Andrea Minarik

12/13/2024

Debbie has been working with my family since 2019 with both my son and my daughter. Debbie's passion for evidence-based care and knowledge of all things baby helped my family in the transition from 0-1 and 1-2 babies while caring for me first as the mama. Without family support and during the most stressful of times, my husband and I found ourselves counting down until Debbie could come and take the reigns and we could get some much needed rest and time to recharge. We loved not only the care she provided, but also the advice and expertise she could share for things such as breastfeeding, baby wearing and most recently sleep training!  She even was wonderful with my "big kid" and never hesitated to step in and support me in any way I needed - making the five year old breakfast and reading him stories so he too felt loved and cared for. As an added bonus she is super communicative, always early and extremely reliable - I can't recall a single time she's been late which is impressive as I live in the city with all the accompanying city traffic issues. I'd recommend Debbie to any family during the early childhood years. 

Katie Sparacino

10/16/2023

There are not enough words to describe how wonderful it was to have Debbie every step of the way, through my pregnancy and through labor and delivery she was instrumental in me feeling confident and in control. My husband and I chose Debbie as our Doula because of her hands on pain management techniques, her years of experience, and when we spoke with her we felt she would be there for us 100%.

The prenatal visits we fantastic. As first time parents there was so much we didn't know and her visits calmed those nerves immediately. We felt comfortable discussing everything.

Once I had contractions that were progressing, Debbie came right over to our house. I labored at home for 5hrs- she was right next to me the entire time helping me with pain management with massages. She helped us determine when to go to the hospital and was by our side from the minute we got there until we welcomed our son! Debbie and my husband were an incredible support, making sure I stayed hydrated and fed and literally supported me while I pushed (4.5hrs of pushing, they never faltered!) When we discussed our birthing wishes with Debbie, one of our wishes was to have minimal to no medications or interventions. Debbie helped advocate that for me while I was in labor - we successfully made it through with no medications and I owe so much of that to her hands on support and words of encouragement. When the doctor presented me with the option to have my son suctioned, she helped me confidently and comfortably decide that was the right choice in that moment. Debbie stayed with us after labor to make sure he latched successfully and to make sure we were okay. It was close to 11pm when she left, a much longer day than expected but she never showed hesitation with her dedication to us.

Debbie is exceptional and with her support we had the confidence we needed every step of the way. We love you, Debbie! Thank you for joining our family in this special way.

Jamie

8/22/2023

It's difficult to express just how grateful I am to have met Debbie. What started as a few days of overnight relief when she was an infant turned into a wonderful relationship where Debbie has given us incredible support with ongoing sleep training and advice as our little one develops. As new parents, my partner and I were overwhelmed and exhausted, struggling to find a rhythm that would allow us all to get the rest we so desperately needed.

Debbie's expertise and compassionate approach to sleep training immediately put me at ease. She took the time to understand our baby's unique personality, needs, and my parenting style before tailoring a sleep training plan that felt comfortable for me.

What truly sets Debbie apart is her ease and comfort with all things baby. She's never stressed, which has helped me relax as well. Even when we don't have an appointment, Debbie has been available by text and has answered questions about sleep and food and general mom angst throughout the year. 

Not only does our kiddo sleep through the night now, but we also saw a positive impact on their daytime naps. 

Beyond her expertise, Debbie's empathy and genuine care for my well-being are evident in every interaction. She's my rock when things feel daunting and have become my most trusted sitter when we have obligations that take us away during the evening. With her home with our kid, I know she's in good hands and Debbie can handle anything that comes up - which helps me engage with others outside of home...something I never thought I'd have so much trouble with.

I wholeheartedly recommend her services to any parents who find themselves in a similar sleep-deprived situation or are interested in her variety of services. With her expertise and support, you can rest assured in so many aspects of early parenthood.

Ashley Harper

11/26/2018

You would be especially lucky to have Debbie as your Doula. Throughout my maternity leave, from the first week I was back home and since I’ve returned to work I have needed and relied on Debbie for help with everything. Her support has ranged so far that I could fill page after page. Examples include: helping me cope with after-labor pain, tailoring infant care to my baby’s needs, giving me practical advice, helping me get more sleep, helping me gain confidence in my new role as a mom and so much more. She’s been an amazing person to have for every step of this journey! Her advice is incredibly practical – she has an uncanny talent of distilling information and making motherhood feel manageable. She’s amazing at figuring out what’s important to you and helping support that. You can be any type of mom and she will be able to offer incredible insight for you that will help you grow. I never felt judged. I never felt ill at ease around her. She is gracious and adapts to your household. She is a reliable constant you will come to look forward to seeing every single time.

Demi Panagiotopoulos

6/2/2018

Choosing a doula is a daunting process. I hired Debbie because she has so much varied experience. I knew how I wanted my birth to go, and I wanted someone with me who has seen it all, just in case things didn't go according to my plans. She was so helpful from the early planning stages right through to the birth and helping me learn how to breastfeed. There were so many options that I didn't realize I had! Plus all the questions I had during labor that I never even thought of before. Her ability to reassure me, answer my questions, present my options and support my choices were completely empowering for me. My birth didn't go exactly how I originally thought it would, but I am so glad it went exactly as it did. I was able to work through every step with Debbie's as my constant. And with Debbie helping me work through the contractions my husband was free to focus on the birth of our beautiful baby girl. I’ll be calling her again for our next child for sure!

Sofia Williams

5/30/2018

I did a ton of research before having my twins and the one thing I knew for sure was that I needed help. If you are looking for someone with experience, a calmness, and the flexibility you really need after having twins then I highly recommend Debbie as your postpartum doula.

I knew I needed help, but outside of that decision I really had no idea what I was doing. Debbie met with me, gave me options, and helped me come up with an initial plan. Just knowing that she was coming did so much for me. As my babies got stronger she helped me figure out how to care for two infants at once. As time went by, we were able to change our schedule with Debbie to better accommodate our changing needs. Without her, I don’t know how I would have made it through those first few months. She is calm, trustworthy and took excellent care of my family!

Stephanie Cedrone

4/5/2017

I first "met" Debbie in the ICAN group of Southeastern PA on Facebook. Her advice to me and the other moms regarding our VBAC's was always so sound that when I found out I was expecting my second I decided to reach out to her in hopes of hiring her for our birth. From the first conversation I knew I wanted Debbie by our side. She came to my home and we went over what her role would be, how she would support not only me but my husband through labor and delivery (and after), different scenarios that could arise during my TOLAC and how we could handle them, and my birth plan. She wanted to know my story, my history, why I wanted a VBAC so badly and what I hoped for this labor and delivery. She helped me write my birth plan and kept in touch throughout my pregnancy. If I had any questions she was always available to answer them.

Contractions started at 3:45am the day after my due date and my daughter was born 34 hours later. Throughout the entire day and a half Debbie was by our side, helping contractions get started when my labor stalled, helped me decide when to start a small dose of pitocin, and even though not having an epidural was a big part of my birth plan Debbie helped me decide to get one after 29 hours as I was just exhausted and not progressing at all. I slept for a couple of hours and 2.5 hours after getting the epidural my daughter was born without me even having to push. I fully believe without her I would have ended up with a repeat C-Section.

One thing that made me apprehensive about hiring a doula was that she would replace my husband as my coach. That wasn't the case at all. Having Debbie allowed my husband and I to work together better. I couldn't have done it without him, and we couldnt have done it without Debbie. We both agree we'll never have another baby without Debbie there with us!

Thank you Debbie for helping us bring Scarlett into the world!

Sarah Hein

3/9/2013

Stephanie Mackler

3/7/2013

PAULA GEGWICH

7/20/2012

Debbie was our birthing doula for our first daughter, born April 2nd, 2012.  When we met Debbie she was immediately calming!  Her voice, manner and knowledge had a calming effect on both my husband and I.  She spent almost two hours at our first meeting answering questions and reassuring us.  We did not even interview any other doulas because we were so certain that this is who we wanted to help us through our first birth. 

When my water broke before 6 am on a monday morning I knew immediately that the baby had had a bowel movement in utero so that it was likely I would have to deliver at the hospital instead of the birthing center.  We arrived at the hospital all around the same time (9 am) and she immediately started to provide suggestions for supporting me through early labor (movement, distractions).  The longest part of my labor, from probably 3-7 cm - my husband and Debbie were working together as I used hypnobirthing techniques to manage the pain.  Debbie's voice was hypnotic and her presence relieved the pressure from my husband as she told him how to help me.  He never had to wonder. 

I was able to fulfill the most important part of my plan, which was having a healthy baby girl!  I labored and delivered naturally thanks in a large part to Debbie's support of both my husband and I.  Debbie also stayed an extra two hours after my baby was born to provide suppoort through our first breastfeeding experience.  My daughter latched well from the start with her guidance.

The entire birthing experience was amazing and I would not change one thing.  My husband and I have already said that if we are lucky enough to have another baby we will be calling Debbie - we could not have done it without her. 

Amanda Olsen

2/20/2012

Renee Pappas

5/17/2011

Deb is calm and gentle and helps keep mom, dad, baby, and environment relaxed.  She understands exhaustion, options and identifiers for PPD as well.  Having Deb assist as a birth or post partum doula will offer you comfort and assistance at a time when we need it most!

Ellen Vitale

5/14/2011

Debbie's support took the weight off my partner's shoulders, and provided me with the solid block of courage I needed. When my water broke,  we drove to the hospital where we were inexplicably directed to the ER.  I told Debbie I felt like I needed to have a bowel movement, so she followed me into the ER bathroom, to make sure I was okay. After more than 30 minutes, Debbie was concerned about me spending my labor and possibly delivering my baby in the emergency room. She explained to the dr. that this was my fourth baby, my water had broken, and that I might have my baby in the ER. This got them moving. When I was finally admitted to maternity, my OB dr was not there even after having been paged several times. I began to push through my contractions to ease the pain. Debbie alerted my nurse that I was pushing. If Debbie hadn't been there, I am not sure anyone would have known. I was unable to talk. I told Debbie I needed staitol and she told the nurse for me. I was concerned that the baby might be born before the doctor arrived, and Debbie and the nurse assured me that if that happened, they could and would deliver my baby. Debbie's fortitude was a source of strength for me and my partner. I felt that I was in capable hands. When my doctor finally walked in, I was fully dilated and it was time for me to deliver my son. Debbie held my leg while I pushed. She gave me precisely the type of encouragement I needed. She told me that my pushes were working, she could see them working, which was what I needed to hear. After my son was born, Debbie stepped into the background to give me privacy, but was still there when I called to her and needed her. It was truly perfect. She helped me get my son to latch on, but only when I called to her. It was my fourth time having a baby and I had had many nurses that were either pushy or unavailable. Debbie was neither of those. She was supportive, but humble. I highly recommend her.

Christy Myers Baxter

5/13/2011

I hope that you are lucky enough to work with Debbie Castelbuono as your doula!

I've known Debbie for almost two years.  She is a caring, empathetic, nurturing professional and friend to women and mothers.  I'm impressed by not only her knowledge, but also her desire to be open to others experiences and to always be learning more.

Debbie is truly focused on the health and wellness of the baby, mother, and whole family that is being impacted by a new arrival. 

You will quickly feel comfortable with Debbie - she is a genuinely kind and intelligent woman, someone who is a keen listener, has a sharp eye, and a fabulous wit.  Her experiences working with women formally and informally both as they approach childbirth, and also after a new baby has arrived, are quite varied, and always inform her knowledge base and work.  Plus, Debbie is also a fantastic mom to three amazing kids herself! 

I am a mother of two small children, and Deb is a huge part of my support system and knowledge base.  My whole family has been blessed by my connection with her, and we owe a debt of gratitude to her for the love, concern, caring and help she has offered over the years.

Your entire family will benefit from working with Debbie before, during, and after your labor with your child.  Congratulations on the new addition to your family, and enjoy the support and strength that Deb offers you all.