Anna Laumann

7/26/2023

My experience with Rebecca as my doula was amazing! From the beginning she made me and my family feel comfortable and informed. We got to know her within my last month of being pregnant (I wish I had met her sooner!!) she walked us through the process of having a doula, the benefits, and what to expect. She gave me a lot of informative information with research to back what she was telling me and educated me on things I didn't know prior about labor/post partum. She helped guide me in my own decision making all while supporting my choices and making me feel as though I wasn't being judged for those choices.. which often in medical settings or topics sorrounding babies and labor there are some biases or judgments that are made. During labor she was available right away and came quickly to the hospital, where she advocated for my birth plan and helped me manage my pain through my labor. She made sure that I was doing good and that my partner was as well by helping take the load off of him at times by helping massage my back during contractions. After birthing my child she continued to inform us and educate us on things we hadn't known, helping us make the best informed choices for our family. 
During this post partum period she has continued to be helpful, checking in on me, giving me resources for pelvic therapy (and helping me with getting started in contacting them or them reaching out to me). She created a meal train for me which was extremely helpful, it took the weight off my shoulders and helped bridge the gap of feeling embarrassed to ask for help. She has taught me how to take care of my skin and help repair my scarring that I had as well as introduced my partner and I to yoni steams which were incredibly relaxing. 
Overall she was incredible! If I had to do it all over again I would choose her over and over again as our doula. She was so warm, knowledgeable, attentive, thoughtful, and truly passionate (which shined through). 

Maddy Chilese

6/9/2023

My name is Maddy Chilese. I am writing to recommend Rebecca Ballast as a birth doula to anyone who is looking for compassionate support, spiritual empowerment, and joyful groundedness in their birth experience. Rebecca was our birth doula for our firstborn, Garner in August 2022. Her care for me, my partner, and our son left a lasting imprint on our lives.

Working with Rebecca was a deeply healing experience. She is a wealth of knowledge intellectually and spiritually. I felt very seen by her. Especially when we had to make necessary changes to my birth plan (I had to have a c-section instead of vaginal delivery). Her guidance and compassion gave me the space to accept life's changes with love and grace. And in the operating room, as my anxiety spiked she spoke to me calmly of what was happening: the steps that the doctors were taking to care for me, my son's progress, etc. I instantly began to relax and felt safe. She always helped me feel like I had choice and power with my body. For my husband, she empowered him to step into a foundational role as a pillar of our new family. Working with her was an awakening for him. At every step, she gave us space and care as we transitioned into these new roles. In short, Rebecca is magic.

Rebecca's intuition, knowledge, professionalism, and playfulness make her an essential part of one's birth team. It's odd to think we only worked with her for a few months because the loving impact she has had on our family life makes it feel like she is and always has been a part of our life. Having Rebecca on your team is invaluable.

Jean Dugan

6/4/2023

My family and I are so grateful for our work with Rebecca through my second pregnancy. Not only did Rebecca posses the clinical knowledge to support me through my pregnancy, labor & delivery, and post partum time- she most importantly carried the spiritual wisdom that helped anchor myself in the vast array of emotions when navigating the uncertainty of pregnancy. I was drawn to Rebecca for this very reason. She helped us remember the sacredness of birth, by weaving ritual, reverence, and ceremony through the entire journey, harnessing the energy of this sacred rites if passsage-giving my family the opportunity to transform for the highest good in the process. Trust that Rebecca will be your best advocate, know that she listens deeply, and follow her guidance as she carry's great wisdom. Thank you Rebecca from the bottom of our hearts.