Marc & Kendra Gutierrez

5/26/2024

While the birth of our child was different from what we had put on paper, one thing that was constant and a comfort as we welcomed our sweet boy was Sofia. Early on in our pregnancy we knew we wanted extra help and support as we prepared to have our first child and we cannot express how much we are grateful to have made this decision. Immediately as we were looking for a doula we gravitated towards Sofia's warmth and empathy. Which was on full display throughout all of our prenatal sessions, labor/delivery, and postpartum care. During our 24+ hour labor Sofia was a source of strength and comfort bringing in all of her expertise and amazing ability to make a hospital room feel more like a home. When I look back on the day of our son's birth I see Sofia as an integral part of being able to maintain my composure, empowered to make our wishes known to the hospital staff, and ultimately get through one of the most painful yet beautiful days of my life. If you are seeking a doula who has a heart for you and your family we highly recommend Sofia Richman. 
 

The Gutierrezes 

Anissa Vest

5/24/2024

Having Sofia as my doula made my birth experience such a wonderful one. I had already had one hospital birth and one unmediated birth when I became pregnant with my third. I had always thought that hiring a doula wasn't necessary because I could just get support from my spouse or midwives. While this is true, I got more than I ever imagined hiring Sofia for this pregnancy. She helped me mentally and emotionally prepare for my birth, and  kept me thinking positive even when complications arose. 
Sofia was incredibly intuitive during my pregnancy and birth. She knew when to step in and encourage me and gave me complete peace of mind knowing that I was supported and capable of achieving the birth I hoped for. 
The entire process would not have gone as smooth if it wasn't for her, and I would hire her again in a heartbeat!

Macie H

3/15/2024

From the very beginning I was certain I knew exactly how my birth would go. Fortunately, we booked Sofia because a few weeks before we were due we got the word that not only were we to be induced at 37 weeks but we couldn't have our son at the birthing center. Sofia showed up for us and not only helped reassure us that our birth would be beautiful but provided a completely new plan that reset our mindset and put us in the right path. Through labor, she was a beautiful reminder that my body knew what to do and helped me relax and get much further than I expected, helped us make informed decisions, and was a helping hand. Postpartum care has been exceptional with our placenta capsules and our visits, she remains a friendly face to help us through the tough nice and we know she's a text away if we have any questions! I cannot recommend her enough if you're having anxieties ??

Haley

4/27/2023

Sofia was an amazing addition to my birth support. She helped guide me through the challenging parts of labor and the curveballs that can happen. I would've been lost without her guidance to me and my husband before and during labor and delivery. 

Laura

4/19/2023

I did prenatal classes with Sofia and she was WONDERFUL! Not only do I feel more confident about my birth experience, but I feel like I have another advocate cheering me on in this process. Sofia is calming and empowering- I highly recommend her!

Laura

2/6/2023

After finding out we were expecting triplets, a first of many of my concerns was how we were going to provide vigilant care for three premature newborns throughout the early weeks of sleepless nights and still be left with the energy necessary to be present for our three grade school children. A friend's recommendation of a postpartum doula was truly an answer to prayer. My initial meeting with Sofia was delightful. She was so eager to help us with overnight care and she came prepared with tips for how to maximize my sleep while allowing time to wake to nurse or pump. 
she also educated me on the benefits of placenta encapsulation and came to the hospital to retrieve my two placentas after delivering earlier than expected. 
sofia provided us with the gift of sleep and peace of mind as she cared for our triplets overnight for theee months. She prepared bottles and washed bottles, maintained a feeding schedule for three babies abd changed countless diapers. She comforted our babies when they were restless and introduced us to the a productive regimen of essential oils when they were sick. 
It is clear that Sofia is passionate about all things related to pregnancy, childbirth, mother, baby and family and is a true professional in providing exceptional support for all such things. We have so much gratitude for Sofia as she helped us adjust to our new normal as a family of 8! 

Cassy

12/12/2022

Having Sofia help with the birth of our daughter was one of the best decisions that we made. From the first phone call with Sofia it was clear that she has a passion for helping women feel empowered and confident in their birth plan.  The sessions we had with Sofia prior to the birth were informative and helped us feel prepared. On the day of my delivery, Sofia set up calming lighting, music and an essential oil diffuser which helped to set the mood for the room. Numerous hospital staff commented on how calm the environment was. Sofia was by my side the entire delivery, helping me through breathing exercises and performing pain relieving techniques during contractions.

We also had Sofia encapsulate my placenta and take photographs during the delivery. When we saw the photos we were blown away! They brought us right back to the moment of meeting our beautiful baby girl and the happy tears started flowing again. I know we will cherish the photos for years to come. I can’t imagine giving birth without Sofia and would highly recommend her to anyone considering a doula. Thank you, Sofia!

Joanna L Saucedo

12/10/2022

Sofia is an amazing doula! Even my midwives were impressed by her. She helped keep me calm and focused through my lengthy labor by giving me words of affirmation, massages, and also guided my husband in how to help me. She showed up to the birthing center prepared! She helped make my birthing room feel like a peaceful spa. This is was my second unmedicated labor so I knew exactly what I needed and Sofia was it. She has a very peaceful relaxing energy about her that you can draw from while your in labor. 

Hannah Carter

12/10/2022

We decided to get a doula a few months into my pregnancy. Our plan was to meet with several doulas and then pick one. However, after we met Sophia, my partner and I agreed that we didn’t need to meet anyone else. We knew from a 30-minute meeting that Sophia was the person to support us on our special day. Leading up to my delivery, Sophia was wonderful. She checked in periodically and answered any questions I had. On the day of my delivery, which was six weeks early, Sophia got to the hospital right after we did, despite having just finished up another birth. After the delivery, she was encouraging and kind. She was with us every step of the way, and my partner and I are unsure what we would have done without her. I could write a lengthy response explaining the many ways that Sophia was amazing during my pregnancy and delivery, but instead, I’ll write what I told Sophia after my son’s birth. If we ever have another child, I won’t do it without her there!

Samantha

11/1/2022

Sofia was absolutley amazing! I will never give birth without a doula again. I was so skeptical at first and thought I could handle things on my own, given this was my fourth and I have given birth without meds before. I didn't know what I was missing!

Sofia prepared us so well beforehand and helped with essential oils, positioning, etc. in a way that only someone who knows what they're doing could. She was very in tune with our needs as a couple and adjusted her style accordingly. Her availability outside of the birth was amazing as well, helping with text suggestions, essential oil massage, etc. 

I can't recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Sofia! 

Victoria Cady

10/20/2022

Working with Sofia was one of the best choices I made when preparing for the birth of our rainbow baby. She made sure my husband and I not only felt prepared but loved as well. I never knew birth could be such a calm and empowering experience. I am so grateful for Sofia and her knowledgeable skillset. She also encapsulated my placenta which has helped reshape what postpartum looks like for me. She is a lovely soul and I am forever thankful I had her on my birthing team! 

Erica

10/13/2022

I loved having Sofia as my Doula. She has a wonderful, calming presence that helped me throughout the birthing experience as a first time mom, from preparing for labor to following up after the birth and everything in between. I planned to have an unmedicated childbirth, and although my plans changed and I ended up getting an epidural, I am still so glad I had Sofia by my side. When I was five days overdue, I called Sofia crying because I was so stressed out. She calmed my nerves and walked me through some natural ways to induce labor. I went into labor two days later after following her advice. Then, I called her in the middle of the night to talk about when to go to the hospital. She picked up right away. I was so relieved to have someone to talk to and was even more relieved when she showed up at the hospital, shortly after us. Her support with positions, counterpressure, calming affirmations, essential oils and setting the right mood was invaluable through the natural labor phase of my experience. I was also glad to have her counsel and support as I made the decision to have pain relief. Finally, during the pushing phase, I credit her clever use of the rebozo wrap in helping me target the right muscles for a smooth delivery with no tearing. I would definitely hire her again for future births! 

Cabrielle Clark

9/20/2022

Where do I begin ??? My name is Cabrielle and Sofia helped me with my labor for over 20 hours!!! I started going into active labor at 4 pm August 31st  and didn't deliver my little Angel until September 1st at 1:57 pm . We started at Treasure Valley Midwives where I wanted to deliver. She helped set up the decorations I brought for the room as well as some of her decorations and essential oils that we talked about her bringing prior . She NEVER left our side . At the midwives clinic, Sofia applied hours of counter pressure and when I was in the bath , poured water over my back to help me . She spoke words of encouragement and gave me reassurance . At 11:50 we got the news that I needed to be transferred the hospital , which was terrifying and not in my birth plan. I forgot to mention she was at a birth prior for over 12 hours I believe and so this poor women hadn't really gotten any rest after the previous birth she had just attended but stayed in high spirits . We slept a little at the Hospital and she went home for a couple hours. She returned the next morning and was so positive . The room I was in had no AC and she was trying to help me In any way possible . Once she was born and my daughter had to be taken to NICU, she stayed with me so my boyfriend could be with our daughter . She brought me food and reassured me everything would be okay. Everything ended up working out and I got to hold my daughter and keep her with me after only being in NICU for an hour. Thankful for her love and support and when I have another child she will be the first one I call for support . She was amazing all through the pregnancy and I wouldn't reccomend ANYONE else . THANK YOU SOFIA ??

Haley Langehough

9/19/2022

Sofia was the most amazing support system for my husband and I during my pregnancy and birth. She helped educate us about the pregnancy/birthing process and helped me feel more comfortable with understanding my body. Giving birth is not an easy thing, but Sofia made it that much easier for me. My sister has had two children and never had a Doula before. After watching my birth with Sofia as my Doula my sister said she will definitely be using a Doula at her next birth (she would love to use Sofia but my sister lives out of state). I would highly recommend using Sofia as your doula. She was a calm supportive presence that helped bring my baby into this world and for that I am forever grateful. 

Stefanie

7/28/2022

We were pregnant with our 2nd and wanted to options for a sibling doula to be there for support for our toddler. We found Sofia and could not have been more a perfect fit, she immediately bonded with our daughter and worked with us to plan for the big event to ensure everything went smoothly. We never had to worry about our toddler and knew she was in amazing hands while we could focus on the birth of our new daughter. Sofia also did my placenta encapsulation, very quick and talked me through the process and benefits which I'm so happy I did! Overall Sofia is so sweet and calm and would highly recommend for doula services! 

Hailey Koeppl

7/10/2022

Our experience with Sofia was 10/10.  She was there to guide us before, during and after the delivery of our baby girl. She was supportive and passionate about our birth plan and took time to explain common interventions. Her knowledge and education helped my husband and I labor together as a team, effectively making sure we worked together the entire time. When our labor stalled, she stood by us 100%, pivoted with our plans and never let us go without feeling supported. If you're looking for a doula in the treasure valley, we highly recommend Sofia! 

Kimbra R Hill

6/29/2022

We hired Sophia for some postpartum help with our son that would not sleep at night. She is such a breath of fresh air when she enters our home. She is very knowledgeable and calm while working with our babe and always has a smile on her face. We feel so blessed to have found such an incredible support. We have had such a wonderful experience with Sophia in our home and are so happy we found her!!! 

Hillary Branman

6/26/2022

Sofia was more than an extra pair of hands when our second son was born. In addition to practical help (laundry, dishes, rocking a fussy baby, playing with an emotional 3-year old) she was an oasis of calm, and offered gentle psychological support for me and my husband as we adjusted to the challenges of being a two-kid household. I'd highly recommend her services to any parent-to-be. Whether you're having your first baby or adding to an existing kid crew, Sofia will help make the experience more pleasant! 

Taisiya

5/13/2022

Sofia has helped us to prepare for birth of twins and is helping out as a postpartum doula as well. I couldn't be happier with the services she provides! Sofia is very knowledgeable, caring and attentive.  She helps out with both, kiddos' and mama's needs and is always volunteering to do more stuff without even being asked. I definitely recommend Sofia, whether you are looking for a birth of post-partum Doula! We couldn't have wished formore! 

Alexandra

5/1/2022

I hired Sofia as a sibling and postpartum doula. My daughter absolutely loves Sofia (and I do too)! She came over a few times before the birth to get to know Penelope so that she was comfotable when the birth finally came around. Even though Penelope wanted to sit and play right by me the whole time, Sofia was still prepared and brought a few toys Penelope wasn't familiar with to keep her occupied. When she came over for the postpartum visits she was absolutely neccesary. My husband had to leave the day after the birth, and Sofia helped me to process the birth and emotions that come after that. She helped me survive "engorgement day" and even helped me go to an appoinment since i had no one to drive me and keep Penelope entertained. She did a lot of work during those few weeks and i needed her! Oh, and she does placenta encapsulation which really helped my emotions regulate quicker. I'm so thankful that she was a part of my birth team! I would definitely recommend her as a sibling and postpartum doula to anyone in the area who needs the extra support! 

Maire

3/8/2022

Sofia was absolutely wonderful. This was my 10th baby, and 10th natural birth, and the first time I had a doula, and I am so glad that Sofia was there. At first I wasn't sure what I really wanted her to do for me. She was unphased and extremely sensitive and observant. During the times of my labor when I mostly wanted to be left alone, she found many other little, but super helpful and supportive things to do, from making sure my water bottle was full to helping my husband set up the pool, to simply being present. As my labor progressed and I needed more help, she was right there with me every minute, always ready with various helps and tools to supoort me through. She was very responsive and quick to figure out what was working and what was not working for me, and adapt accordingly. She was a treasure and I am so glad she was there with me!! I can't speak highly enough of Sofia!

Ashlee Taylor

2/12/2022

Sofia was Amazing!!!!!! I loved how she came over a couple times prior to me giving birth. We walked through all the ways she can help manage pain during labor. We went over what fears my husband and I had and how to lessen those. She provided me with lots of resources that helped me mitigate my stress like a Hypnobirthing application that played words of affirmation. When it came time to give birth, I felt completely prepared (as much as someone could be). She offered aroma therapy and music therapy as well. She even comes over after the baby is about a week old, to spend some time with everyone and brought us a delicious home cooked meal! 
Even though my birth experience didn't go exactly as planned she was there for me throughout the entire process and made sure I felt supported. 

I highly recommend Sofia if you are looking for a kind, supportive, and loving individual to be your doula. *her beautiful accent makes her sound even more soothing *

Thank you Sofia for EVERYTHING!!!!! ???? 

Sarah W.

2/11/2022

My husband and I were recommended to hire a Doula by the Midwives at our Birth Center. Prior to my pregnancy, I had never even heard of a Doula or why anyone would need one during labor and delivery. Since this was my first baby and I wanted to do a water birth, which meant no pain medications, we decided to take the Midwives advice and found a few Doulas to interview. We instantly connected with Sofia and chose her to be our Doula. She was so kind and easy to talk to and truly cared about giving us the best birth experience while ensuring our birth plan would be followed. We met with Sofia a couple times at our house to get to know each other and she explained and demonstrated the different positions and techniques that would be used to ease my labor pain. She helped boost my confidence about doing a natural birth and I knew early right away that we had made the right choice by hiring her. 

Two days before our baby was born, Sofia's family tested positive for Covid-19 and she was devastated. She called me in tears saying that she would be unable to be there for the birth of our daughter. She assured us that our birth plan would still be followed by her back up Doula and that we were still in good hands. We were sad that Sofia couldn't be there but she communicated with her back up throughout my entire labor and delivery for updates. Her backup took very good care of us. 

Sofia came over about a week after our daughter was born to meet her, to check on me, and talk about my birth experience. She brought over the most amazing meal for my husband and I that consisted of shepherd's pie, salad, rolls, and delicious brownies for dessert. Sofia is an amazing woman and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a Doula. 

Tiff

2/2/2022

Knowing Sofia & having her care for Roman as an infant was such a blessing. I contribute a lot of Roman’s attention span & quickness to learn, to her.
I only wish I could have had her there through my entire birthing process. She has a soothing, nurturing way about her- as a new Mom she eased so much of my worries.
Anyone in the Boise area would be so lucky to have her there during a time such as that.
Check out what she can offer you or someone you know, Boise friends.

Tiffiny

Sam & Stephanie Johnson

1/8/2022

Sofia Was Wonderful!

Many of our family members had not even heard of a doula and we were on the fence about hiring one due to finances. However, Sofia became an invaluable source of knowledge and support as well as an essential part of our birth team.

Our birth experience did not go as planned. Despite taking multiple parenting classes and reading many books the birth plan we had made with the midwives at our local birthcenter was derailed when we were diagnosed with preclampsia three weeks before our due date.

Now forced into the exact scenario we wanted to avoid (inducing at a hospital) Sofia was very empathetic and provided both physical and emotional support. With her positivity and presence, we were able to turn a scary experience into a joyous one.

Even before labor when Sofia encouraged us to make a back up plan for the unexpected and after birth when she came to check on our baby's well-being and our mental health, we felt well taken care of and prepared to care for our son.

Thank you Sofia!