Marissa Catania Photo

Marissa Catania

A Joyful Start by Doula Rissy

Wethersfield, CT Service range 30 miles Will travel further for a mileage fee

http://www.ajoyfulstartdoula.com

Birth Fee

$1200 to $1600

Birth Fee

$1200 to $1600


Birth Doula Experience

3 years


Doula Training

  • Self-trained, May 2022
  • DONA International-Approved Workshop, May 2022

Type of practice: Solo practice

Clients per month: 1 to 2

Attends hospital births? All Hospitals

Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers

Attends home births? Any Home Birth
Any home births as long as a midwife or doctor is present


College Education

BA/BS

MA/MS


Relevant volunteer or advocacy work

I am also a special education teacher

Languages Spoken

  • English

Fee Details

Please reach out for more information regarding my availability! I am available more than what I have shown on this website. Pricing for birth depends on how many prenatal appointments you would prefer, and if you’d like to have a postpartum visit as well. I am willing to work with all clients to make sure services can be affordable for each family. Xoxo

Service Area

Wethersfield, CT Service range 30 miles Will travel further for a mileage fee

Client Testimonials for Marissa Catania

Post a testimonial for Marissa Catania

Falishia Pollack

10/28/2024

Marissa helped us get ready for the arrival of our first baby. We had two meetings before our girl arrived a little earlier then expected. The first meeting was getting to know each other and Marissa gave us tons informative videos we were able to watch and a few social media accounts to follow with very helpful exercises, stretches, and general partner bonding. Marissa encouraged me through the ending of my pregnancy to stay active and hydrated also to practice breath work whenever I had a moment! Marissa was always quick to respond to me or my husband's text messages or calls Even when we had the silliest of questions! She recommended a wonderful book for my husband so that he was as supportive as possible in the delivery room. Our second meeting we went over some of the best positions to be in during labor and my Birth plan. 
The day that I was induced, Marissa was Incredibly supportive via text message until she was able to get to the hospital. She made sure that we were asking the right questions to our providers to make sure that we were getting all the info we needed to make informed decisions. During labor Marissa was very Helpful in reminding me to breathe and counting for me during contractions. She captured some of the most beautiful photos for my husband and I during this time as well! My birth felt easier because of the suggestions Marissa gave us and the reminds in option I had in each stage of labor and birth!

Anastasia Littlefield

7/31/2024

Marissa helped us throughout the entire pregnancy. She was always helpful when we had questions, concerns or worries. I appreciated her willingness to talk through things as they came up. She came to our house and helped my husband and I with our questions and generally helped us prepare mentally and gave us suggestions for physical preparations as well. I also appreciated her support post partum as well, which I didn't realize was going to be as difficult as it was. It was helpful to have a voice of reason, and experience through it. 
We highly recommend Marissa!

Erin

1/4/2024

I knew I wanted to hire a doula before I even got pregnant with my daughter. A few months before we found out we were expecting, a friend had posted about her doula and how amazing she was which led me to Marissa. I reached out to Marissa very early on in pregnancy and she has literally been there for our family since. She was always ready with advise when I had questions about anything pregnancy or birth related, she supported my partner and I through labor and delivery (and was the only reason I was confident enough to do it without an epidural), and she even got the very first pictures of my daughter as soon as she was born ?
Marissa continues to reach out and support us postpartum and has truly been amazing throughout this journey. She has helped us start our little family in the most positive way ??‍??‍??
If you're thinking of hiring a doula, I highly recommend reaching out to Marissa! ????

Jennifer Dahlgren Lodge

9/20/2023

Marissa was so wonderful to have throughout my birth experience. She was in tune with my needs even before I was able to voice them. My labor and delivery was short and intense and her calm nature gave me the reassurance I needed. She suggested great positions for laboring and once I found the best position she would adjust her ways to best support me- whether it was pushing on my lower back, showing my husband how to hold me and gently rock back and forth, getting me water or a snack, etc. Her down to earth easy going charisma made both my husband and I feel like we were hanging out with a good friend. As things amped up in my labor I started to feel as if I wanted to give up, Marissa's encouragement and resssurance got me through it. I truly couldn't have done it without her! 

Emily

2/12/2023

Marissa is amazing!! I cannot recommend the having a doula enough- having Marissa was an added bonus! Not only does she know her stuff but she also has the most calm demeanor. She’s easy to relate to and is so willing to help elevate your experience in any way possible. Her knowledge was incredible and gave insight to myself and husband as to where we were throughout early labor right up through delivery. Couldn’t say enough great things about Marissa.. highly recommend!!
 

Chris Hall

11/30/2022

Marissa was our favorite doula by a long shot. She was calming, trustworthy and so supportive with our twin boys. Knowing she was coming over a few times per week really put our minds at ease while we got some much needed rest. She is the type of person who goes the extra mile and will tailor her support to fit the needs of your family. This postpartum period was rough at times but I wholeheartedly believe Marissa made it easier on our family. I recommend her to without hesitation. 

Jillian

10/25/2022

We hired Marissa as our doula to guide us through the birth of our first child. We were so happy with our decision and experience as Marissa has been a wonderful advocate, resource, and support during our pregnancy, labor and delivery, and throughout postpartum. We feel strongly that having her by our side for delivery helped make the experience so much more positive and smooth. Marissa was extremely professional, knowledgeable, comforting, compassionate, and helpful during the very overwhelming process of child birth. Throughout pregnancy she provided answers to our many questions. Throughout postpartum she has checked in on us and the baby regularly continuing to answer our questions and provide us with resources and her support. We couldn't have imagined going through this without her by our side and highly recommend her services for all expectant parents! 

Shira

8/30/2022

I had an amazing experience with Marissa. She was very supportive, kind and was there for me throughout my labor. I definitely recommend working with her! 

Birth Availability for Marissa Catania

= Available. Calendar last updated: 06-20-2024