Cate Ryland

10/14/2022

Christina was absolutely instrumental for me to have the natural birth I desired. She was so supportive while I was pregnant, and became the person I relied on for information, advice and comfort. Labor was tough, but I was also to make it through 25 hours of hard labor, including complications, while sticking to my wishes all because of her. I am forever grateful I found Christina to support my birth journey! She will forever hold a special place in my heart. 

Anisha

8/27/2022

We got in touch with Christina in my third trimester. As a couple, my husband & I were keeping up with classes, etc to keep ourselves well informed. We however felt the need for some customized knowledge. This is exactly what Christina has offered us during her time with us. She took us through my third trimester with reading materials, exercises and important timely information. Eventually, I did have a complicated delivery, Christina stuck with us all through the delivery. We did also recieve post-partum support in the form of a visit and lactation resources. Thank you for everything Christina !

Beth

7/28/2022

My husband and I could not have been happier to have had Christina as a part of our daughter's birth. She was a member of our third daughter's birth. We did not have a doula during the first two births and truly wish we had now. I would recommend Christina to anyone who hopes to have a doula for their birth!

Christina met with us several times before we eventually went into labor. She came to our house and talked through our birth plan and what her experiences had been at our hopsital, UCSD. We were planning for a VBA2C and hoped to have an unmedicated birth. She showed my husband and me several stretches to do while we were still pregnant to prepare my body for delivery. She also recommended good food and activities to do to prepare for labor. 

At 41 weeks, my doctor unexpectedly scheduled me for an induction. Christina really helped us come up with a plan that we were comfortable with. Thankfully, we did go into labor on our own the night before the induction and Christina responded right away when I had questions about losing my mucous plug and deciphering these intermittant contractions. We eventually went into the hospital about 18 hours later to be monitored and go forward with the induction. Christina was so helpful to me and my husband as we created an induction plan that was as natural as possible. She joined us at the hospital right when we asked her to come and she helped with counter-pressure, massage, and creating a calm environment. She and my husband were partners and I truly felt taken care of. We were so happy to have her.

We ultimately had a third c-section, but this birth was NIGHT AND DAY different from my first two. It was such a positive experience. Christina was a huge part of why this birth was so positive! We are 

Shaina

6/20/2022

I am one week post partum and feel a strong need to express how grateful I am that we found Christina and added her to our birthing team. My husband and sister really enjoyed working with her and we are forever thankful for her wisdom, endurance, and encouragement throughout my 48 hour labor and 2.5 hours of pushing. 

Christina was nonjudgemental, patient, and kind the entire time, but also helped me find strength I didn't know I had to stick to my birth plan including no pain meds. Her support before, during and after our first baby's birth has been invaluable. 

I highly recommend Christina as a doula to all friends and family. She is a joy to have in the room, provides peace of mind, and communicates very well with family and medical team. Many thanks Christina! 

Jennifer

6/19/2022

Because of Christina we can treasure the birth of our daughter as a beautiful and unique life changing experience. Thank you!

When we started working with Christina, we hadn't planned or prepared yet for our birth. Christina provided us with the information needed to think through and create our birth preferences (e.g. through lending books, sending various resources, and discussing with us via meeting, emails, and text messages). We realized that a natural/unmedicated birth was what we wanted and she supported and prepared us along the weeks leading up to the birth of our daughter. She was very attentive to messages, providing answers and guidance immediately.

When the big day arrived, Christina was there to support me and my husband throughout my labor and delivery of our baby. She used the right language to encourage me to stick to my birth preferences, especially at moments when I was disheartened or exhausted. 

I highly recommend Christina as doula! She is down to earth, listens attentively, and shares her knowledge and advice where needed. Without her, we would not have been able to pursue our wish of a natural/unmedicated birth. 

Molly Hilzinger

6/14/2022

Our decision to hire Christina was the single best thing we did for me, our baby, and our family during our entire pregnancy. 

Christina brought so much knowledge and empathy to her work as our doula. During the prenatal visits she helped my husband and I understand what was going on with my body, and also helped us cope emotionally with the stress of pregnancy. Her care for my whole self was an incredible gift. 

When I went into labor at 4am a week early, Christina was our first call. She didn't miss a beat despite the early hour and surprise. She immediately made me feel far more confident and cared for than I would have felt otherwise. Her presence with us at the hospital was an absolute game changer. As the nurses came and went, she was a steady, guiding force through the entire journey. Her magic bag of goodies helped bring calm and peace into an otherwise clinical environment. She cared for me with compassion and wisdom. I also appreciated how she guided my husband through the process - a great doula is an incredible gift for the whole family. I truly can't imagine giving birth without Christina. She left an indelible mark on our family, and we will make sure our daughter knows how important Christina was in her birth story. 

Finally, Christina's support post-partum was a critical component to our success. Her visit to our home to help with breastfeeding and recovery set us on the right path, helping us overcome initial hurdles as first-time parents. The ongoing words of affirmation and resources she offered helped us stay on course. 

While Christina would be an incredible asset to any family, her support to us as a military family is worthy of mention. Her knowledge of the military healthcare system was especially helpful to us. 

There are truly no words to describe the impact Christina had on our family. We would make the decision to hire her again and again.