Chelsea Garbell

11/17/2024

This was my second time working with Elyse and I could not have been happier! She brought a great sense of calm and ease to the delivery room, and I felt safe knowing she was there and on my birthing team. 

Jesse Sarlin

9/2/2024

We loved Elyse and would highly recommend her. She was both comforting and professional. As first time parents, Elyse started where we were and gave us a lot of great information without overwhelming. Early on she helped us choose our hospital (BK Methodist), which we were ultimately pleased. Whenever we reached out for information or with a question Elyse responded very shortly and thoroughly afterwards. She came by our home for an in person  visit and went over birth plan options. Her birth plan template was essentially what we used come labor as it was both thorough and reasonable for the hospital staff to follow. In the weeks leading up to labor we would share info from Dr.’s appts and Elyse would ask us questions to get a general idea of how things were progressing. During the last couple weeks of pregnancy our OB dropped a bomb that she would be out of town during my wife’s due date. We immediately turned to Elyse who was supportive, validated our concerns, and helped us strategize our next steps and expectations. When it comes to the actual labor, Elyse was invaluably supportive. She figured out that my wife’s water did paritally break during early labor and that we should err on the side of safety and head to the hospital. She was on call and helpful for check ins for the next few hrs. She came to meet us at the hospital and figured out my wife was in back labor. This was incredibly helpful because it allowed my wife to decide to take an epidural late at night, sleep a few hours with relief from pain, before labor. During labor, Elyse was a key player with verbal and physical support. Aferwards, She took photos for us and helped in a variety of ways. Elyse stayed in close contact for a few hours and provided an at-home visit a week later to offer more guideance and process the labor. All in all, Elyse was amazingly helpful. We cane to trust her deeply and would recommend her services to our close friends and family.

Molly

8/15/2024

We are so glad that we were able to work with Elyse for the birth of our second baby! Even though we were already familiar with the birthing process, we knew we wanted additional support and guidance through the support of a doula again. From the moment we connected with her, Elyse brought a calm and down-to-earth energy that made us feel at ease.

Elyse was instrumental in helping us navigate important decisions both in the lead-up to and during labor. Her knowledge and comforting presence while early laboring at home was a welcomed presence, and her familiarity with navigating L&D teams in NYC were invaluable, especially when it came to advocating for our preferences in the delivery room. She seamlessly communicated with the nurses and helped us feel heard and respected throughout the entire process. Having her with us in the delivery room also gave us the ability to focus on the moment, knowing that we had someone on our side who truly understood our needs. She additionally empowered my husband to confidently voice our wishes to the hospital staff, who in turn were able to more adequately offer care options that worked. Between it all she ensured that we had the birthing experience we sought for.

A doula is such a key partner in one of the most important moments of your life and we are so glad we got to work with Elyse. She handled many hats—a confidant, a focused guide, a teacher,  and best of all and advocate. We are incredibly grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to any expecting parents.

Jamie Beck

8/7/2024

I may not be able to adequately express my gratitude to Elyse and all of the support, guidance and help she provided to me, my husband and our baby girl! From our first conversation my husband and I both felt immediately at ease, and trusting of Elyse. She asked really intentional questions in our first conversation, followed by a thorough 'get to know you' questionnaire. Each time we met or chatted I felt extremely safe asking her a range of questions and a whole lot of questions! Elyse provided me and my husband with such helpful resources throughout my pregnancy, from a birthing class to websites, apps and books to learn from. We developed a birth plan and as it goes - that plan quickly went off the rails when my water broke prematurely - as I had to make some quick decisions about interventions, Elyse was a steadfast resource and support system to help me navigate the providers questions and recommendations alongside my own questions and emotions. In the hospital she was extremely helpful and protective of my space and my needs as well as a resource for my husband - I will always be extremely grateful that Elyse was alongside us for the entire journey!

Lauren Hall

6/17/2024

We met Elyse on the day I was induced as our primary birth doula, Allie Blanchard, was at another birth and Elyse subbed in! Elyse immediately put us at ease and had a calming effect when I first met her. She provided helpful guidance and support throughout the induction and laboring process, but was not pushy or judgemental when it came to decision making (e.g., when I chose to get an epidural; when I chose to get a c-section after laboring for hours without progress). Elyse helped me move after I got the epidural for optimal positioning. She also was incredibly supportive when I was laboring with providing counter pressure, massage, comfort, holding my hand ??). I would highly recommend Elyse with my whole heart to support your birth!

Shelby Robinson

6/10/2024

Elyse was such an instrumental part of our birth and we cannot imagine our birth story without her!  My labor was exceptionally long and Elyse was there every step of the way.  She provided amazing phone support prior to us inviting her into our birth space and then she was such a rock when she was here in person.  I felt so relieved and at peace knowing that she was there to help coordinate logistics and help my husband know what to do and even communicate with my family when I didn't have the bandwith to do so.  I felt safe and well taken care of and I knew that I could focus on the beautiful birth of our son!  I cannot recommend Elyse more.  Already dreaming of having her as our doula for our second baby :)

Tabitha & Michael Coen

11/29/2023

Elyse and Shelby are wonderful. They are so knowledgable and empathetic. We would recommend them to anyone who needs a little extra support during the birth process.

We initally had reservations about hiring a doula for our first baby because we didn't know what to expect but now having gone through it, we highly reccomend hiring a doula, especially Elyse and Shelby. First off, it's great that they operate as a team. It makes them so reliable when things don't go as planned. In our case, a surprise induction at NYU Langone posed some challenges and at times it felt like the hospital lacked a human touch. Having Doulas like Elyse and Shelby a phone call away made the whole experience better. We felt like we could advocate for ourselves with their support.

They both have a keen sense for when to step in and help. It's comforting to have such competent and capable people supporting you as you deal with the unknown. Once again, we cannot recommend them enough. Elyse and Shelby are awesome.

Heather Klein

8/7/2023

I can't thank Elyse and Shelby more for all of their support. It's crazy, they didn't actually make it to my birth; I had an emergency C-section 8 hours after induction. I appreciated their prenatal support; we reviewed my birth plan (even though nothing went to plan), what to bring to the hospital, and addressed other worries. When I started having prelabor symptoms, I was relieved I could text them. They reassured me it wasn't the real thing yet, and offered coping techniques. My doctor began pressuring us to induce at 37 weeks, and they both validated our decision to not induce unless medically necessary or I was past my due date. We held off scheduling the induction until I was 40+6.

My son's birth and cicumstances were difficult and traumatic. My father-in-law was hospitalized 8 days before and died 2 weeks later. Having Elyse there to listen at postpartum visits was invaluable; she baked zucchini bread at one visit; sounds like a little thing but meant a lot as the unused veggies were taking up my mental space.

She also taught me how to use the Solly wrap. It took my postpartum brain a while to master, but is helping me to get my son to nap and give me some mental breaks during the day. In fact that is how I am able to be writing this testimonial right now.

I also experienced difficulty with breastfeeding as a result of C-section recovery and grief. Our country's healthcare system is the worst in connecting you with breastfeeding resources; Elyse helpeed me measure myself for pump phalanges, and navigate getting connected with a lactation consultant. Although iit is still challenging, we have come a long way and I have someone to reach out to with questions and to make sure I keep my supply up and can stay committed to breastfeeding. 

Even though we didn't go through Sam's actual birth together, I feel that Elyse and Shelby were an integral part, and would recommend them to anyone looking for birth doulas.

Kelsey I

5/29/2023

Elyse and Shelby were both wonderful to work with! They were referred to me by my sister.  We had a few in person consultations and they were great at answering all of our detailed questions and taking note of our birth preferences. They were always on time, professional, yet warm and personable.

Elyse was present for the birth of my son, and was an invaluable resource during the final few weeks of doctors visits and as I went into early labor. It was so helpful to have someone advise when it made sense to go to the hospital since labor normally progresses at night when you’re only able to reach a doctor on call.

During labor, Elyse was attentive and proactive on discussing positions that would alleviate discomfort. I had an epidural but I also had previous hip injury, so Elyse helped with the pain management and mitigation. She worked well with the nurses and doctors, and also helped relieve my husband so he could stay well rested and ready for delivery and post care.

Highly recommend both Elyse and Shelby for anyone seeking a doula!

Kelsey I

5/28/2023

Elyse and Shelby were both wonderful to work with! They were referred to me by my sister.  We had a few in person consultations and they were great at answering all of our detailed questions and taking note of our birth preferences. They were always on time, professional, yet warm and personable.

Elyse was present for the birth of my son, and was an invaluable resource during the final few weeks of doctors visits and as I went into early labor. It was so helpful to have someone advise when it made sense to go to the hospital since labor normally progresses at night when you’re only able to reach a doctor on call.

During labor, Elyse was attentive and proactive on discussing positions that would alleviate discomfort. I had an epidural but I also had previous hip injury, so Elyse helped with the pain management and mitigation. She worked well with the nurses and doctors, and also helped relieve my husband so he could stay well rested and ready for delivery and post care.

Highly recommend both Elyse and Shelby for anyone seeking a doula!

Taylor Jo

4/30/2023

I could not more highly recommend Elyse. I had a LONG labor at 24+ hours that resulted in a c-section and Elyse was a stready hand and informed presence through the entire experience. She was extremely responsive to my preferences and engaged thoughtfully where I had anxieties and concerns. She kept us distracted with great conversation during the long hours (very important for my husband) and was a trusted sounding board at the various decision points. She also gives fantastic massages, which ended up being a major comfort to me through the process. I'm extremely grateful for her expertise, kindness, and support. You won't regret having her on your team. 

Elissa Chun

12/10/2022

Elyse‘s calm and reassuring presence made her an essential member of my birthing support team. She is grounded in current data informed practices and shared different options and resources based on my preferences. She fully supported and helped me advocate my choices to the medical staff at the hospital of allowing me to be mobile during labor, getting an epidural in a timely manner, answering any questions I had, and reassuring me when there were hiccups. My labor and delivery was a little different than how I had anticipated but at no moment did I feel too overwhelmed or upset by how things were going. This was due to the support I felt from Elyse. She was there when I needed her and my partner and I are so grateful she was with us during this amazingly intense and immense moment of our lives.

Chelsea Garbell

10/3/2022

I was so thrilled to have Elyse as my doula. We connected on a personal level right away, and she was great about staying in touch and checking in leading up to birth. At the hospital she was just the kind of calm support needed with snacks, massage, encouragement, and deep care. I highly recommend her! 

Elizabeth

9/19/2022

Elyse was instrumental making me feel both more informed and less apprehensive about the labor, delivery, and postpartum phases of my pregnancy. She addressed my concerns and made me feel reassured and well educated about what to expect, and what could happen. She was incredibly supportive during my time in the hospital, offering tools and resources to ease labor and to prepare me for delivery. She also provided excellent reading materials to address questions I had, and referrals for my aftercare.

Arina

7/26/2022

We were very lucky with the doula. Elyse is very experienced and well prepared. She gave me good advices during pregnancy and helped me a lot during childbirth. Elyse was easy to communicate with and always ready to answer my questions, always reassured me about any worries. My family is very grateful to her.

KvE

7/11/2022

I was very please with my experience with Elyse. We connected towards the end of my pregnancy, she was quick to get me ready for birth. She was attentive, caring and very helpful with many elemets of birth and postpardum that were all new to me. She is knowledgable and easy to be with. I learned a lot with her and felt secure in her care and guidance. Often birth does not go as planned and Elyse helped navigate changes as they quickly came up. I am very grateful I chose her, ultimately. 

Thank you Elyse!