Channtal Fleischfresser

4/19/2024

I can't imagine going through this process without Gina! I surprised myself with how calm I was throughout my pregnancy (and labor) - even though I had no idea what I was doing at the outset, I'm convinced it was because I had Gina a phone call or text away to answer my questions, troubleshoot, and listen to my concerns. When my labor took an unexpected turn, she was there every step of the way and kept me preternaturally calm - and also my parents, for which I am very grateful. Likewise, after the baby was born, Gina was unbelievably helpful and a tireless resource, and extremely patient with me as I navigated the unknowns of motherhood, helping me to troubleshoot or connecting me with the right support resources as needed. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, calm under pressure, generous with her time, is an excellent masseuse, and she is also a lot of fun!! I can't recommend her highly enough. 

Leigh

1/17/2024

I cannot recommend Gina as a doula enough! I found Gina on Doula match as her extensive experience stuck out to me and proved extremely useful and necessary. I had a relatively normal pregnancy, but a very long and difficult labor and postpartum. Gina had prepared me leading up to birth and never left my side when things got hard. Gina is knowledgable, sympathetic, responsive, caring, and dependable. You will not regret having her by your side and her being a part of your journey to motherhood. 

Mara

4/7/2023

We can't speak highly enough about our experience working with Gina. During my pregnancy, Gina was responsive and reassuring. In a massage session toward the end of my pregnancy, Gina was so knowledgeable about the different systems of the body and was able to relieve a lot of discomfort that I was feeling. In our preparation calls, Gina taught me and my husband many different strategies and coping techniques that helped immensely during actual labor. Throughout labor and delivery I was looking to Gina for support, guidance, and comfort, all of which she provided endlessly. I was able to achieve my own personal goal of having an unmedicated birth, and I had such a positive birth experience, due mostly to Gina's involvement. Gina is strong, kind, empathetic, and knows about the body deeply. Her passion for helping families is so evident, and I can't imagine having to do it without her. She helped us get to breastfeeding successfully in the first hour after birth, and continued to check in with us and care for us during the postpartum time. Gina was incredible to have on our team from the day we started working with her, and even now, continues to be present in our life as one of our biggest supporters. We love Gina!!!

Sahra Malin

9/14/2021

I had a wonderful experience with Gina and Mariah. I am a birth professional and it was very helpful having someone else explain all the birth vocab and techiniques to my husband. Mariah was very paitent with all of his questions during our prenatal visit. We ended up having  Gina for our labor and she was very attentive and compassionate throughout the whole thing. Being a doula myself, I really felt supported with all of the rapid changes to my original birth plan. Even through text messages, recieveing difficult information from doctors Gina was outstanding in her support and made sure I had all of the information I needed in order to make the right decision for me and my family. I highly recommend Gina and Mariah to another giving birth. 

Jocelyn

8/27/2021

My husband and I truly can't express how grateful we are that we had Gina and Mariah as partners during our birth experience. This was our first child and we didn't know what to expect, and Gina and Mariah were amazing at working with us to help prepare us for the experience in advance and also support us fully in all of our choices (leading up to and during delivery).  Our birth experience wasn't exactly what we were hoping for due to some late pregnancy and delivery health complications, but despite the odds we actually did have as close to our desired birth as possible thanks to Gina.  She was in constant communication with my husband and I and helped us navigate our choices in the chaotic/stressful environment that the hospital created during my delivery.  We highly recommend Gina and Mariah -- we felt incredibly supported throughout the whole process including postpartum and can't imagine what the experience would have been like without them.  We are in deep gratitude for the work that they do and the impact they had on our lives through this experience.

Katelyn Sandhu

8/16/2021

Hiring Mariah and Gina as our birth doulas was the best decision we made. From the moment we hired them, they provided support from basic questions to late night calls about concerning pains. Additionally, the two sessions with Gina and Mariah prior to the birth, as well as the meeting with the lactation consultant, we're extremely helpful in preparing us for what to expect.

I ended up having a lot of back labor and coupling and Gina massaged my back during every single contraction.  We ended up having a small emergency situation during the birth and Gina was with me the whole time while my husband was with the baby, calmly explaining what was happening and just providing support. I don't know how I would have handled the situation if it wasn't for her support.

Gina and Mariah have continued to provide postpartum support and a listening ear when needed. It has been so much more helpful than I expected to have this ongoing postpartum support.

Niousha

8/11/2021

I gave birth to my baby girl this May and Gina and Mariah have been amazing help during my journey of pregnancy and birth. They were so loving and caring all along the way. They were always so accessible any time of day and night. They always gave educated answers to my questions ( which were so many!) or refered me to amazing professionals if needed. Gina was present at my birth and made everything so much easier for both me and my husband. She was the perfect advocate for us in the hospital. While thinking and making quick decisions felt like the hardest things to do for me and my husband in between my contractions, Gina smoothly took care of things or explained our options in the best way. She made us feel we have a great teammate we can rely on.

Gina and Maria have been continually amazing after birth. I felt supported during my postpartum. They visited twice and every time they did a great job helping us build confidence as new parents.They are still answering whatever question that comes up to my mind in no time. I loved working with them and I would definitely love to have them by my side for my next birth experience in the future.

Kady B

6/30/2021

We had a beautiful birth experience, and Gina and Mariah played a big part in getting us prepared for it. Gina was our birth support on the big day, and her strength and sense of humor were a huge help when things got tough! My husband said he couldn't imagine going through the whole thing without her assisting, and I needed all the help I could get! We recommend these amazing ladies!

Cory L

6/30/2021

Gina was our doula for my wife's natural birth and was invaluable. She was professional and easy to get along with. She put my wife at ease and made sure we kept fed and hydrated. When our son was coming out my wife needed to be flipped over and Gina was fast and strong enough to get her in the right position in time. 10/10 would work with them again.

Eliane Prado

5/14/2021

I can't thank Gina and Mariah enough for all they did for us. I am a really strong woman, but I know my limits and I knew I would need help delivering my baby and after. As an immigrant in the continuous endless process of communicating better and belonging to a new place, I was so scared and insecure. Gina was the first doula we met when our search got started. When we left the meeting with her - still in the parking lot - we looked at each other and my husband said "I don't think we need to meet anyone else". I can't put in words the identification we had with her. I just can say that from that day on I got peace of mind. I won't describe in detail what Gina has done for us during labor because it was long - 31 hours -, but I'll say that I had by my side a TERRIFIC knowledgable professional, a mother, a sister, a best friend. Gina, I'll never forget your eyes looking soo deeply on mine when was so hard to breathe and I was screaming for some air. When we were back home, Gina was also always available for us when breastfeeding was torture - my baby is 1and half years and I'm still breastfeeding and loving it - and my body was all in pain.
And then, when the anxiety, loneliness, panic attacks, and fear took over me, Mariah came to action. She was my postpartum doula and once again I had exactly what I needed by my side: an EXTRAORDINARY professional, a mother, a sister, a best friend. She was my safe place during those long nights that sleeping was impossible because of dispairing. Her calm voice, her expertise, her empathy were key for me to stand all the challenges of having a newborn. It was so heartwarming seeing my treasure snuggled in her and getting so well taken care of. Thank you, Gina! Thank you, Mariah! Love you!

Kelly Dundon

5/10/2021

We loved working with Birth Matters NW! Online prenatal visits with Gina and Mariah felt great, even though they were zoom visits due to COVID precautions. Gina attended our birth and was absolutely essential. My birth progressed a little faster than expected, and while the medical staff were hustling to get ready for the baby to come out, Gina was right there with me. Her calm presence and massage skills really made the difference, and we had a wonderful birth experience that was everything I had hoped for. 

Rachel Weise

5/8/2021

We don't have enough good things to say about Gina and Mariah! They truly listen and understand their clients in order to provide tailored services. They are accessible day and night. They care just as much about the non birthing partner as the birthing partner. They are nonjudgmental about any birth related choices one might make (My birth plan was for no pain medication  but I ended up asking for an epidural).  I can't imagine having gone through labor and delivery without them and will 100% be seeking their services for delivery of our future child (knock on  wood). Also, I was having severe pubic syphesis pain and one massage session with Gina completely alleviated my pain - she's a very skilled masseuse! 

Rie

5/8/2021

It was incredible to have Mariah and Gina to be with us to welcome our son. Gina guided me through from the very beginning of my labor pain at home. My birth plan at birth center ended up with going to a hospital, but I was very fortunate to have support from Gina in emotionally and physically. My husband was also sure in what to do for me by Gina's support. 

We've interviewed several doulas, and they were very professional and supportive from the beginning  to the end. (We still keep in touch.) We highly recommend them to anyone who is seriously thinking about working with doulas to welcome your babies! 

Teo

4/1/2021

We had the best experience with Gina! We looked for a doula couple of months in advance for various reasons: emotional support for my husband and I, knowledge & patience to explain things, and most importantly, support during our induction process.

Gina and Mariah were super helpful during the pregnancy and while COVID situation did not allow us to meet in person, we always had a great interaction.

When the big day came, I can say that our induction process was for sure easier thanks to Gina. She was there pretty much from the moment we were admitted to the hospital and she played a pivotal role in making the process as easy as possible. She helped with different exercises, activities and massage to make sure the baby is in the right position and I am as relaxed as possible. We also booked the labour tub and that was the best decision ever.
I would definitely recommend her or Mariah as birth doula!

Cecilia Deng

2/19/2021

Mariah and Gina were a comforting wealth of information and support. We took birth classes and thought we had a lot of prep going into it already, but honestly having Gina in the labour room was absolutely critical especially when things got unexpectedly rough. We didn't have to remember anything as she guided us through each step of the way with options and reminded us of our goals and pros and cons that we came up with back when we had functioning brains. I felt really strong and in control at each step even as things became over whelming. They are super responsive over text and that was also very reassuring before and after :)

Jen

2/3/2021

Working with Gina and Mariah was one of the best decisions my husband and I made during my pregnancy. From our first conversation with them, we knew we would be in good hands for the birth of our first child. Both of them are incredibly knowledgeable, kind, caring, and compassionate, and they truly want you to have the best birth experience possible, no matter how you choose to give birth and no matter what happens along the way there. Gina was with us during my birth. As my labor progressed, she was there to explain my options along the way and make sure I understood what the doctors and nurses were actually saying. When it became clear that I was going to need an unplanned c-section, she explained to my husband and I what was going to happen, listened to our concerns and fears, and did everything she could to address them, even pinning a cotton ball soaked in essential oils in a small baggie to my hospital gown so I could smell something calming during the surgery. Gina and Mariah continued to check in with me and my husband after we were home from the hospital. They introduced us to the lactation consultant and postpartum doula we ended up hiring, both of whom have been so important during this period. I didn’t realize when we decided to work with Gina and Mariah that we would be gaining access to this incredible network of women, but I am so so happy we did. If you are looking for doulas, you cannot go wrong with Birth Matters NW. 

Angela Calhoun

12/31/2020

OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS!! I don't even want to imagine what my first birhting experience would've been like without these two lovely ladies.  Gina attended my birth and she was ABSOLUTELY the most supportive person I had for my entire journey.  I didn't know about doulas before we got pregnant, now that I know, I would NEVER go through a birthing experience without one.  I have and will continue to tell everyone I know about doulas and Gina and Mariah specifially.  They were with me every step of the way, after birth and still!  The absolute best decision we made to add these ladies to our support team.  

Britney Schroeder

10/25/2020

This review is extremely overdue, but I want to recognize Gina and Mariah for all the help and support they provided to me and my husband!

We hired Gina and Mariah of Birth Matters NW in November of 2019 to be our doulas for the birth of our first child (due in December 2019). We immediately felt at ease when we met with them - They are both kind, relatable, approachable, and knowledgeable women. As first time parents, we had read all the books but were still feeling unsure of what to expect from the actual birth experience. 

When I found out that I was measuring small about a month out and that I would likely need to be induced, Gina talked me through all the options my OBGYN presented to me and helped me better understand the implications of each option. When we arrived for my induction, my husband was initially sent home because he was still getting over food poisoning. I had to go through a cervical dilation and a couple hours of unmedicated contractions without my husband. Gina held my hand during the dilation, walked the halls with me, kept me calm, kept me company, and when she saw how upset I was about not having my husband there, she worked with the nursing staff to have him come back that night. Gina knew many of the nurses on staff at our hospital and worked very well with them. Throughout my 41 hour labor, Gina was there with us every step of the way, helping put me into various birthing positions and telling us what was coming next/letting us know what options we had. She made sure I was eating, drinking, and keeping my strength up. There were many times during my very long labor that I was not at my best mentally (due to drugs/pain/etc.) and Gina worked with my husband to advocate for me. 

Having Gina there was one of the best decisions we made. Her support, care, and warmth was everything I needed to feel confident as a first time mom. Thank you, Gina and Mariah!

Audrey

9/15/2020

I wholeheartedly recommend Mariah and Gina as doulas. First, before the birth, I was really impressed with their interview and intake process, client portal and emails. They've gone above and beyond in streamlining the tech part of their business, and it makes it really easy to work with them. During the birth itself, Gina was super supportive and helped us evaluate a few decisions that we had to make, without influencing us or interfering in any way. She was also helpful in getting breastfeeding started. And her massage therapy during labor was amazing.

Thank you, Gina and Mariah!

Riana

4/19/2020

My mom told me that a Doula was unnecessary -- after all with a both a doctor or midwife and my husband present why would we need one? But having Gina's support during labor turned out to be crucial! In fact it worries me think about what our birth could have been like without her there! With Gina's asisstance we were able to handle a fast labor that was 5 weeks early as well as progress smoothly past the unpredictable hurdles during the birthing process. This greatly lowered my anxiety and pain and enabled us to meet our baby in a much more positive and happy place. Thank you so much for everything! Also as a side note, Gina gives the most amazing prenatal massage :)

Jodi S

4/6/2020

My husband and I met with several doulas and felt that Gina and Mariah matched perfectly with our sense of humor and need for straightforward facts. What we could not anticipate was the Covid-19 pandemic throwing everything into chaos. We all went into self isolation as soon as things in the area started, except for essential doctor visits, and Gina and Mariah also took all precautions to reduce exposure. Because of this we were comfortable having Gina assist with pre-labor techniques at home and attend our birth at the hospital. Thankfully, at the time, doulas were still allowed along with one other support person. Gina was great with helping me through contractions, finding ways for my husband to be calm and helpful, and making sure that I was aware of any medical decisions and/or questions that I probably should be asking but was in too much pain to think of. The support we have gotten postpartum has been amazing as well. Though we cannot meet in person, both Gina and Mariah are more than willing to answer texts, calls, and video chat most times of the day to ease our worries or answer baffling new parenting questions. The latency between asking a question and their response is super short. My husband and I are so grateful for their continued help as we begin this parent journey with no family support network due to the pandemic. I am looking forward to the day the self isolation is lifted (when it is safe to do so) and I can have my massage with Gina!

Erin M.

7/8/2019

Gina was a priceless resource to both me and my husband while preparing for birth and delivering our daughter. We were late to the game and only decided to look for a doula a month before my due date. We planned to interview a handful of doulas and after one meeting with Gina, we were set - we didn't even want to interview anyone else! 

The pre-labor meetings were so helpful in identifying what kind of experience we hoped to have and made us both feel so comfortable. 

Gina was there for us when I went into labor and was with us every step of the way - answered our questions over the phone and in text messages in the middle of the night and helped me labor at home for as long as I could. At the hospital, she helped me navigate triage, advocate for myself throughout the delivery, and was so thoughtful and considerate in every detail of how she cared for me and my husband. 

We wanted as private of a delivery experience as possible and having Gina there as our doula felt like the perfect addition - never "just another person in the room". She supported me directly, supported my husband so that he could be there for me as much as possible, especially helping him remember to take rests so that he could be there for me during the most strenuous parts of my labor. She was with us for all 26 hours and then some -- it was the best investment we could have made in having the best possible labor and delivery experience. We are forever grateful! 

Erin M.

7/8/2019

Gina and Mariah were a priceless resource to both me and my husband while preparing for birth and delivering our daughter. We were late to the game and only decided to look for a doula a month before my due date. We planned to interview a handful of doulas and after one meeting with Gina and Mariah, we were set - we didn't even want to interview anyone else! 

The pre-labor meetings were so helpful in identifying what kind of experience we hoped to have and made us both feel so comfortable with each doula. 

Gina was there for us when I went into labor and was with us every step of the way - answered our questions over the phone and in text messages in the middle of the night and helped me labor at home for as long as I could. At the hospital, she helped me navigate triage, advocate for myself throughout the delivery, and was so thoughtful and considerate in every detail of how she cared for me and my husband. 

We wanted as private of a delivery experience as possible and having Gina there as our doula felt like the perfect addition - never "just another person in the room". She supported me directly, supported my husband so that he could be there for me as much as possible, especially helping him remember to take rests so that he could be there for me during the most strenuous parts of my labor. She was with us for all 26 hours and then some -- it was the best investment we could have made in having the best possible labor and delivery experience. We are forever grateful! 

Sonia Byrne

6/30/2019

I was able to deliver at Sprout Birth Center in Mountlake Terrace in big part because I had the best team! My midwives, students and our doulas gave me the environment and support to be my most powerful self and have the most precious birth story.

Gina is magical! She was THE person I need for my 38 hours of labor. Gina was my primary support and she was attentive and caring. She encouraged me at my most difficult moments. I had MANY difficult moments. She used several tools to assist me in navigating through the pain and took such great care of me.

Gina was up with me through the night as I labored at home. My husband was asleep in our bed. Now, if someone told me that their husband slept during their labor, I would be pissed for them - But, because he slept that night, he was fully present through the final hour. My husband and I shared the most intimate moments while I pushed out our son. This was because Gina was with me, supporting me while he slept. Silly maybe, but true. Labor is exhausting for all people involved and he needed rest to best support me at the most critical time. My birth story would have been so different without our doulas.

Now, when I got to the Birth Center, Mariah was there. Mariah is a ROCKSTAR. They really both are - They are the perfect team. Mariah was able to be with me in my most uncomfortable moments. Maybe TMI, but I was laboring on the toilet and Mariah was inches away from me with her strong steady support just rooting me on. Not like a cheerleader, but like a mother of two who knows what it's like. She was able to meet me right where I was, every time. Being in labor and pushing out our son is the hardest thing I've done and i know I had the best team. I am beyond grateful and so fortunate to have Gina and Mariah as part of my birth story.

Our choice to hire them as our doulas was the best decision. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Kylee Qualey

2/20/2019

Both Mariah and Gina were the greatest assets to our birth. They were so supportive before, during and after birth and truly not sure how I would have gotten through without them. Highly recommend for those looking for the encouragement, support and love that one needs during such an intense process.

Caila Ewen-LeGrand

9/10/2018

Gina was such a huge blessing in our pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience! She was trustworthy, personable, and so knowledgable. She really made us feel comfortable with the whole process and what to expect. A big concern that I had was our first child’s labor was very very long, and had a lot of back labor. That was something I was scared that was going to happen again. Gina was able to easy my mind, and my son was born very quickly, and we were able to have him at home, in her AMAZING birth tub! She helped make our birth experience perfect for us, and if we have anymore children, we will be hiring her again no doubt! Her knowledge in prenatal massage therapy really helped with my hip flexors and being able to survive pregnancy comfortably!

I would definitely recommend using Gina! She was truly amazing!

Dianne L

3/29/2017

Gina was a huge support to my husband and I during the birth of our son. In the months leading up to my due date, we met to get to know each other and talk about our birth expectations and preferences. She has a caring and comforting nature and checked in many times to see how I was doing. During the actual birth, Gina was with us for the better part of two days, including two entire nights, at home and in the hospital. From helping me deal with contractions, to turning the baby into the right position for a normal delivery, Gina was incredibly helpful, comforting and reassuring through the whole birth process.

Alexis Nicholls

1/12/2017

Gina was everything I hoped my doula would be. Her straight forward communication style coupled with her caring nature made her easy to relate to and comforting when things got tough. I had several complications come up during my son’s birth, and throughout all of them Gina had a steady hand and reassuring words. She provided great guidance when it came to preparing for birth and birthing positions, and her massages were awesome! She was always available to answer questions or chat, and stayed with me for the 30+ hours that I was in labor. I highly recommend Gina to anyone looking for an exceptional doula.

Elissa Wells

9/23/2015

Gina was absolutely amazing!  Both my husband and I thought that our birth experience was as stress-free as it could been thanks to Gina. She came with a wealth of information and tools to assist in the labor process. We will definitely be using her for any future births. We highly recommend using Gina as a doula.

Michele Nicoli

8/20/2015

My baby girl was born in June 2014 and Gina was a major support during the whole process. During the last few months leading up to my daughter's birth, Gina was always there when I had questions. She helped us develop our birth plan and she gave me prenatal massages. When I started going into labor, Gina came over to my house and helped me through the contractions. I think that one major advantage of Gina coming to our house was that she knew when it was time to head to the hospital. Once we were in the hosptial, she was with me and my husband the whole time. After the baby was born she stayed with us until they moved me to my post partum room. I think the best part was when she gave me a foot massage after the whole thing. A few days after we came home, she came over for a follow up and to discuss how I was doing. My experience with Gina was amazing and I would recommend her to anyone who wants to have a doula with them during this precious time.

Jessica Arnold

1/24/2013

 Gina is amazing! She is very considerate, thorough, strong, patient... the list goes on and on. She made a birth plan with me of all the things that I wanted, and she did her absolute best to stick to it, and stick up for me and what I wanted. I was adamant that I wanted an all natural child birth. After my due date had come and gone, my Dr. wanted to induce me. Gina told me that everything would still be alright, and to hold off for a little while longer. She would come over and walk with me, give me massages, and push on pressure points to help get labor going, She also gave me tips on what I could do after she left to help jump start things. When I finally did go into labor 5 days after my due date, at 2 am, she was up and at my apartment before I knew my husband had even called her. When the Dr.s/nurses were pressuring me into getting an epidural or c-section, Gina stood up for me and made sure to stick to the birth plan. We were there for three days, and she NEVER left my side. She took my all my abuse and threw it out, and no matter how incredibly nasty I became to her, she understood, and still gave me the love and support that I needed. She is very educated at what she does, and she does it so beautifully. I know for a FACT that if Gina was not there with me, I would have caved under the pressure of the Dr.s and nurses, and I would have gotten the epidural, and possibly even the c-section, which I was so set out to NOT have. Gina was worth every single penny, and I would not hesitate to hire her all over again. She will be who I call in the future, should my husband and I decide to have another baby. :)

Monica Mogg

3/1/2012

Wanting a natural, unmedicated birth, several of my friends suggested finding a doula to help achieve that goal.  I was lucky enough to find Gina, a licensed massage therapist, to fill the position.  Not only did Gina provide amazing prenatal massages, but she also coached me in labor preparation, including coping mechanisms and birth plan advice. 

Little did I know how much I would need Gina come actual labor.  Gina provided the essential support that helped me successfully deliver my baby boy naturally, something that seemed a lot more difficult said than done.  And when complications arose following delivery, Gina remained by my side.

Gina was an essential component of my natural birth.  She acted as a calm, yet firm advocate for my desires during labor and was also a great support person for my fiance.  I am so happy that I had Gina to act as my doula for this very important event in my life.