Bjorna was absolutely wonderful! Im a first time mom and she was always there to answer questions (even at obnoxious times of night) and to offer me support. My labor and delivery process was a total of about 72 hours and didn't go nearly as planned. I was really upset and she helped me to make choices about my labor that I would be able to come to terms with and to calm me. Even though everything happened that I wanted to avoid (an epidural, pitocin, and even breaking my water) she helped me to feel ok about the things that the doctors and I needed to do. She was very supportive and easy going during labor, helping me keep track of what the doctors where doing, chatting with me when I was awake, and bringing things to me. She helped make my delivery exactly what I wanted despite the medical interventions I needed. It was very relaxing with the music she brought and she helped keep me calm and encouraged when I felt like i coudn't push anymore. She even stayed until I was settled in after labor even though it was very late at night and she still had to drive an hour to get home. To top it all off, weeks after I delivered and I was having trouble breastfeeding she helped find me some resources. When I ended up needing to supplement my sons feedings with formula she again was very encouraging and not at all judgemental like a lot of people (including doctors) are. She was absolutely fantastic and I highly reccomend her services! :)

Posted 4/27/2012

 Being a first time mom, a doula was extremely important to me, and I had the blessing of having TWO doulas! My doula brought Bjorna with her to my labor and I am so thankful she was there! In-between contractions in the tub at home, I was officially introduced to Bjorna and I instantly felt a connection with her. She was very knowledgeable and helpful! The hot stone massage she did on my lower back really helped during contractions and her soft voice was very soothing. Because of her help, I was able to stay calm and have the birth of my dreams! She checked in with me regularly postpartum and I look forward to having her be apart of my next pregnancy and birth! Thank you SO much Bjorna!

Posted 3/31/2012

Posted 3/8/2012

We had a wonderful birth experience with Bjorna's caring support. Her dedication to ensuring we had the birth experience we wanted was clear from the start. She arranged two meetings with us prior to my due date to discuss our birth preferences, and accompanied me to a prenatal appointment. On the day I went into labor, she arrived well prepared. During my contractions, she know just what to do to help ease me through them, whether it was hot stones on my back, massage, moving my hips, offering me food and drink, and reminding me to use my breath to move the baby down. And she really helped my husband and mom feel involved and supported throughout the process (without her, I think they would have been a little lost). She also brought awsome birth music and tasteful electric candles that she whiped out when I got in the tub. When pushing got tough, she really helped by counting me through the pushes and telling me I could get through it.

My son was born with shoulder dystocia, which is a medical emergency. Bjorna remained calm when my family and the doctors were in a panic. She held my hand and calmed me while my son was being treated by the neonatal team and I didn't feel alone while my family focused on the status of our newborn. I just can't say enough about how much Bjorna contributed to easing my labor and helping me get through a difficult birth. I was able to have the natural, medication free labor experience I desired, and felt very supported when things got scary at the very end. Bjorna stayed with us until my son was okay and in my arms, and she followed up with us postpartum to make sure breastfeeding and baby care was going okay. My whole family felt supported by her. She is amazing! I am totally convinced that every woman would benefit from having a doula during their labor, and I think Bjorna is a very special doula!

Posted 3/3/2012

My wife decided on a natural childbirth, but due to health complication had to be induced. Still determined to stay as natural as possible, she didn't accept pain meds. Induced births apparently are a bit rougher on the mom and I can sincerely say that without Bjorna there to help us through it could easily had become a nightmare for us.  I was completely out of my depth and without our doulas there with us I don't know how we would have managed. Beyond just having another set of hands to help with simple things, having the reassuring presence of such a calm and caring professional really gave us the strength and the clarity we desperately needed at times. From the hands on comforting to the words of encouragement, Bjorna was with us all the way through.  I couldn't imagine doing it any other way and I hope that she's able to be with us when my wife and I decide to have another child.

Posted 10/27/2011

I found Bjorna late in my pregnancy (at about 35 weeks), but I'm so glad I did. I knew from the start that I wanted to have a doula, but was facing opposition from my husband (silly, I know). I found Bjorna's calm and steady presence to be very beneficial, especially in my situation which was very stressful. Although I intended to have an all natural labor and birth, things did not work out that way and I ended up with an emergency c-section. I was able to labor, however, for over 30 hours and was very comforted by the techniques employed by Bjorna. I loved the massage and aroma therapy that she applied, they were super helpful during very painful contractions. I also liked that she was very aware of the environment and it's impact on my focus. There were a couple times when my well meaning but sometimes loud family was a bit intrusive. Bjorna made sure to check with me that it was ok if there was talking in the room while I was contracting. It was very helpful and I loved having the extra support! I only wish that I was able to labor all the way to a natural birth but only 5 hours after arriving at the hospital, my son was born through emergency c-section because of heart decelerations. Bjorna was sure to stay with my family while I was in surgery and didn't leave until after I was out of surgery and setteled in to attempt breastfeeding. She even came to my house about a week after Owen's birth to check in on us.

Posted 9/22/2011