Lisette Weber

8/19/2021

We hired Grace as our birth doula in 2019. We would have had a very different birth story without Grace. She was everything we needed and more. She went above and beyond for us during labour, delivery, and our time in NICU. We can't recommend her enough. Plus she's easy to get along with!

Kirsten

5/21/2019

My experience with a doula, and specifically Grace, was a game-changing factor to my 2nd Pregnancy, birth (planned repeat Csection) and immediate post-partum week being such a better experience than my first.  After having had an emergency Csection with my first, and dealing with all the challenges that presented, I knew that if I was to have another pregnancy, regardless of delivery method, I would employ the services of a doula, as their support and services extend so much beyond the actual 'birth' part of the pregnancy process.  

Having had a prior Csection, I knew the drill, but having Grace alongside not only me for the pregnancy, but my husband as well, was such a huge support and source of calm.  Grace helped us to keep our focus, advocate for ourselves during this vulnerable time, and also kept us relaxed.  Additionally, I had someone to be there for me, while my husband could be there for the baby.  As the Csection restricted my mobility for the first 12 hours, having an extra set of hands and expertise with feedings was invaluable. 

I can honestly say that without Grace I don't think I would have continued on with breastfeeding. Day 4/5 was by far the hardest and my husband reached out to her.  Within a couple of hours  she was at my home.  It was, without a doubt, what helped me feel better, reasssured me and gave me perspective.... it was what I didn't know I needed but am so thankful my partner did, and that is because of the relationship we both formed with Grace.

I cannot emphasize enough the benefits of a doula, and specifically those of Grace.  From providing a shoulder to lean on, reassurance, resources to make informed decisions throughout the pregnancy and beyond, to rubbing my swollen feet in the hospital, keeping me focused and encouraging me to speak up about my wishes in order to have the best pregnancy and birth experience that was right for me.

Sarah Gomez

3/27/2016

My husband and I decided we wanted to hire a doula for the birth of our second as we saw the benefits one could provide after seeing how we handled our first birth (Induction process that we didn't know how to fully prepare for). Grace was the first doula we sat down with, and from that very first meeting we knew she was "the one". Upon Grace's recommendation, we did interview another doula as she is a firm believer that you want a doula that is the right fit - and that your instincts will guide you to whom you'd like to support you. Thankfully our instincts were right and we were overjoyed to have Grace on our team.

Grace was always there to answer any questions I had throughout my pregnancy (and afterwards!) and provided us with wonderful community and online resources as needed - many of which we still use to this day!

Grace preferred to come to a labour in its early stages, so she could lend her support from the start. Her gentle touch and kind supportive words were just what I needed to get through my early labour. I did labour with an epidural, so even though there wasn't as much physical support during most of my labour, she was there every minute answering any questions we had, giving both my husband and I many laughs, and keeping us both very relaxed. She is knowledgeable in pressure points which helped greatly throughout all phases of labour.

On her own accord, she came to visit me the next day at the hospital to check in and see how everything was going (including breastfeeding, and how I was feeling overall physically and emotionally).We had postnatal visits which were fantastic! With a newborn and a 2yr old at home, to have someone help it gave me time to sit and enjoy a hot meal, start dinner, etc. Some days both boys were asleep at the same time, so I got a chance to sit and have tea with Grace and just simply talk with another adult! It felt like heaven! She is truly amazing!

Angie Williams

3/26/2016

From the moment I met Grace, I knew I'd like her. She was very easy to talk to, and was not trying to over sell herself. She was real, and genuine.

I had so many concerns with my pregnancy, and fears I wanted to be able to trust the person who was going to be with us when we gave birth.

She always took the time to answer my texts, calls and be there with me when I needed her. She went with me to my Ultrasound when nobody else could.

When it came time for our son to be born Grace was there from start to finish, almost 2 whole days! She wouldn't leave my side, and ewas there for my husband too.

I highly recomment Grace as a doula! She was born *no pun intended* to do this job, and you can tell how much she loves babies!

She has become a good friend to us and I'm so happy with our choice to hire her!

Krista Feltmate

3/13/2012

The time surrounding the birth of my daughter was not the most relaxing time.   We were in the process of moving 2500kms away, trying to pack up a house and taking care of a 2 year old.   My husband ended up having to leave before our daughter was born, which just added to all the stress.  I met Grace when I was already 3 days past my "due" date.  Immediately, I wished we'd been together through the entire pregnancy.  She was fantastic to talk to, helped to alleviate some of the stress in my brain to allow me to enjoy some of the end of my pregnancy.

I know that  Grace is the reason that the eventual induction and delivery went as smoothly as it did.   She was fantastic at keeping me calm, helping me focus through contractions, and to remember the reason for all the pain. As we walked the halls of the hospital trying to get labour going, she knew when to talk, and when I needed her to just be there without any talking.    She kept me focussed on my desire for a drug free birth, and talked me through those moments when I wanted to give it.   She calmed me in a gentle way, constantly acknowledging how I was feeling, but also make sure of what I really wanted.

Grace was an amazing support throughout my labour, and the time immediately following as I tried to settle into life as much as possible.   She is passionate about giving women the best possible birth experience, and I would recommend her hands down for any birth!

Vernessa Kulikov

9/5/2011

I didn't have Grace for the actual birth of my second child, but she was there for my pregnancy with him and was wonderful. She's very client-centred and a great combination of warmth and professionalism. She's very reassuring, easy to talk to and provided me with great resources to help me become more informed about the birthing process, thereby helping me to adopt a more positive outlook towards the upcoming birth instead of a fearful one. She also taught me great techniques for managing the pain of labour and as a result I was able to deliver my second child without any medication. I had wanted to do this with my first child, but ended up getting morphine as well as an epidural.

Thank you for all your help and committment Grace!

Vernessa Kulikov

9/5/2011

I didn't have Grace for the actual birth of my second child, but she was there for my pregnancy with him and was wonderful. She's very client-centred and a great combination of warmth and professionalism. She's very reassuring, easy to talk to and provided me with great resources to help me become more informed about the birthing process, thereby helping me to adopt a more positive outlook towards the upcoming birth instead of a fearful one. She also taught me great techniques for managing the pain of labour and as a result I was able to deliver my second child without any medication. I had wanted to do this with my first child, but ended up getting morphine as well as an epidural.

Thank you for all your help and committment Grace!

Sandra Maracle

9/1/2011

Grace was my doula for the birth of my very first child in January 2011. With 8 days of trying to induce labour, she was fantastic at coming out to our place (out of town) to try to help with getting labour going. She was a trooper when I dragged her and my husband out to walk through town at midnight in the middle of winter....we even climbed snow banks (which I loved).

When my water broke at 11pm on the friday night, Grace drove out as soon as I called and was there through the whole 20hrs of labour. As part of my support team, she was great at doing whatever I needed at the time and helping to include my husband and bestfriend as well. She was very patient and understanding when I told her some things weren't working. She is able to put my personality with her techniques and come up with alternate visualizations.

We ended up with an emergency c-section and Grace was there afterwards with breastfeeding knowledge and resources when we were struggling. I really appreciated the follow-up visits and support phone calls when I felt frustrated and needed someone to listen.

I look forward to having Grace attend all of my births!!! :)