Caryn George

9/28/2022

Mitzi was my doula for my first and second birth.  I had a c-section with my first (unplanned) and she was an amazing support through it all.  My second birth ended up being a unmedicated vaginal birth.  I don't think i could have done it without Mitzi's support!! I had a very very long pre-labour and very short active labour.  She was such a strong support through it all - for both myself and my wife.  She helped me feel empowered, supported my decisions and autonomy, was a calming presence.  She provided many hands on and practical supports like her tens machine, suggestions and coaching through contractions and pushing.  Mitzi is such a wonderful, lovely person and if i have another baby i will be hiring her again!!! I can't recommend Mitzi highly enough!

Ann Normand

4/28/2022

I had my son in February of this year. I wanted to have a different birth experience from my first one, which ended in an unplanned caesarean. For my first birth we did not hire a doula, but this time we decided to heed the advice of so many and find a birth support person. Mitzi was recommended by my midwife. My husband and I both liked her as soon as we met her. Throughout my pregnancy, when I mentioned Mitzi’s name to others in the birth world (a pelvic physio and another doula), they said things like, “Mitzi’s the best in the city,” and “I have always looked up to Mitzi.” Her reputation reaffirmed that we had made the right choice.

Throughout pregnancy, Mitzi was available to answer any questions I had in between my midwife appointments. Before my due date, she came to our home to review comfort measures and our birth wishes. When I went into labour, she came over as soon as we told her we needed her, tracking my contractions, helping with pain management, and answering questions like, “When should we head to the hospital?” Her calm confidence helped us to have a serene labour experience at home and to get us to the hospital at the right time. And then, through an incredibly painful and time-pressured pushing phase, her unwaivering encouragement helped me achieve the VBAC I wished for (with an almost 10-pound baby!). After birth she came to our house to talk about and help me process the birth and to review breastfeeding tips, and she continues to be available to answer any questions that come up.

Mitzi was an integral part of my achieving the birth I desired. When I look back at my first birth, I am filled with “what-if?” thoughts, wondering if it could have gone differently, but with this birth I am left feeling content and satisfied. I don’t expect to have any more children, but if I were to, I would want Mitzi to be a part of the experience again.

Sandra

4/10/2022

I first met Mitzi about 3 years ago while I was pregnant with my first child. I was talking about doula care with a friend and they highly recommended Mitzi. Hiring her was the best decision I could possibly make and she has been an incredible asset in our lives ever since.

Mitzi did not only support me during my two pregnancies and births, but also continues to be there for us whenever we have questions. I say we, because Mitzi was an absolute help and great support for my husband as well, especially during giving birth, gently guiding him on how to best support me. Mitzi also knew exactly when to use the right comfort measures at the perfect time.

As a first time mom I didn’t really know what to expect and Mitzi’s knowledge and empathy was a great help during my births. Without her, my births would have been completely different experiences. I felt very calm, loved, and cared for. She was a safe haven during a storm. She made both my birth journeys trusted and manageable experiences.

One of the things I really value and I am most grateful for, is her lifelong support for our family. She became a very important and valued person in our lives and we thank her so much for that.

Hailey Thiessen

3/26/2022

Having Mitzi as a part of our birth was one of the best decisions we ever made! She was highly recommened by many of our friends who have been with Mitzi and she truly is such an amazing person. Immediatley upon meeting her I knew that she was such and open and caring person with a calm demenor. Mitzi was always very open to any questions I had and always found resources/information for me. She made me feel like family and her level of confidence really shone as she helped me through my labor. Mitzi came to my place and walked me through as my contractions really went into high gear, having my water break and my son born 13 mintues later. With my midwives missing the birth, I was so blessed to have Mitzi there to support me as I was definetley scared! Shes played an amazing role in my experience and I would recommend her to everyone and look forward to having her be apart of my future births!

Karla Rice

3/17/2022

Mitzi has been a doula for many of my friends and they highly recommended her to me. As soon as I knew I was pregnant I reached out to her to make sure I could get her help. She was pleasant since the begining and made me feel confident of her knowledge and skills. She was a life savour during our delivery and post partum. Always readily available and full of reasources to answer any questions I may have. We feel very lucky to have worked along side Mitzi!

Eleah Wolsey

1/16/2022

We loved our experience with Mitzi. She was so attentive and supportive before, during and after the pregnancy. Having her there was the best decision we ever made. She has so many essential tools and tricks. She is willing to do whatever it takes to make your experience as comfortable as possible. I called her at 12 am with early labour. She talked Me through everything and prepared me for what to expect. She came at 4 am when I called again and asked if she could come (even though now having experience it was still so early in labour ) but she came without hesitation. We will be using her for every birth we have. I would recommend her to everyone and anyone ! She is truly a blessing. 

Hala Newstead

5/14/2019

When I had heard the word doula, I thought it was someone that was only into natural labour and home births. Being someone who wanted to deliver in a hospital, and probably get an epidural I assumed it wasn’t for me. I can’t tell you how many times i went back and forth on whether the cost would be worth it. Let me say now, I don’t think she was paid enough. She was the reason I didn’t have a c-section.I hired Mitzi for the delivery of my second daughter. She came with glowing references and a ton of experience with all kinds of births. Mitzi acted as someone on my team explaining to me what the hospital staff was telling me, and what I could actually say no to! She helped me through each contraction, without her, I would have had no idea the techniques available to focus and minimize the pain. I got an epidural when I was fully dilated (I didn’t realize at the time), something that I was open to doing when the pain got to be bad, and I assumed at that point she wouldn’t have much to help me with anymore. It turns out, she somehow become even more useful. I learned that the baby was in the wrong position. The doctor decided to move me into the operating room to try forceps (though the team was pretty sure I would end up with a c-section, hence the move). He was able to rotate the baby but it was my job to push. I was exhausted and numb from the epidural so when the nurse was having me push traditionally it didn’t work. Mitzi was able to step in at this stage and used a tug of war technique where I could focus on my arms and this would also trigger the correct muscles to push out the baby. It worked, I was able to push the baby out! Without her, I am POSITIVE I was headed for a c-section. I ended up delivering a beautiful baby girl vaginally, and without tearing. Recovery was a breeze, and Mitzi checked on my after giving me advise on things to do at home, with baby, and for my next potential delivery. She was a dream.

Leah

4/17/2019

I was so privileged to have Mitzi along side of me for my second pregnancy. I enlisted her support early on in my pregnancy. She was an invaluable resource for me as I navigated my way through caring for a toddler and working full time while pregnant. I often called if I felt overwhelmed or concerned about something and Mitzi would spend a lot of time with me talking through things. As the due date approached, Mitzi encouraged me to explore and research options. She made sure that I was informed. Mitzi was at my home at a moments notice when we thought early labour had started before my due date and when I actually went in to labour, I called Mitzi and she coached me through some suggestions to support my labour. The minute I asked her to come, she packed her bags and headed over. She provided calm when I felt panic and offered suggestions when I felt overwhelmed. She set up the pool that I birthed our son into and she stayed right beside me during the final stages. She was there after the birth and made sure I was okay before she left. I also appreciated her coming over days later and going through her birthing notes with me so that I could have a keepsake. One service that I’ve seen as immensely valuable is their ‘doula for life’ philosophy. I have called upon Mitzi quite a few times since our son was born to ask questions. Mitzi has also made the effort to stop by to chat in person and alleviate some of my concerns with our son. She always included my two year old daughter as well which is a huge bonus. Thank you for all of your support Mitzi, I am so lucky to have you along for this journey!

Elena

3/29/2019

I have had the huge pleasure of having Mitzi Gerber as my doula for both my pregnancies - a decision I would make again in a heartbeat! She is an amazing calming presence in labour, who is also so well educated and experienced. With her by my side, I felt safe, supported and at ease. I credit Mitzi and her techniques to be the reason why I did not need any medical intervention or pain relief in my first (hospital) labour, and my second labour - a home water birth!

Mitzi's thorough and knowledgeable support begins during her clients' pregnancies. If I had concerns and I needed an unbiased and clear-headed opinion, I was always able to confide in Mitzi to gain some grounding perspective. Having her support eased my stress and helped me feel empowered. Mitzi also provides great educational tools during pregnancy, that helped both my husband and I feel more prepared for handling a baby once he arrived!

When it came time for the big event (or even false alarms!), Mitzi was very responsive, clear with what could be expected, and calming. She was always our primary support, regardless if we were attended by doctors, nurses, or midwives. Whether my first experience in the hospital, or my second at home, her support always felt seamless and exactly what I needed at any given time. Her cues, reminders and techniques provided great relief and allowed me to labour in the way my body needed.

Finally, the post-labour support Mitzi provides is priceless. I love that she comes back for a visit after the baby arrives to recap on how everything went and answer any questions that pop up. She helps provide emotional closure on the labour that was experienced - and that is what I find so therapeutic.

I am beyond grateful to have had Mitzi as my doula for both my pregnancies and births. I strongly believe that she is the reason I had such amazing experiences. My husband and I cannot thank her enough!

Heather

2/27/2019

Mitzi was my doula at the birth of all three of my children. She is a wonderful, calming presence with lots of helpful suggestions and tools to help get through the prenatal, labour, delivery, and postpartum periods. All three of my children were born in the hospital after an induction and epidural, but they were all very different experiences. Among many other things, Mitzi has helped me through having a baby that had to be unexpectedly rushed to the NICU, having a breech baby that would not flip around despite all the spinning baby exercises, and having epidural complications that landed me in the emergency room the day after being discharged from the postpartum unit. She has always been quick to respond to texts and phone calls and happy to meet me at home or the hospital or wherever I need help. I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting a doula.

Ria

2/20/2019

Mitzi was recommended to me by a good friend and I am so pleased with my experience!  As a first time mother navigating pregnancy and birth independently, I am ever grateful for Mitzi’s experienced, kind and gentle care. From the first information session to the prenatal classes, to our one-on-one meetings and conversations, Mitzi created a calm, sanctuary-like environment which set the tone for the beautiful birth of my sweet daughter! She listened to my questions and concerns as I prepared for birth and offered very useful advice, resources and questions for my medical team. The day I went into labour, Mitzi was there right away and guided me through labour helping me to focus through the intense contractions, providing alternative pain relief for my back (which I had broken just over a year prior) and ensured my preferences were known and adhered to by the medical team. She navigated supporting me, while tactfully coordinating with my family and seamlessly integrating with the medical team. Mitzi did all of this with the grace and wisdom of decades of doula experience!  When my daughter was born, Mitzi kindly gave us space to bond and gently helped us find that first latch for breastfeeding. Her humble, experienced and serene manner is exceptional - I would definitely have her for any future births and very gladly recommend her Doula services to any expectant mothers! Thank you Mitzi!

Allana

6/25/2018

As a first timer, I didn't know what to expect leading up to, going through, and the aftermath of labour.  Mitzi was there every step of the way to answer my questions, no matter the time day or night.  I had a stubborn baby that wasn't interested in coming out and meeting the world, so Mitzi really helped calm any worries and give me questions I should be asking during my long induction process.  When things took a turn and I ended up needing a emergency c-section, she was my rock.  With her there I was freaking out a little less, and she really helped calm my husbands frayed nerves as well.  I think if she wasn't there with us, it really would have been a scary time.  After my little man arrived, she stayed with us to make sure we were settling in, and again was just a phone call or text away if I needed anything.  She was so knowledgeable about all the ins and outs of pregnacy, getting ready for labout, labour itself and then what to expect after birth - I can't imagine going through all of that without her.  I couldn't sing any higher praises of Mitzi herself and the classes she and her counterparts offer - it really made me much more comfortable with the whole process!