Jordan Lewis

10/9/2024

I used Esther as my doula for my first baby which I had a few weeks ago. I chose her because of her warm presence and her experience not only as a doula but also having many children of her own. I ended up having a very long labor and an urgent C Section, both of which I never thought I would have. Even with having a C Section, Esther's presence was so valuable. She offered encouragement and counter pressure for every contraction for the 19 hours she labored with me. When it was determined I needed a C Section, she offered encouragement and a calm presence. She was so knowledgeable about all the different things that could happen during labor as well. Several times during labor she would advocate for me and help me remember my birth plan and my goals. Would for sure use her again! 

Misty Peterson

9/5/2024

Esther is an experienced, extremely knowledgeable doula who was comforting, accessible and appropriately present at every stage, before during and after the birth of my son.

She offered many resources, preformed research, provided printed resources, aromatherapy, exceptional ongoing breathing guidance and counter-pressure during labor, and with my permission she took memorable priceless photos during my labor and post birth.

Esther advocated for me when I couldn’t, recalling important details I had shared and communicating them to medical staff when I was unable to. She suggested insightful queries that I could pose to nurses and doctors regarding my medical situations. She listened to and supported my goals throughout, understanding my complicated situation without judgement.

She helped me to put things into context and to process my birthing experience postpartum by remembering and reminding me of important details to help complete my memories.

I will never forget her empathy and consistent support during 2 hospital admissions, 3 epidural placements, 4 hours of pushing and while I had a c-section. I will be forever grateful that she helped me so much during the most painful and rewarding experience of my life.

Katie

8/31/2024

Esther Whitney is the best doula ever! I felt so supported through my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. She is truly there for you every step of the way. We went from not knowing each other to good friends - and it was such a wonderful experience. If you need a doula, contact Esther!!

Christina

5/31/2024

I can't recommend Esther highly enough as a birth doula. From the moment we chose her, Esther's calm and wise demeanor reassured us that we were in the hands of someone with extensive experience in birthing. Her wealth of knowledge played a crucial role in our journey. We booked Esther in my third trimester because I required a medical induction. We wanted someone that could advocate our unmedicated and low intervention birth preferences, especially since this was our first baby. Esther was incredibly communicative and provided resources tailored to my special situation.

She met with us twice before the delivery to review expectations and desires, ensuring we felt prepared and supported every step of the way. She involved my husband, coaching him on how to support me, which made a significant difference in our experience. When I went into labor, Esther had just supported another client the previous day. Despite this, she was an absolute trooper and brought the best energy to support me. I genuinely believe that I could not have achieved an unmedicated birth without Esther's unwavering support and her coaching of my husband. The tools and methods she offered for pain management made the contractions tolerable for me.

Esther was an active participant, providing counter-pressure with every contraction alongside my husband. They made a great team! After the birth of our baby, the hospital staff commented on how involved Esther was in her support, noting that they have seen many doulas and few are as supportive and "hands-on" as Esther. She was very respectful of the hospital staff and their guidelines, managing to be an advocate for us without stepping on anyone's toes. Lastly, she did a postpartum home visit, ensuring we felt supported beyond the birth itself.

Esther is worth her weight in gold. Her presence, expertise, and dedication were invaluable to us, and I would choose her again for any future births. She is truly a gem.

Jason Kingsford

12/8/2023

We definitely could not have had our no epidural hospital birth without the help of Ester. We knew we wanted to stay at home to labor so we could be more comfortable. At home Ester helped us remember our plan for dealing it's pain and use those plans effectively. The stress of the moment made it easy for us to lose our minds. In addition Ester helped us know when it was time to leave to the hospital for the last stretch of our labor.

At the hospital Ester gave my wife support and stood by her side while she pushed. This let me step away and have the opportunity to help catch our son.

Thank you Ester for being part of our experience. We'll be in contact for the next baby.

Mariah

10/8/2023

We had a great experience with Esther. She is so kind and personable, she made us feel like friends more than clients and it was easy to talk with her about my dreams and hopes for this pregnancy and delivery. I was attempting a VBAC but unfortunately ended up needing a c-section. Esther knew how badly I wanted a successful VBAC and through the whole labor process was so supportive. When the decision was made for a cesarean she helped me look at the positives and still find joy in bringing my baby into the world safely. I appreciated her insights and advice and always felt that I was being put first. Highly recommend hiring Esther, she is wonderful! Thank you Esther for everything! 

Katelynn Blair

7/19/2023

Esther was my birth doula for my second baby and she was so amazing! Prenatally, she met with me twice to talk about my birth hopes and preferences, the way I needed her, and coping measures. She helped me get used to her touch, listened to my partner, and always made me feel so excited about giving birth. She would text me how I was doing, especially at the end of my pregnancy and I appreciate her encouragement and trust in me as we communicated over those text messages. At my birth, she was a supportive and grounding presence. She was so encouraging with her words and loving touch. She struck a perfect balance of working with my birth partner. She never took over his role or lessened hers. She used essential oils to help ground and distract me in between contractions, and it helped so much! I gave birth at a birth center and unfortunately, had to emergency transfer to the hospital because of a retained placenta. When I started to panic, Esther met me with the most reassuring eyes and words that was exactly what I needed to keep going. This amazing woman also held my baby for me when I couldn't because I had to go to the hospital. So thankful for her and highly recommend her!!

Karla Burton

7/15/2023

Esther was so sweet since the very beginning. I asked her to be my doula kinda late on my pregnancy so she came to my house once, but she summarized all the visits in one , answered all the questions and doubts we had and after that always checking on me. My labor was really fast but it was a relief for me and my husband to have her with us. For me because she was an emotional support and for my husband because he was lost and didn't know what to do even tho we practiced ??. After a few days she came to my house and help me give my baby a bath and it was a good company for a few hours. I would definitely recommend Esther to be your doula and if I get pregnant in the future I'll definitely ask her to ride that road again with me. 

Ana Whitney

7/11/2023

I was blessed to have Esther as my Dula during my home birth. She has a gift for making people feel secure and cared about and providing much needed emotional support.
Having a woman by my side who had been through exactly what I was going through during my birth was huge for me. Esther kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes. She helped fill up the birthing pool, coordinated with my midwife and walked me through all the stages of labor. She had my complete trust 100% of the time. She held my hand during every contraction and never made me feel judged or uncomfortable. Esther has discovered her calling in life and she performs it with a deep love and a real passion. I will definitely have her at my next birth and I highly recommend working with her!

Valerie

7/9/2023

I used Summit Birth Utah for my recent labor and it was exactly what I hoped for. I heard about doula's after a birthing course and knew that it would be something that would benefit myself and my husband. I did some research online and reached out to Summit Birth Utah and was connected to Esther Whitney. She reached out right away and set up an introductory phone call. After chatting with her I knew that Esther would be perfect for my needs. We had a pre labor visit which was great to review my birthing plan and answer questions. She knew what I wanted in labor and helped create a positive mindset going into labor. I wanted an all natural birth which I was able to do with her help. Esther was wonderful in so many ways during my labor not only for me but for my husband and my parents that were both there. She helped with different positions, labor remedies and positive words to help me thru hard moments. My husband felt he was supportive and received the same great feedback especially when contractions were getting closer and harder. I could not have done my natural birth in a hospital without my doula Esther and will remember it forever. Finally, Esther was very helpful with post labor communication about my newborn and my healing process. I appreciated all the texts and helping ease my questions and thoughts. Thank you Esther for everything and Summit Birth Utah for connecting me to her.

Elizabeth

6/23/2023

I am so glad I had Esther as my doula for my last delivery. I already had two other kids by that point with very different labors. My husband was interested and willing to help in delivery but often didn’t know what to do or say to help me so I knew a doula would be helpful in the delivery room.

Esther was so great helping me with advice or encouragement during my false labor contractions and going overdue by a week. She even suggested options I could bring up with my doctor which I found very helpful.

On the day of delivery she met us at the hospital and brought a sense of calm and reassurance. She coached me through contractions and breathing and pain management techniques. When it came time to push, I began having terrible back pains with each contraction. She was so steadfast and applied constant pressure and massaged my back. She never wavered or complained or seemed uncomfortable (which I know it had to be uncomfortable!). By the end, she had even rubbed the polish off her nails – but that counter pressure was invaluable!! I am so grateful she was there with me and 100%  know that her presence made my labor easier. I would not hesitate to have her join me again.

Sarah

6/16/2023

If I could give our doula Esther more than five stars, I would do so in a heartbeat! From the moment we met her, it was clear that she possessed an extraordinary gift for providing compassionate care, support, and guidance. She provided great emotional support, helping us navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that often accompanies pregnancy. She took the time to truly understand our hopes, fears, and expectations, allowing her to tailor her approach to meet our unique needs. Her calm and reassuring demeanor instantly put us at ease, making us feel like we had a trusted friend by our side.

When the big day arrived, having our doula present was an absolute game-changer. She was a pillar of strength and encouragement, providing continuous support throughout the entire labor process. Whether it was offering soothing words & conversation, or counter-pressure during contractions or suggesting different positions to ease discomfort, she intuitively knew what we needed without us having to say a word. After meeting her at the hospital she just jumped right in and started helping right away. It was so reassuring having her there & knowing I would have the support I needed to have our baby the way we were hoping.

If you're considering hiring a doula, look no further. Esther was so fantastic to work with. Her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to empowering families are simply unmatched. Trust me when I say that having her by your side will transform your birthing experience into a truly beautiful and empowering one.

Rachel Lewis

5/23/2023

Although I had been planning a home birth, I told Esther at 38 weeks that I was considering a hospital birth with an epidural. She calmly replied that she would be there to support me wherever I chose to give birth. You can count on Esther to support you in creating the birth you desire.

I ultimately decided to stay with my original home-birth plan. As labor progressed my husband and daughter helped provide counter pressure and supported me emotionally and physically. When Esther arrived she quietly assessed the situation and asked if I would like a hot bath. I said yes and she prepared a bath, lit candles and turned off the lights. We had music lightly playing and she gently augmented the help and support from my husband and daughter. Esther easily integrates with others. She gets along with everyone and is very likable, but you can count on her to be your advocate and take a stand when needed.

The warm water felt amazing and Esther encouraged my steady breathing as I labored in the bath. She regularly offered drinks of cool water and put chapstick on my lips. She also utilized essential oils, one especially (Balance) that made a big difference, helping to ground me and steady my breathing.

I birthed my baby after 15-20 minutes in the water. Esther pulled baby up and placed her in my arms. Esther was calm and supportive, allowing my older children to swarm in and adore the baby. She assisted my husband in cutting the cord but was careful not to take over anything that my family wanted to do. She cleaned up the tub for us and helped me shower and get comfy in bed with a cold pad on my perineum. She took some sweet pictures that I cherish as well. Esther was an ideal doula. I’m so grateful that she was part of my birth experience and couldn’t recommend her more highly. ??