Marissa Sobolewski

11/13/2024

I feel so grateful for having Josie as our doula during my first pregnancy. I was on the fence about getting a doula but am so glad I did, especially with how dedicated and kind Josie was during the entire process. She helped me create my ideal birth plan by answering all of my many questions and allowing my partner and I to talk through how we hoped the birth would go and reaffirmed that I had more control over what I wanted even in a hospital setting. Within minutes of me texting her that it might be “go-time”, Josie called to check in on me and assured me she would be there the moment we got to the hospital or even at our home beforehand if I wanted. When my labor didn’t go exactly as I had “planned” she calmly told me how the pivot in direction still achieved other goals that I had which made a world of a difference in getting back into a positive frame of mind. She was so helpful during the delivery even our nurse kept telling us how glad she was to have her there! Once our boy was delivered the attention shifted towards the baby but Josie stayed by me and made me feel reassured and cared for. Josie went above and beyond checking in during my postpartum period and again helped answer the many questions us first time parents had. If you have any anxiety about giving birth or just want a calm and supportive presence there while your partner takes a well deserved coffee break you will not regret choosing Josie as your doula. We are so glad we did and think she had a huge impact on our overall birthing experience. 

Alyona Carnivale

10/6/2024

Josie helped get us through a traumatic labor and delivery that was nothing like my birth plan. After 26 hours of labor, I had to have a C-section. Josie had a similar experience and was able to comfort and reassure me that everything will be alright. She held my hand literally and metaphorically through the whole experience, and we were so lucky to have her there. Thank you so much Josie!

Jennelle

7/24/2024

When my baby boy was about 8 -10 weeks old he was struggling with his little tummy, and I was not getting much sleep. I still had a 4-finger separation diastasis recti, making movement still a challenge for me and thus difficult to do basic chores. I needed help; family was already gone and my husband back to work. Luckily kindergarten had started back up to keep my eldest occupied during the day.

Josie was referred to me for post partum help and my word was she a Godsend. I asked her to come one afternoon and when she arrived I was in shambles... I was exhausted, feeling helpless to my baby's constipation pains and feeling the looming stress of having to return to work before my spirit, mind, or even my body were ready.

 She sat with me and listened to me cry, compassionately helping me acknowledge, accept, and let go of all I was holding on to. She then reminded me that here was my opportunity to rest and asked if there was anything specific she could do. I gave her maybe 2 minutes of suggestions and pointed things out.

4 hours later (!) I woke up. refreshed, my home put together, my baby sleeping, a delicious pot of beans cooked and my husband home from work resting. The first thing he said to me was, "She is so efficient and competent." I just cried, knowing the truth of it. If I had had the money I'd have hired her for several weeks to help as I continued to repair my body. Her mix of personality, compassion, love for her work, and genuine demeanor is soothing for family and baby.

 She's incredible and exceptionally competent. I will absolutely seek her out for any future post partum experiences I have.

Grace L

3/4/2024

I used Magnolia Moon Doula Services as a virtual doula for my child’s birth at the end of 2023. The support Josie provided was integral to my positive birth experience. The prenatal visit was so helpful for thinking through my birth plan. Josie also gave really useful information that I’d not received elsewhere. Being able to text and call Josie during labor with questions to help my labor progress gave me peace of mind, and she also reminded me of tools and practices I could ask the hospital for. It was a truly positive experience that cemented the importance of doulas for me. It was so helpful to have Magnolia Moon Doula Services walk with me through the preparation and birth experience, and I cannot recommend Josie more highly.

Bekah

2/26/2024

Josie was the calming, supportive, light-hearted, and joyful presence I needed during my pregnancy and birth experience! During pregnancy she offered resources for the concerns I had and checked in with me often. My water broke earlier than expected and I went in for a c-section due to baby being breech. Josie came to the hospital and prepped me on what to expect during and after the procedure. She was empathetic and so helpful! Breastfeeding was a difficult journey in the beginning and she was able to offer resources, practical advice, and emotional support during her postpartum visits. My husband and I were both so grateful we made the choice to have a doula and I would recommend Josie to anybody!