident helping my wife think through and make decisions in the hospital and play an active role in the birth. I felt confident applying counter pressure, helping my wife Breath effectively, and give affirmation through her contractions. Seriously could not have done it without Carolyn and am so grateful she was there during and after labor to help us with our questions and concerns. We were so comfortable around her, she felt like a close family friend even though we only met a few times. We cannot recommend her enough.
Thanks, Carolyn!

Lauren Samson

5/17/2022

When I became pregnant with my second child, I knew I wanted Carolyn to be my doula. She was with me when I went through a previous miscarriage which, unfortunately, involved a trip to the ER. Carolyn was so calm, present and reassuring through it all. She brings that energy into every space, and adds a little humor when needed. Hiring a doula is an intimate thing, they are with you in one of the most powerful and also vulnerable experiences - giving birth. For me, Carolyn's presence, attitude and knowledge were a great fit. Carolyn met with us 3x during my pregnancy for an interview, sharing general birth information and going over roles and birth preferences. She was professional but warm during these meetings. I felt comfortable asking her awkward questions and she was non judgemental about our preferences. She was also clear about her role as a doula (i.e. would not provide medical advice, privacy policy). For my birth, Carolyn kept in touch all day once I left her know I'd lost my mucus plug. Once my contractions started, I told her I'd connect again in a couple hours. In that two hours things really sped up. However, it still wasn't clear to my husband and me that she needed to come yet, but when she heard I was having to get on all fours and moan through contractions she said she was on her way. She knew what she was about because in the 20 mins it took her to arrive, my contractions went from 10 mins apart to 5 mins apart. When she arrived she quickly recommended we call our midwives and head in. I absolutely credit her assesment of my labor progress for preventing an unintended home birth! We arrived at the birth center, I got in the tub and in 25 mins we'd had a baby! Carolyn stayed calm and supportive through the whirlwind of getting to our house, driving to the birth center with us and having a baby in very rapid succession. She even brought us a meal a couple days later when she checked in on us. 

Lauren Gehrke

4/18/2022

Carolyn helped us welcome our first daughter this January. She was so helpful during our pre- and post-natal appointments, answering the many questions I had. During labor, Carolyn was a lovely, calming presence in the hospital. She ensured that I stayed hydrated and as comfortable as possible, even going so far as to spoon feed me my Jello. :) I will always remember Carolyn's words of affirmation and encouragement as I pushed for 3 hours before the birth. She also captured the precious moment of delivery on video using my phone, something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I would recommend Carolyn to any expecting parents!

Samantha Jolley

1/5/2022

Carolyn was a pleasure to work with!  I always felt comfortable around her and I could ask questions without bad about it.  I felt validated, seen, and heard!  I would highly recommend her services!

Birth Availability for Carolyn Testa CD(DONA)

= Available. Calendar last updated: 11-14-2023

Doula profile, calendar, and testimonials available at DoulaMatch.net