Theodora Pankova

11/13/2024

Marianne is an amazing doula! I strongly recommend her. She made my natural, unmedicated birth such a positive experience. I delivered in about 7 hrs which is considered relatively quick and thanks to Marianne's exercises and movements i got dialated from 3cm to 10cm in about 2 hrs. She is phenomenal. If you are looking for the best doula, go with Marianne! You will be so thankful adterwards. Thank you, Marianne! 

Brenda G

11/11/2024

Working with Marianne as my doula was nothing short of extraordinary. As a first-time mom, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about the birthing experience, but Marianne’s presence brought me an incredible sense of calm and empowerment. From the first meeting, she was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring, making sure I felt heard and supported every step of the way. During labor, her guidance and encouragement were invaluable—she helped me breathe through contractions, eased my anxiety, and gave my partner the confidence to be my best support. Marianne’s intuition and experience made all the difference, and her soothing words and reassuring touch kept me focused and grounded. Thanks to her, my birth experience was even more beautiful than I had imagined. Marianne’s support didn’t end after the birth—she was a lifesaver during my postpartum journey. She provided a compassionate ear, checking in on me regularly and offering reassurance through the inevitable ups and downs of those early days. Her knowledge about newborn care, breastfeeding, and emotional well-being helped me gain confidence as a new mom. Marianne also recognized the importance of my mental health, encouraging me to rest and prioritize self-care, which was so essential in those first weeks. Her gentle guidance helped me find my footing in this new role, and I felt truly cared for and understood. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.

Lauren

9/8/2024

For our first birth, unsure what to expect and trying to stick to a natural epidural free plan, we decided to bring Marianne on board. We are so glad we did!!! We did this pretty late to the game, so we thought, but she jumped right on board with our plans and helped us right away. She got to know us and our birth plan, helping us navigate the last few weeks leading up to the due date. She assisted via phone while I labored at home then she met us at the hospital, where she was able to guide and support both me and my husband through the labor experience. Everything went absolutely perfect and according to the plan. We felt so lucky to have her by our sides, encouraging us throughout the whole process. It was such a blessing to have her words of encouragement, cheering me on and guiding my husband on how to help. We cannot recommend her enough and are so glad we had the best birth experience with her there. 

Jessica

6/22/2024

Marianne was such an amazing resource and support to have for the birth of our first child. We sought doula support to be informed as we made decisions for my and our baby’s health. Marianne was a wealth of knowledge for medical decisions we needed to make, physiological guidance, and emotional support. She brought her knowledge and nurturing nature to help us make informed decisions and ensure we never felt judged for our choices. She was there to advocate for us from pregnancy to delivery. Leading up to our daughter’s birth, we had a few close calls that it might be time to deliver, followed by a long prodromal labor that turned into active labor and delivery. Throughout all the uncertainty, Marianne was there to help us navigate the situation with the calm we needed. This included routine monitoring turning into a hospital visit for potential c section and middle of the night calls when my labor became active. Additionally, my partner has a history of fainting in medical situations and Marianne was there to support him in preparation for and during delivery. Ultimately, I was able to have the unmedicated, vaginal delivery I wanted and my partner was able to support me through labor and experience our daughter’s birth due to Marianne’s support and guidance. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to go through this without her. 

Sam C

5/11/2024

Marianne exceeded our expectations as our doula. it was my first pregnancy and birth, Marianne guided both me and my partner on all aspects of labor prep and helped us throughout this process. My child was breached and Marianne helped show us specific movements and techniques to flip the baby. Throughout my long labor, Marianne was my champion and made sure all my wants were vocalized. She was extremely attentive and accommodating. Highly recommend Marianne for anyone looking for a warm and compassionate doula and friend! 

Nadine

3/6/2024

Marianne is the best! I was pregnant with my first and working with a midwife to deliver in a hospital. I had a nice pregnancy, but I was determined to not fall into the waterfall of medical intervensions during labor. Marianne helped provide a ton of education and recommended natural solutions to attempt spinning my frank breach baby. Marianne was particularly valuable at translating information I was receiving from doctors. Towards the end of my pregnancy doctors were scaring us and immediately resorting to worst case scenario. She was able to talk to us logically about what everything really means and calm us down. We felt informed throughout the pregnancy given her hospital experience and holistic mindset. She even knew the ins and outs of my specific hospital setting. My pregnancy resulted in a planned C-section and Marianne was there with us in person all day and there to support me in recovery. She is very responsive and always checking in even post partum. She is someone you can really trust. I would recommend her time and time again!

Giusy Russo

1/17/2024

Marianne was the best choice I could ever make for me and my daughter. She went above and beyond, and her care, professionalism, compassion, and understanding allowed me to have the natural birth I wanted. Marianne is very knowledgeable and prepares you well for the childbirth event so you feel confident and safe. She advocated for me with my OBGYN and at the hospital, always keeping me at the center, so I relied on her to make informed decisions as we created a deep connection and trust. Marianne was my greatest cheerleader and my rock during labor. I couldn't do it without her because she firmly believed in me when I couldn't and walked me through the labor without leaving my side, always encouraging me and giving me the strength and the guidelines I needed at the crucial moment. Marianne is warmhearted, and you can feel it from day one. My daughter and I will never thank her enough for what she has done for us. She is a miracle and a blessing in our lives. Marianne is a top-notch doula! I wouldn't choose anyone else ever!

Ellen Hada

10/13/2023

Marianne was pivotal to my birthing experience in many ways that I cannot fully capture in writing. To say she made herself accessible and available to me in every and any way that was needed (during times of need and during times I wasn't even aware I was in need). She advocated for me with consent and grace, she remembered my voice and my wants and shared them when I was unable to speak for myself during critical moments; but mostly, Marianne's strength emboldened me and changed my birth experience in a way that has healed me. She gave voice to my inner voice and helped it resound loudly; ultimately, saving my life and my unborn child's life (quite literally). As a TOLAC who had two C-sections many doula's might have been averse to taking me on as a client or had clear limitations and concerns that would weigh in again and again, but that was not the case with Marianne. She stood for me in what I wanted and knew the kindest way to navigate difficult situations so that no decision felt forced by me nor any decision harmed myself or my pregnancy. I cannot thank Marianne enough, and am so blessed to have had her as my doula.

Eunice Durham

9/12/2023

I had the privilege of working with Marianne for the birth of my second child. Her ability to create a calm and peaceful environment was truly remarkable. She seamlessly merged holistic medicinal practices with Western medicine, ensuring that I had access to a wide range of options. Her professionalism was outstanding, and she went above and beyond to educate me on the available choices and my rights as a patient. This level of support was invaluable during such an important and vulnerable time in my life. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a doula who combines a holistic approach with western medicine whilst maintaining unwavering professionalism

Koren Frankfort

8/19/2023

Marianne was present for the birth of my daughter, Sofie. She was there for the majority of the labor that spanned 60 hours and provided me great comfort and advocacy in the face of much pressure to have a c section. I gave birth safely vaginally after an induction due to gestational hypertension. I don't think the vaginal delivery I had was guaranteed, but her support got me through to the pushing stage, through which she coached me to complete quickly and with great focus. As such, she will always be held in the hearts of my family. She was kind, warm, present, and saw me through to the very last moment to help me nurse my baby for the first time. I highly recommend her to be part of your birthing team, particularly because with a role you will never forget, she is someone you will remember fondly.

Sara Thomas

8/6/2023

For any parents-to-be who are looking for support during the birth experience and transition into parenthood, my advice is to hire Marianne as your doula. She is the person you want by your side during this exciting and lovely life event that can be exhausting, stressful, and unpredictable. Her readiness to advocate for my preferences and needs, while providing both emotional and physical support, made the difference in what was a positive birth experience for my husband, daughter, and I.

During the latter half of my pregnancy, Marianne scheduled calls and met in person to prepare for the big day. She helped outline my birth plan by listening to my preferences, educating me on my options, answering questions, and providing insightful advice without any judgement. She also shared exercises, massage expertise, labor positions, and breathing techniques that helped ready my husband and I for labor and delivery.

Most importantly, she was fully present and supportive during the birth. Her maternal presence was really comforting. She made me feel calm, safe, and supported the whole time by bringing an entire toolbox of ideas, explaining the different labor sensations, and negotiating with the hospital staff to achieve some important elements of my birth plan. When labor started to feel intense and overwhelming, she helped me focus on breathing and strategies to progress the birth process. She also engaged my husband to assist in massaging and comforting me. Best of all, she captured the priceless photos of our first moments as a family of three.

Childbirth is a defining moment in a person’s life. Marianne played an important role in making mine an incredibly positive one. She, my husband and I, all shed tears of joy when my daughter was born. I’m so glad she was a part of that incredible experience.

Viktoriya Vayner

7/27/2023

Marianne was my Doula for the birth of my son in April. It was wonderful to have someone experienced in childbirth to be there with me and help with any questions, help me with my fears, and help me stick with my birth plan to not an epidural. 
She was a knowledgeable and calming presence and made me feel very comfortable and safe. Her process before labor and childbirth allowed me to prepare for childbirth and take all measures to be ready, think about my options, be organized, and go to the hospital feeling confident.

Alessia Wisniewski

7/26/2023

Marianne was my doula for my second birth. My pregnancy did not go as hoped and I developed preeclampsia in my third trimester. After deciding to work with Marianne she supported me every step of the way. Answering calls and text messages quickly for the remainder of my pregnancy, providing me with some herbs, giving me advice on how to feel comfortable in the last few weeks, etc. I unexpectedly had to give birth due to the preeclampsia worsening. I was 5 weeks early and terrified. Marianne came to my side at the hospital immediately. She was with my the entire way, and when it was decided I need a C-section for the health of me and my baby she was supportive and provided me the comfort I needed in a scary situation. Marianne checked in on me multiple times after birth and we still keep in touch four months later and I hope to continue to keep in touch with her! She is the best doula you can ask for. She provides comfort, strength, and a maternal presence that you will love during your labor and birth process.