Brittany-Dale Blackwell

1/13/2026

Yvonne supported me through both of my births (15 months apart). From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I let her know I wanted her to be our doula, and she stepped right into the role.

Before the birth, she assisted me with research to find a Black pediatrician who met our needs, sent exercises to help with discomfort, helped craft my birth plan, and checked in on me regularly—which made me feel incredibly supported. Yvonne even came by during my postpartum period with pads, medication, and cooked dinner for us.

I always planned for labor and delivery with little to no intervention, but I ultimately had to be induced. Yvonne was hands-on, helping me through the intense waves until we welcomed our baby girl. I have a photo of her holding one of my hands while my husband held the other as I labored in the water—a moment I will always cherish.

Her calm and peaceful spirit reminded me that I was powerful, safe, and fully equipped to bring life into the world. I had a similar experience with my son, where I developed preeclampsia, and she was there again—holding my hand and guiding me through very scary moments.

I will always sing her praises, and I am forever grateful for her presence in our lives.

Anna Settle

9/19/2025

Yvonne is wonderful! Having her as my doula for my daughter's birth gave me some much-appreciated steadiness and confidence, as it was my first pregnancy and everything was so new.

Anyone who has ever met Yvonne knows that one of the striking things about her is her calming presence- exactly the kind of person I would want coaching me through one of the most difficult hours of my life. She is genuine and caring, and was really great about keeping me prepped and prepared throughout my pregnancy without overwhelming me. She regularly checked in, matching my curiosity with information and a peaceful energy. She never pressured me to choose one birth decision or experience over another, she simple kept me informed and let me call the shots.

My labor experience was about 21 hours in total, and Yvonne was there to coach me and my husband through each stage. Again, she gave helpful options, but everything was ultimately my call. Even when we went to the hospital much too early (and she knew it!) only to be sent back home, she left the decision to me. When I was eventually admitted and had labored to 7 cm, I was going back and forth about getting an epidural, as it was always on the table for me but I wasn't sure. I confessed to Yvonne that I felt like I would somehow let her down by getting it, but she cut off that thought process immediately. Maybe it sounds silly now, but the way she reassured me that whatever option I chose was the right one for me really gave me the confidence I needed to go ahead and get the epidural- and in hindsight I'm glad I did.

Throughout the whole labor/delivery/postpartum journey she showed me such deliberate care, for which I'm still so grateful. I could go on and on about Yvonne, but I'll just say that I'm so glad it was her who was with me during that experience, and should I be blessed to have more children she's the only one I'll call!

Amanda

9/5/2021

I had the privilege of having Yvonne as my doula for both of my pregnancies. Yvonne was such a blessing to my husband and I throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and post-partum journey. I knew very little about birth when I first got pregnant and Yvonne coached and guided me towards resources and knowledge in order to equip me confidently for delivery day. Her support, wisdom, patience, and nonjudgmental demeanor impacted my entrance into motherhood in such positive ways! I would highly recommend her to any momma-to-be. 

Ashley Muscarella

8/9/2021

I was introduced to Yvonne when I was pregnant with my third baby. I knew it was the right birthing team that my experience in a hospital room wouldn't be bad, and thankfully this was the case! Yvonne's visits up until labor were informative and I love her she is including my husband in them. She help me come up with a birthing plan and when I chose to be in juice she even walked me through the options I had and I felt confident choosing a gentle induction. Yvonne helped hold me when our baby was coming and when I asked my husband to stay with the baby she stepped up to be my partner when I was being evaluated and getting stitches. She comforted me through tears and reminded me of how strong I was; her calm presence is exactly what I needed in that moment. I knew having a Doula was important but I didn't know how much of an impact Yvonne was going to have on my whole experience. I am so grateful for her passion expertise!

Shara Norman

8/7/2021

During our first meeting, I knew Yvonne was going to be everything I needed and more in a Doula. Even though this was my second birth I was still nervous about it all but Yvonne made me feel comfortable and more confident about the labor and delivery process. She was patient, kind, encouraging and informative. I could not have gotten through this process without her practical advice, calming spirit and expertise.

Not having the support and presence of  my child’s father was very hard for me but Yvonne helped fill that emptiness more than she knows. On the night of my delivery, I informed her I was going into labor and she stopped whatever she was doing to be by my side.

During labor and deliver she walked me through different exercises along with helping me with the baby after delivery; she was there from start to finish. I  was even able to deliver my baby without  any medication and I could not have done that without the guidance and support from Yvonne.