Jessie Curran

1/3/2026

We had the best experience with Nicole. We moved to the area 8 months pregnant and she immediately helped us navigating finding a network of practitioners and community as we approached our due date. She was always available with recommendations and feedback. She was a great reality check and source of information. During labor, which unsurprisingly went nothing according to plan, Nicole was present and calm and advocated for me with the nurses and doctors. She was supportive of my husband as well and helped him remain present and calm during the whole process. Even after our daughter was born, Nicole has checked in multiple times and has been extremely helpful and available for any questions or advice. We loved working with Nicole and would absolutely recommend her to support you in your birth journey!

Caitlin Hendrix

11/10/2025

There will never be enough words to explain how powerful and necessary Nicole's support was to our family during preparation for and during labor and delivery, and the impact she had on those days (yes... DAYS!), and my heart.

As it is often said, labor rarely goes as planned, and mine certainly did not, but Nicole remained by my side through every single moment. 

She was my coach, my motivation, my "second spouse" for 3 straight days as I worked to bring my baby into the world. She stayed awake with me, encouraged me to persist and move my body, and listened to and validated, both, mine and my partner's feelings and needs. 

In the meetings we had before labor, Nicole led us through discussion of all the possible scenarios/interventions ahead, and took note of our every preferences, so when when things we'd hoped wouldnt happen did, neither I, nor my partner, had to use our much needed spare energy to advocate for ourselves, as Nicole was prepared to do the job. She whispered kind and focusing words to me to keep me dedicated to my single job of bringing my baby out of my body, instead of the noise of hard decisions around us. 

While so many parts of my labor became out of our hands, Nicole held me in hers and took the best care of me and my partner. Beautiful moments were made true by her care and attentiveness, and I am forever thankful to her

Samantha Roberts

10/23/2025

Nicole made the difference! What could have been overwhelming scary birth was a calm supported one.  This was my first brith and my goal was to have the most natural birth possible. Nicole was there for prenatal support and postpartum as well as labor. Once contractions started Nicole gave me a guidence and on what to do and when to go to the hospital. Her guidence helped my contractions become stronger and more consistant while laboring at home. Once in the hospital Nicole was fabulous in helping me manage the pain through different movements. Although, the pain did have me considering an epidural, Nicole was a rock and we took it one contraction at time. I think if I did not have Nicole there, my partner and I would have had to have an intervention or two and I probably would have opted for the epidural. I am glad that with Nicole's support I was able to have the birth I wanted. My partner was able to better support me as wellwith her guidence. Between the two of them I felt very supported and had less fear than I thought I would. I have Kaiser insurance that covered Doula support, Nicole handled all billing for us. I highly recommend Nicole as your Doula, she is excellent at preparing you for labor and advocating for you during!

Julia Frankl

10/22/2025

Nicole is the best doula ever. She has been our doula twice now and each time I genuinely don’t know how I would have done it without her. From being so quick to answer all of my questions, being so thorough at all of our prenatal meetings, to being the best support person when labor starts. With my first birth, Nicole knew exactly when to come provide support right when I needed it. She knew the exact positions I needed to get into to get my son into the perfect position to birth. With my second, she did the same. She knows her stuff! Her ability to read a woman’s body and know exactly what position will help engage baby is truly a gift. It’s not even a question that I would recommend Nicole to anyone looking for a doula!

Elisabeth

10/20/2025

Nicole was extremely influential on the outcome of my birth experience! Due to her help, I was able to have the unmedicated hospital birth that I wanted.

We chose to work with Nicole because of her professional medical background and expert knowledge of mother and baby's anatomy. The two sessions we had with her before labor where amazing. She helped both me and my husband articulate our fears and what we wanted from the birth experience. Through her honesty and heartfelt emotion, he felt so much more prepared and fully supported. I came away with practical exercises to do to help position my baby and prepare for labor.

My water broke without contractions in a case of PROM. She guided my husband and I through the decision making process about medical interventions at the hospital. Talking with her gave me the confidence to advocate for the birth that I wanted. Even though she was double booked that day at another birth, she was always very responsive over the phone.

When she arrived during my labor, she was able to assess what stage I was in and when to go to the hospital. She was totally hands on; the pressure she put on my pelvis made a huge difference during my contractions. At the hospital, my husband says it felt like she was in charge of the room to help create the birth experience we wanted. She coached me through specific positions and breathing during pushing.

After the birth, she provided photos, video, and great recap notes. We debriefed and she answered any questions I had about baby care. I would have probably had a very different medicated birth if it weren't for Nicole and her help with preparation and advocacy! I recommend her with all my heart!

Julia

10/18/2025

Nicole was a huge help leading up to and during my birth; I'm so glad we had her with us. When I unexpectedly needed to be induced early, Nicole was a calm guide who has seen every type of birth and knew how to adjust my birth intentions within the new parameters, which gave me a much-needed sense of structure and agency even when things seemed out of my control. She was so helpful during my birth, enabling my husband to focus just on emotionally supporting me while she guided me through positions, medical decisions, and tough moments. Nicole does a great job getting to know you and learning how best to support you; I absolutely recommend her services! cannot thank you enough xx

Anna Paula Rocha da Rosa

10/14/2025

We were first recommended Nicole by our midwife, and choosing her was easily the best decision we made for our home birth experience.

In the lead-up, Nicole met with us multiple times to ensure we were completely aligned on our birth plan, including a thorough home visit where we discussed logistics for the big day.

On the day of the birth, her intuition and dedication were incredible. She was in touch with my partner and arrived at our home before I even realized I truly needed her presence. Nicole provided exactly the calm, focused support I required, yet still had the energy and awareness to simultaneously care for my partner and my mother.

My mom was initially quite skeptical of the home natural birth and doesn't speak English, but Nicole was able to put her at ease. My mom commented multiple times afterwards how essential and comforting it was to have Nicole there, bridging that gap and providing reassurance.

Nicole stayed long after the baby arrived to ensure we were settled and also followed up later with a check-in on breastfeeding and post-labor recovery.

After my experience I'm a stroger beliver that everyone should have a doula for their delivery. If you are looking for an exceptional, intuitive, and deeply supportive doula who truly cares for the entire family unit, you are in great hands with Nicole.

Pooja N

10/13/2025

Nicole was such a wonderful support throughout the last part of my pregnancy, during labor, and even after with breastfeeding. She was so easy to talk to and made me feel truly heard and cared for. Her calm, reassuring presence helped me stay confident through some of the most emotional and challenging moments. Nicole always responded to my messages quickly and guided me whenever I needed advice or reassurance. I’m so grateful for her support and would absolutely recommend her to any family looking for someone compassionate, knowledgeable, and dependable during this special time.

Victoria

9/5/2025

As a first-time mom who was induced early due to third-trimester complications, I was bracing myself for a long and possibly difficult labor. I had heard that inductions—especially for first-time moms—can take a long time, so I was nervous about what to expect.

Nicole was such a steady, reassuring presence throughout the entire process. She provided a thoughtful plan of exercises and wellness practices, which I followed as closely as I could. Her guidance helped me feel empowered and prepared. In the end, my labor lasted less than 24 hours from start to finish, was uncomplicated, and I pushed for less than an hour. I only needed one stitch—something I never imagined would be possible for my first birth.

Beyond the birth itself, Nicole was an incredible resource. She patiently answered all our questions, calmed our anxieties, and was always just a phone call away. Whether it was questions about labor, birth, or even postpartum recovery, she was there with warmth, compassion, and real expertise.

I can’t express how grateful I am to have had Nicole as part of this journey. Her support made all the difference.

Erin

8/19/2025

TLDR; Nicole is amazing.

Working with Nicole was one of the best decisions my husband and I made for our first birth. I was aiming to have a low-intervention physiological birth in hospital, and Nicole walked with us through the days leading up to labor and the labor itself so smoothly. Once labor began, I was able to close my eyes and lock in while Nicole guided me and my husband through different positioning and support measures. With so many moving parts in the delivery process, it was amazing to have Nicole in the room catching all the details so my husband could focus on supporting me, and I could focus on birth. The hospital team of nurses and midwives was so complimentary of Nicole, and I couldn't agree more.

We would be grateful to have Nicole as our doula for any future births, and we can't recommend her enough! 

Deniz

8/8/2025

I'm so glad I found Nicole to help guide me through my pregnancy, birth and postpartum stages. When I was pregnant I felt I could reach out to her with any questions, no matter how silly. It felt like she was with me every step of the way. She is definitely a subject matter expert in this realm and has so many helpful resources that she's willing to share with others. As a perk, she's also respected and well-known in the nearby hospitals and birthing centers. I loved her style, as she was organized, flexible, knowledgeable, and ultimately there to help me advocate for myself. She was with me for most of my 36 hour labor and delivery. She fed me oyster crackers by hand after my c-section and assured me that even though my delivery didn't go how I'd intended, I had done everything I could and there was a reason for this. As an aside, she also helped take care of my husband and made sure he remembered to eat! 

Nicole is caring, sharp, and experienced. I felt totally comfortable trusting her to guide me through my first delivery. Now at 5 months PP, I think back on those precious moments and am so grateful that she was there to hold my hand (literally) and support me through the emotional and physical rollercoaster that is birth. Thank you, Nicole!! 

Tatyana

7/18/2025

I am tremendously lucky to have had Nicole's birth doula support for our second baby. After a tumultuous and traumatizing birth experience with my first baby, I was able to rewrite my second baby's birth story into a positive and transformational experience under Nicole's expert guidance. During pregnancy, she helped me manage unexpected medical conditions and provided me with a circuit of daily physical, mental, and nutritional activities that helped me maximize my body's preparation for birth. She was very responsive to calls, messages, and questions - even in the middle of the night! During my induced labor, Nicole truly showed the depth of her experience. She was always thinking and planning several steps ahead, and she correctly anticipated the timing of how my labor would progress. My partner and I joked that she was a psychic who could see into the future. When she stepped into our hospital room, Nicole seamlessly teamed up with the medical staff, commanding mutual respect and ultimately orchestrating the birth team on my behalf. Nicole's presence was calming and grounding as my labor intensified, and she helped me push through difficult moments of trauma that resurfaced from my first birth. She also had an intuition about what positions I needed to labor in to successfully spin baby for optimal positioning in the birth canal when it was time to push (the baby was not optimally positioned when we arrived at the hospital). I would highly recommend Nicole's services to other expecting families, in particular those who are navigating medical conditions and complications or who need a higher caliber of support. Nicole is the best!

Anda

6/25/2025

I cannot recommend Nicole highly enough. From the moment we started working together, she impressed me with her deep knowledge of both Western medicine and alternative approaches to labor and delivery. She understands medical terminology and procedures with the fluency of someone who has clearly invested time and care into learning the clinical side of birth work. This gave me more confidence in navigating the hospital setting, as she was able to explain everything clearly, point me to evidence-based resources when needed, and help me make informed decisions at every step.

At the same time, her grounding in alternative medicine meant I always felt I had a full range of options—from evidence-based natural techniques to more conventional interventions. She helped me create a birth plan that was truly personalized and holistic.

What sets Nicole apart even further is her incredible ability to advocate for her clients while maintaining a strong, respectful partnership with the medical team. She struck the perfect balance between standing up for my preferences and collaborating with the doctors and nurses to ensure the best possible outcome for both me and my baby. Because of her presence, I felt supported, respected, and empowered during every moment of labor.

She is also incredibly proactive and attuned to her clients’ needs. Throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, she was always available, always helpful, and consistently one step ahead—offering reassurance, guidance, and support even before I realized I needed it.

Working with Nicole made all the difference in my birth experience. Her knowledge, dedication, and calm, confident presence are a true gift to any expecting family.

Jennifer

6/5/2025

I'm not really the type to write reviews but this review is worth writing. Nicole is absolutely amazing. I would hire her again in a heartbeat. 

I didn't have a doula for my first birth and having Nicole made such a huge difference that I don't think I could ever go without one.

Nicole is so knowledgeable and very professional. She is also super kind and listens to everything I wanted for my home birth. She even asked my husband what he wanted when it came to the home birth and just overall was there for him too.

My birth happened so fast and Nicole had to talk me through my contraction's over the phone until she was able to get to our house.

If it wasn't for her I probably would have gave up on myself. She was so encouraging and kept telling me I could do it.

She was incredible with telling me how to breathe and to just fully surrender. It made the contractions so much managble.

Everything about Nicole was absolutely amazing and I definitely recommend her. 

Thank you Nicole for being there!

Teresa

4/25/2025

Nicole was such a valuable resource leading up to, during, and after my birth experience. She was an amazingly strong and knowlegable guide for my partner and me. In a time with a lot of unknowns, she was happy to answer questions, and even help us figure out what we hadn't even thought to ask yet. 

During our birth, I knew I was in good hands with her support. Nicole has a great presence and energy, providing a calm strength that is very grounding and nurturing. She was always three steps ahead of what was going on during our birth experience, anticipating my needs and next steps. She kept me fueled, both emotionally and physically so that I could focus inward on my own experience. I was hoping for a doula to really help my partner understand how he could help during my birth, and she did a great job guiding him to be the best support that he could be for me. Her presence at my birth was invaluable, and I would highly recommend her as a birth doula to any family.

Shannon

4/10/2025

My husband and I are so grateful to have had Nicole as our doula. I was skeptical if I needed one, less is more in my head, but after meeting her it was evident that she would improve our experience and help keep me safe. My husband who does not like anything medical (from blood to just being at the hospital) was able to be present and enjoy the birth. She guided both of us, gently providing support, knowledge, and expertise to ease the pregnancy, labor, birth, and post partum. It's partially true they say you will forget the pain/discomfort of labor shortly after birth, and I attribute some of that amnesia to Nicole and my positive experience. She was also was fantastic in ideas to support me post partum, as well as knowing someone for everything or someone that knows someone. If we are blessed and have the opportunity I hope to have Nicole at our next birth

Amy

3/4/2025

In attempting a VBAC for my second birth, I was hoping to find someone who was compassionate, knowledgeable, experienced, and willing to encourage me to do hard things in the middle of a really challenging time (pregnancy and birth). Nicole has all of those qualities! I wanted to avoid induction or have a better experience if it was necessary. Throughout my pregnancy, Nicole provided ideas about how to help prepare my body for labor. I tried to do just about everything and had a very positive induction experience with this birth. Also during my pregnancy, Nicole helped plan for time in the hospital and anticipated things that would not have occurred to my husband or me. She went through every detail of my birth intention document and helped get specific about hopes for the birth and time right afterwards in the hospital. She also helped us consider how to support our toddlers leading up to the birth, in the hospital, and recovery at home. During the birth, Nicole's presence made a huge difference! I felt so supported and safe with her. With Nicole's help, I felt that I could relax and trust my body during this second birth. She helped me to understand what my body was doing, coached me through breathing, and helped me try different positions that were best for certain phases of labor. She also did a great job balancing when to be gentle and when to be more assertive, while positive and encouraging throughout. Having Nicole's support helped take away so much of the fear I had about birth. As a result, things went remarkably better this time! I can honestly say that this was a beautiful experience, and I'm so grateful to Nicole for the key role she played. Nicole not only has very specific knowledge about pregnancy and birth, but she also does an amazing job thinking about the whole person or whole family unit. If I were to have another baby, I would be thrilled to have Nicole's support again! I would also wholeheartedly recommend her to others!
 

Kiki

3/1/2025

I didn’t have a doula for my first birth, and having Nicole for my second was a night and day difference. She truly changed my birth experience.

From the start, Nicole was more than just knowledgeable—she was a rock. She listened to what I wanted, asked about my previous birth, and even checked in with my partner about his hopes. She gave us tools to improve communication once the baby arrived—things we didn’t even realize we’d need.

But where she made the biggest impact was in the moments that mattered most. Labor is intense, but with Nicole there, I never once felt lost or alone. It was like she carried the mental and emotional weight so I could focus on trusting the process.

She knew exactly what I needed—before I did. She tied my hair back when contractions got overwhelming, suggested position changes, reminded me to eat at the right moments, and advocated for me with the medical staff. Her calm, steady presence made me feel completely taken care of.

I loved that she fully supported my choices. I wanted a hospital birth with an epidural, and she embraced that. But because of her support, I actually delayed the epidural longer than expected—not because I was trying to, but because I was coping better. That made a huge difference in my recovery.

She also introduced options I never would have thought of—like my partner catching the baby, a placenta tour, and even donating the placenta for search and rescue dog training.

But most of all, Nicole gave me confidence—in myself, my body, and my baby. I now look back on this birth with pride, empowerment, and joy.

I cannot imagine going through labor without her. If I have another baby, she’ll be one of the first people I call. I’d recommend Nicole to anyone expecting a baby. She made all the difference.

Kelly Lehman Goswamy

2/17/2025

Nicole is a very calming and warm person, and very easy to work with. We liked that she had a lot of experience and was able to come to our home for visits. She was extremely helpful when we decided to explore a homebirth option, which we ultimately ended up doing. During the birth she was very comforting and did not leave my side for many hours. She reminded me to stay hydrated and helped me stay calm, focused and as comfortable as possible. I really think her support helped facilitate a smooth birth and recovery. I would definitely recommend her to friends and family!

Lauren Casterson

2/5/2025

Nicole Lakey is AMAZING! I had a very long labor and I'm confident that without her advocacy and exerptise that I would have ended up with a C-section. She was an integral part of our labor prep and birthing experience and even though not everything went to plan, I felt empowered and educated every step of the way due to Nicole's support. She has a calm and confident demeanor that was very grounding, and put both me and my partner at ease (not easy to do during labor!).  Additionally, she has a medical background and seamlessly worked alongside the medical staff and was very additive to their work, which was important to me. I can't say enough positive things about her and our experience with her! 

Melanie Kellenberger

1/11/2025

I am beyond grateful that I had Nicole by my side through my first pregnancy. She will always put her mama's first by answering your calls, checking in by texts and setting up time to walk you through the birthing process and postparum period. Nicole has extensive knowledge as a doula and the hospital where I delivered. Even though my birthing experience wasn't as planned, Nicole was with me every step of the way. 

I highly recommend Nicole to anyone that is thinking about getting a doula or just needs extra support during this exciting time in their lives!

Rebecca Huang

1/8/2025

We had Nicole as our Doula for the birth of our child back in July 2023. She was amazing. She was so helpful in preparing us for what we needed post-partum because as first time parents, there are details you miss or things that you never knew you would need. She helped us put together a birth plan, we wanted as natural of a birth as possible, but if needed she can help us voice what we wanted as a medical intervention if we couldn't do it ourselves. During labour, she was an amazing support, she has this 'sling' that she uses to help with contractions, which help so much during the labour process. She was a calming presence and she had this calming voice that helped to guide you or encourage you during labour, it was so helpful especially when things got real rough. She was there the whole time when contractions started to when our baby was born. She made sure I had my opinions voiced in the labour room if there were decisions or if I needed anything, or wanted any changes or was uncomfortable in any way. I think we would've definitely been more lost or more anxious if we didn't have Nicole with us during preganncy, at birth, and after pregnancy. She helped with latching the baby for breastfeeding the first time. She really helped you with how to latch properly so you don't get hurt, and what to do if you do have a soreness or pain. After birth, she helped with our placenta encapsulation, and she also checked in on us multiple times to make sure we had the support we needed post partum, and to make sure we were doing well with our new born. I've recommended Nicole to friends that are looking for a Doula because we definitely had such a positive and amazing experience. If I have a second, I definitely want her by my side again. 

Melina Lum

1/4/2025

Nicole is an angel. It was so helpful together get together with her and ask all the questions to help ease my husband and I nerves. She also brought up so many things we never thought of. She came up with so many ideas for birth, how to deal with family and healthcare providers. She helped provide a list of local resources and knows pretty much everyone. She helped guide our birth wish list and it felt good knowing we had our own advocate. In the end my baby was breech, she was there during my version and really helped to ground me. Nicole also was present right before and after my belly birth ñ. She helped eased my husband and I, helped me latch and fed me French fries right after. Nicole met us at home and helped me navigate the whirlwind of hormones/tears. Absolutely love her, very special person for a very special time in our lives.